Some may consider Moscow just a college town, but it’s a lot more than that. It’s the home to myriad local businesses and local artists.

This Thursday, the city will celebrate its own culture and community with another installment of Moscow First Thursday.

Moscow First Thursday is an event where businesses and artists team up to present their work and art during receptions held at various venues around town. The event allows for both local businesses and artists to engage with the community and showcase their arts and crafts.

Supported by the Moscow Arts Commission, Buy Local Moscow and the Moscow Chamber of Commerce, Moscow First Thursday gives the community an opportunity to celebrate local art, business and life.

Ampersand Oil & Vinegar Tap House will host this month’s event along with several other local businesses including The Pritchard Art Gallery; Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse; Nourish Yoga; Palouse Books; BookPeople; Wild at Art; Moscow Food Co-op; Mikey’s Gyros; City of Moscow Third Street Gallery; Humble Burger; and Essential Art Gallery & Fine Gifts.

Ampersand owner Keely Garrity, along with other small business owners, is excited for the opportunities Moscow First Thursday brings not only to businesses but also to artists and the community at large.

“I love art, supporting art and promoting it, so First Thursday has allowed me to do just that. From a business stand point it has allowed me to introduce Ampersand to consumers who may have not heard of Ampersand before,” Garrity said.

Jesica DeHart of BookPeople of Moscow also expressed her excitement for the connections the event creates.

“First Thursday is great for the community because it connects a creative event or person to a location to host an event together, and brings a surge of attendance to various locations on a single night. It is a great way to get new customers through your door and for students to explore,” DeHart said.

Moscow First Thursday gives local artists the opportunity to display their work and team up with businesses acting as venues so that all parties involved benefit. The Third Street Gallery will be displaying its newest exhibit 30•30•30, where 30 different artists will have 30 pieces of their original art displayed that they created in a 30-day time frame.

“When we partner with local artists, business and the community, it is a win, win, win for everyone,” Garrity said. “When we all support each other, we support our community and make the Palouse a better place to live.”

Additional information about December’s Moscow First Thursday can be found online under the events tab of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Reporting by Chris Ryder