Downtown Raleigh's First Friday will bring big crowds into the city to enjoy good food, art, music and deals.

This month's best bet is an art exhibit at Nicole's Studio and Art Gallery on Person Street. Nationally awarded Raleigh artist Nicole White Kennedy will display 20 oil paintings in The Carolina Ballet on Canvas exhibition.

The paintings depict the dancers both on stage and off, in motion and at rest. Kennedy creates drama by using light and shadow, which makes the dancers in the paintings come to life.

First Friday's opening encore reception starts at 6:00 p.m. and is free. The exhibition will continue through Dec. 29. If you see anything you like, the paintings are for sale, and 7 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Carolina Ballet.

Check out our complete guide to Downtown Raleigh's First Friday for more events!