Art featured at July’s First Friday celebration makes a political statement.

The Alaska Arts Confluence will display the work of local artist Debi Knight Kennedy, looking to stand up against “appalling” national politics with a hint of humor.

“I wanted to make a statement, but do it with a kind edge,” she said.

The show will include sculpture, fabric, writing, silver and carved ivory with figures of “marching grannies and superhero goddesses.”

Knight Kennedy described the show – with a “What Can We Do?” theme – as feminist.

“I, like a lot of people, felt really paralyzed. This show is helping me deal with national news,” Knight Kennedy said. “It poses the question, ‘What do we do when our governments fail us?’”

She said she has been working on the art since February, including two new pieces of silver, knitted pink kitty hats for sale – with proceeds going to Becky’s Place Haven of Hope – and a self-published book of writing that includes a drawing from her 10-year-old granddaughter, Willow Bryant. The original will be on sale.

“I’m going to put myself out there even though it’s a small town,” Knight Kennedy said.

Haines Brewing Co. will display the work of Walter Streit, a photographer who moved to Haines from Germany last year. He also runs the Alpine Bakery in Whitehorse, Y.T.

His detailed and close-up photos are meant to make the viewer stop and think about the beauty around them.

“If you take your time, you realize the small things, therefore you have to reduce the speed at which you’re living,” Streit said. “There are so many miracles all around, but we oftentimes don’t respect this beauty.”

Streit will display about two dozen photos and a photo book at the brewery.

Skipping Stone Studios will show Judy Rice’s photography. Rice’s photos are currently showing at the bank. Store owner Joanie Wagner said Rice also has been selling her jewelry there.

Port Chilkoot Distillery will feature Cassie Miller’s hand-woven jewelry in a show entitled “This is Knot Art.”

Haines School student Jacob Weerasinghe will make his First Friday debut at Alaska Rod’s showing off his soy candles and jewelry.

Haines Sheldon Museum, Hammer Museum, Alaska Fjordlines Gift Shop and Caroline’s Closet will also be open. First Friday begins at 5 p.m. Friday, July 7.