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We've gone two months without an in-person First Friday Art Trail, and will likely go another. I miss it terribly, as I always ran into friends and loved ones unexpectedly. The excitement and energy around the trail always reminded me of how special Lubbock can be.

First Friday Art Trail will come back, I think. I hope. But who knows when? In the meantime, gallery owners have to make tough decisions.

Tornado Gallery, an iconic, independent gallery spearheaded by the legendary Larry Simmons, has decided not to return. The COVID-19 pandemic played its part, but the major reasoning behind the move seems to be a metamorphosis, not a "death" of the space.

Excerpt from their Facebook page:

The evolution of the gallery will become Tornado Industrial/Arts. Which will operate next door in the shop, where Larry and his team will continue to make quality, custom metalwork as they have for many years. Tornado Industrial /Arts creates custom fabrication of interior/ exterior metalwork, furniture, railings, architectural features and visual identity. Tornado Industrial /Arts’ work can be seen at Flippers Tavern, Ag Texas, Exit Reality, First United Bank, Alliance Credit Union and elsewhere. Tornado Industrial/Arts’ strengths include working directly with artists and designers, and help their imagination come to life. The team is extremely knowledgable in materials and fabrication techniques[...].

We will continue to support our neighborhood and community events. The Downtown Farmers Market will begin it’s 11th season on May 30th of 2020. Downtown Lubbock should reflect the vibrant creative soul of the city.

Art Leads the Way


Metal Art by Tornado Industrial Arts

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