The colorful, abstract mural in the tunnel under Columbia Street. The Old Mill District will be holding its First Friday Art Walk this Friday.

The first week of October brings new art exhibits to local galleries and a variety of poetry workshops to Central Oregon.

Learn new writing techniques from Victorian poetry, take part in First Friday, join in on a monthly poetry gathering and explore motion design.

Embracing the Macabre — Victorian Poetry Workshop

This workshop will look into the world of Victorian poets, like Edgar Allen Poe and Emily Dickinson, to unite the modern-day writer with the macabre. Experienced and amateur poets will walk through multiple exercises using new writing techniques and the classic works of gothic poets to sharpen their craft.

Thursday 2-4 p.m.; free, registration required; Sisters Library, 110 N. Cedar St., Sisters; deschuteslibrary.org or 541-617-7050.

First Friday Art Walk

For Old Mill District’s First Friday Art Walk, each new month is celebrated through a vibrant exploration of local creativity.

Between 3 and 6 p.m., participants can enjoy art from around Central Oregon, while participating shops and studios also offer a variety of wine samples, courtesy of Va Piano Vineyards Wine and Champagne Bar. First Friday Art Walk in the Old Mill District is the perfect prelude before downtown Bend’s activities kick off later in the evening.

Friday 3 p.m.; Old Mill District, 450 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 422, Bend; oldmilldistrict.com or 541-312-0131.

The Pause Button — A Monthly Poetry Gathering

Poets and poetry enthusiasts will gather around to discuss their own poetry exploration. Attendees are encouraged to bring a poem or two — written by them or another poet — to share. The group will listen, discuss and do a little optional writing with a writing prompt.

Free and open to writers of all levels of experience. No need to sign up.

Monday 5:30-6:30 p.m.; free; Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., Sisters; paulinaspringsbooks.com or 541-549-0866.

Kinetic Communique

Motion design is a maturing art form that bridges design and animation in the service of communication. This exhibit explores the vast sub genres of motion design and the many applications of its form. As more content delivery methods are developed into the future, motion design is expected to become a much larger form of communication in our everyday lives.

Wednesday 1-6 p.m.; free; Scalehouse Gallery, 550 NW Franklin Ave., Suite 138, Bend; scalehouse.org or 541-640-2186.