The local arts community is busy preparing for the 2015 Whitefish Gallery Nights season, which kicks off on Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Gallery Nights events take place on the first Thursday of every month from May through October. The evenings include featured artist exhibitions at participating galleries and venues, entertainment, and specialty food and drinks.

This will be the 11th season of Gallery Nights events for the community of Whitefish artists. Twelve galleries and shops will participate in this season’s events, beginning May 7, and continuing June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1.

As the galleries start cleaning up and setting up displays to prepare for the Gallery Nights season, workers and artists are getting excited about the opening night.

“It’s all about getting out and having fun on the town,” said Melanie Drown, art instructor and executive director at Stumptown Art Studio.

Rochelle Lombardi, artist and owner of Going to the Sun Gallery, agreed.

“It’s just nice to have so many people here,” Lombardi said. “It’s a busy, fun event.”

According to several gallery owners, the Gallery Nights are not primarily about boosting business, but rather just getting people through the door, exposing them to local art and above all, having a good time.

“We like to create a really festive atmosphere,” said Toni Rae Idol, co-owner of the Dick Idol Signature Gallery.

Many galleries will be providing food and drinks, as well as live entertainment and artist demonstrations. Art is available for purchase during the events, but people of all ages can enjoy the festivities for free.

Maps and gallery guides are available at participating galleries.

For more information, visit www.whitefishgallerynights.org.

Whitefish Gallery Nights Participating Galleries:

Dick Idol Signature Gallery

238 Central Ave. | 406-862-5070 | www.dickidolgallery.com

Going To The Sun Gallery

137 Central Ave. | 406-862-2751 | www.goingtothesungallery.com

Local Color Studio

334 Central Ave. | 406-314-3049 | www.danielletaylorart.com

McGough and Company

131 Central Ave. | 406-862-9199 | www.mcgoughandco.com

Mi Casa Pottery

550 E. First St. | 406-862-4577 | www.micasapottery.com

Samarah Fine Art

100 Central Ave. | 406-862-3339 | www.samarahfineart.com

Stephen Isley Jewelry

241 Central Ave. | 406-862-2010 | www.isleyjewelry.com

Stumptown Art Studio

145 Central Ave. | 406-862-5929 | www.stumptownartstudio.org

Sunti World Art Gallery

345 Spokane Ave. | 406-260-3428 | www.suntiworldart.com

The Purple Pomegranate

222 Central Ave. | 406-862-7227 | www.purplepomegranate.com

The Walking Man Frame Shop and Gallery

305 Baker Ave. | 406-863-2787 | www.thewalkingmanframeshop.com

Whitefish Pottery and Stillwater Gallery

240 Central Ave. | 406-862-1417 | www.whitefishpottery.com