Join us for the first Friday of August at the RiffRaff Art Boutique for an evening featuring visual artist, painter, and muralist Ian Bode! Ian Bode was born and raised in Charleston, WV. His work is displayed in galleries, public buildings, and private collections across the country. He collaborates with other visual artists and graphic designers on commercial projects. His most recognizable style is graphically narrative, cartoon-oriented world filled with his black and white faceless characters collectively called “ The Passenger.” This faceless cartoon is a vacuum into which the viewers identify and awareness can be filled in. The viewer is in the emotive driver’s seat, much like The Passengers. Using repeat themes,c looks, and icons, he aims to establish a visual language that makes each piece relatable to the other creating a universe with loose laws and a sequential narrative that does not intrude or contradict itself. He was recently named WV Artist of the year 2018 by West Virginia Living Magazine. Come learn about it and ask questions of the artist's magic and admire or even purchase some very unique and colorful pieces. The event will take place from 5-8pm during Mercer Street's First Friday Celebrations, and the Kickoff of Peak of the Bloom! Find a full schedule of activities at peakofthebloom.com. Check out the concert across the street in the Town Square, and shop, dine, explore & create in our blossoming neighborhood!