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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Aurora Arts Society hosts its first social event of the year Friday, April 3.

The society is teaming up with hot new band Giant Con and the cool art featured in the third annual Iceolation Mixed Media Art Show ongoing at Down To Earth Gallery.

Steve Whittaker and his band Giant Con play at Down To Earth Gallery this Friday. - photo courtesy of Sari Wouters

Society members, artists and musicians will mingle in the cozy studio space from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

The evening showcases an exhibit of 45 ice-themed artworks, including glass sculpture, photography, basketry, painting, textiles and more. Work by artists from around the NWT and other Northern regions are also on display.

"This is the most pieces we've had yet," said gallery owner and Iceolation organizer Rosalind Mercredi. "Some artists are showing for the first time and some are established."

Eight-year-old Emma Taylor contributed a blue-hued collage titled Ice. It is her first time participating in a public art show. Professional artists such as Cathie Harper and Fran Hurcomb also have prominent pieces in the gallery.

"We're looking forward to having Giant Con play," Mercredi said. "Those guys are getting pretty popular.

It's a good thing we got them before they were all booked."

The band members said they are also hyped to play alongside the visual art community.

"Many of the people in our group and our friends are visual artists and collaborating with visual artists is something we've always talked about doing," said Giant Con keyboardist Brendan Callas. "This will be a great opportunity to meet with local visual artists and make new connections."

The band mates said they are also thankful for the efforts Mercredi makes to open her visual art space as a live music venue throughout the year. The musicians said they want to give back as much as they can to the community by collaborating with Mercredi and groups like the Aurora Arts Society.

"After playing only a few shows we've had a lot of great opportunities and people have been really supportive to us," said guitarist Bryce Styan. "We're really looking forward to this show."

Giant Con is planning a gig at After 8 Billiards later this month with singer/songwriter Mary Caroline. Copies of their debut self-titled CD will be available for sale at the social.