Ernest Espinoza uses traditional blacksmithing techniques to build parts of a grandfather clock at the First Thursday event that was held in June.

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n the first Thursday of June, about 100 artists and fans of artists gathered in a funky, multilevel space near Downtown that is home to the Sculpture Resource Center.

Some of the women donned casual summer dresses and sipped wine. A few men in bathing suits nursed beers and made small talk about big ideas.

And all around were kiddie pools — the blow-up variety and a few made of hard plastic. When the mood struck, a few people took a dip; a couple of those beer-nursing guys jumped in with a splash.

Welcome to First Thursdays, a monthly gathering of artists and arts fans celebrating their talents and helping to pay the rent for the fledgling Sculpture Resource Center.

That was the idea behind the themed monthly celebrations — the next one is Thursday — said event organizer and sculptor David Campbell.

Campbell is one of about a dozen members of the center, founded and run by Randy Young. It's a 5,000-square-foot multimedia public art studio that's open to artists of all experiences and several mediums. It offers various workshops and classes at fees that start at $50. Members ($100 a month) get added perks like the use of studio space and equipment.

Campbell decided to organize the monthly First Thursday celebration to help Young pay rent on the building, at 640 N. Stone Ave. The center, which is privately owned and operated without government subsidies, pays its bills through members' dues.

Campbell said the events, started in February, attract 100 to 150 people, each paying $5 to get in. It's family-friendly with art tables and interactive activities for kids, puppet shows, live music and other events. Artists also display their works and demonstrate their crafts; at the June event, a blacksmith spent the evening pounding away at an anvil.

Each month is loosely themed. Next month's theme is "One Love Ho' Down." Its meaning is open to interpretation, Campbell said, and seeing how people will interpret it inevitably becomes part of the fun.

The July First Thursday begins at 6:30 p.m. at the center. Details: 403-9131.