WSU museum brings art, music and local cuisine together for free after-hours series

By Debby Stinson, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU
People stand in a hallway looking at art.
WSU students and community members gather to enjoy the inaugural Arts First Thursdays, held in the museum galleries on September 3, 2026 (photo courtesy of Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art).

PULLMAN, Wash. — Looking for a new way to spend a Thursday evening? The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU is inviting the Pullman–Moscow community to make an evening of art, music and local flavor through Arts First Thursdays, a free after-hours series returning Nov. 5 and continuing monthly in February, March and April.

Designed to bring people together through the arts, the series features an opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibitions after work or classes. Enjoy live performances by regional musicians and sample small bites from area restaurants — all in one welcoming setting. With no admission fee and activities suited to a range of ages and interests, the program offers families, couples, students and friends a fresh way to experience the arts and connect with their community.

“Art has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and we want the museum to be a place where those connections happen naturally,” said Ryan Hardesty, executive director and curator of exhibitions at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU. “Arts First Thursdays invites people to discover something unexpected in the galleries, enjoy the remarkable musical talent we have here on the Palouse, and experience the creativity of our local food community. You don’t need to be an art expert to take part — just come curious and enjoy the evening.”

The series brings together three creative experiences that reflect the cultural life of the Inland Northwest. Each month showcases a different musical performer and restaurant partner, giving returning visitors a reason to discover something new with every visit. Upcoming performances include Christiano Rodrigues on Nov. 5, Confluence Jazz on Feb. 4, Citrine Quartet on March 4 and The Chelseas on April 1. South Fork will provide the November small bites, followed by Birch & Barley in February, South Fork in March and Gabagool in April. Music and culinary fare begin at 5:30 p.m.

Located in the Crimson Cube at 1535 NE Wilson Road on the WSU Pullman campus, across from Martin Stadium and the Compton Union Building, the museum offers free parking in designated WSU green permit lots after 5 p.m. Visit the museum’s website for event and parking details.

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