Published March 9, 2006 in issue 0510 of the HooK.

By BILLY HUNT [email protected]

For many, First Fridays are an opportunity to drink free boxed wine and munch on fancy mixed nuts while standing in front of pretty paintings. But on Friday, March 3, some art actually changed hands.

It was the opening reception for local artist Aaron Eichorst, and art-buyers crowded into the Mudhouse Café to see and buy.

Eichorst showed colorful, labor-intensive works incorporating a variety of media, including wax, acrylics, and computer transfers, with an emphasis on layering.

"I love the way he builds texture," says "Monarch Figure" buyer Shawn Decker. "The use of colors is unusual, but aesthetically appealing."

Decker wasn't the only fan. Close to 100 people weaved in and out of the Mudhouse, buying nearly half of the images by the end of the event.

"I want [my artwork] to be out in the world, not just in my studio," Eichorst says.

Leslie Kesterson looks at "The Frog"

Artist Aaron Eichorst sells a piece to Shawn Decker

Aaron Eichorst

Ray Cairnes analyzes one of the paintings

"Monarch Figure," one of the images at the opening

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