First Fridays at Blo Back Gallery: A Celebration of Diversity and Individuality
By Amanda Armstrong
With additions from the artist Bios/Statements
First Fridays at Blo Back Gallery are unlike anything else, and that’s exactly how we like it. They’re as diverse and dynamic as the artists who grace our walls. These events are not just about showcasing art—they’re about bringing people together in a shared celebration of creativity, individuality, and the power of artistic expression.
One of the unique aspects of our First Fridays is the multitude of show openings we host. It’s not unusual for multiple groups or organizations to exhibit their work simultaneously, creating a rich tapestry of art and culture in one space. But what truly makes these evenings special is that even within these group shows, the individuality of each artist shines through.
Take, for example, a group photography exhibit. Each photographer might share a space, but their work tells a completely unique story. One might focus on urban landscapes, capturing the grit and beauty of city life, while another might delve into the serenity of nature. Their connection to the group might be as simple as their shared medium, but their artistic vision is wholly their own.
In other cases, the only unifying thread might be the cause they’re supporting. We’ve hosted group shows where artists come together to raise awareness or funds for a common goal—a nonprofit, a community initiative, or a social cause. Yet, even here, the individuality of their work remains intact. Each piece reflects the artist’s personal interpretation, creating a mosaic of voices unified by purpose.
At the heart of it all is the spirit of coming together. First Fridays are about more than just the art on the walls; they’re about the people who gather to appreciate it. They’re about the conversations sparked between strangers who discover a shared love for a particular piece. They’re about the artists who find inspiration in each other’s work, and the community that grows stronger through this shared experience.
Blo Back Gallery thrives on this intersection of individuality and togetherness. Every First Friday is a reminder that art is as diverse as the people who create it, and that diversity is what makes it so powerful. Whether you’re an artist, an art enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a meaningful way to spend a Friday night, you’ll find something to connect with here.
So, if you haven’t experienced a First Friday at Blo Back Gallery yet, we invite you to join us. Come for the art, stay for the community, and leave inspired.
Get a Glimpse Into the Minds of Two of Many Artists
Inaiah Luján | Windows
Bloback Gallery, Pueblo, Colorado | February 2025
Windows is a collection of portraits captured in 2024, marking my first year dedicated entirely to 35mm and 120 medium format film. Every image was shot, developed, and processed by hand—an experiment in patience, imperfection, and the alchemy of light. Film invites slowness; it carries light leaks, grain, dust, and scratches, mirroring the fleeting nature of memory and the beauty in what is flawed. As a perfectionist, I find both joy and unease in its unpredictability.
This work would not exist without the support of my partner, Jenny, who assisted on shoots, helped with development, and shared in this journey, even lending me their Pentax 6x7. To Chachi Justin Soto for countless film adventures, and to Lauren Winges for guiding my first steps in development—thank you. To every friend who stepped in front of my lens and every photographer who kept me inspired, I am endlessly grateful. And to my hometown of Pueblo, my greatest muse, thank you for always showing me the light.
Next a few words from Ted Schafer about his collection:
This collection of photos represents my journey through 2024 as I dedicated my practice to shooting exclusively on 35mm and 120 medium format film. Every photograph in this series was captured, developed, and processed by my own hands, shaped through an immense amount of trial and error.
These images are far from perfect—and that is their essence. Light leaks, grain, dust, scratches—these imperfections are inherent to the medium of film. They mirror the slowness of the process and evoke the ephemeral nature of memories and dreams, moments we can never fully grasp or render with perfect clarity. Film is beautifully flawed, a medium that requires patience, vulnerability, and acceptance. It reminds us that imperfection is not a failure but a reflection of our humanity. As a perfectionist, I find both great joy and dread in this truth. Film photography, at its core, is a chemical miracle—an alchemy of light and time.
Comments