By Arianna Mapplethorpe,

It’s raining. You’re going to get wet. Your hair is going to look different.

So what?

You can have a great time AND see all the best art Chester County has to offer during tonight’s Gallery Walk. Just stay positive and follow this step-by-step guide to surviving a potentially torrential evening of art and libation.

Park

Don’t live in West Chester and Uber isn’t your thing? Don’t worry. Parking in West Chester is free after 5pm. That’s right. One night only. Free.

Avoid Grabbing “Just one Drink” at a Restaurant or Bar

I cannot stress enough how important this is. It’s a classic mistake made by even the best gallery walkers: art lovers stop into a bar “for one drink” only to find themselves–hours later–signing a check and trying not to feel bad for missing a great evening. Don’t let the rain and a friendly bartender keep you from doing something fabulous. If you must, have a drink at home to freshen up for the evening.

Get to a Gallery

There are literally dozens of places hosting great artwork around the borough this evening. All of which, I am told, will be offering free umbrellas. I suggest the following as perfect bookends to your evening.

First Stop: Fenn’s Coffee on Church Street

Fenn’s is dispensing coldbrew coffee through a nitro tap all evening (read: delicious cold coffee, 2x the caffeine). It’s the perfect accompaniment to the brainy artwork they’re showing in their redesigned upstairs gallery and performance space. You’ll feel jazzed up and ready to take on the night.

Paintings by James Lee Burke, Nathan Laing, and Jimmer Breen from 5-9pm

Last Stop: The Armory Building on High Street

The exhibition people can’t stop talking about. The Armory Building will play host to a curious hip-hop experiment from local favorite John Hannafin, as well as a series of paintings from enfant terrible Bam Margera. Don’t miss it.

Paintings by Various Artists, Bam Margera, John Hannafin from 5-9m

Drink Wine

A famous painter once said wine is key to the enjoyment of all art; especially bad art. Drink up but do try not to turn the gallery’s floor into a Jackson Pollock painting. Not without approval from the owners.

Drink Enough Wine to Buy Something

The Gallery Walk is about supporting artists living and working in our community. We all know Chester County isn’t the cheapest place to live or rent studio space. Buy something that excites you. You’ll feel great about it in the morning.

Eat Food

Everything in moderation! And nothing helps moderate five glasses of cabernet sauvignon like a hearty meal. Depending on how you’re dressed I recommend either Pietro’s Prime or Social Lounge. The blackened chicken sandwich at Social is not to be overlooked.

Jitters

Puddlejump your way down Gay Street to the borough’s little bohemian shop of spirits. It’s the only spot artists are likely to inhabit after the galleries close. Credential yourself with the regulars by offering drinks (read: shots). And although it may be offered, I recommend never trying an e-cigarette. They are ghastly. Close out the evening with a shot of Malort for yourself and the bartender.

Remember: It’s never safe or smart to drive impaired. You can leave your car where it is, but meters are only free until midnight.

Have fun and stay dry!

For a full list of galleries and businesses participating this evening click here.