This week sees the return of First Friday Denton, an event held on the first Friday of every month by local downtown businesses with a common interest in art. Visitors can peruse participating stores in and around the Square and see artists’ works until 9 p.m.

A Creative Art Studio is presenting two new artists, Mariko Frost and Jennifer Jones, who both teach at the University of North Texas.

Frost, who is interested in exploring relationships, science fiction and travel through her art, has been featured in the Texas National 2009 exhibition and was a finalist for the 2008 Hunting Art Prize. Her work is on permanent display as part of UNT’s public art collection.

D Magazine dubbed Jones one of its New Dallas Nine, a group of local artists whose work speaks universally. She is a graduate of UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design, and also studied at Baylor University and in Florence, Italy.

North Texas singer-songwriter Simone Nicole will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Her music can be categorized as a combination of pop, blues and alternative styles. She is a self-taught musician who plays guitar.

Gregory Conlin, a courtroom sketch artist, will draw 16-by-20-inch portrait sketches from 5 to 9 p.m. A 30-minute sitting is $30. To schedule a portrait sitting prior to the start of the music, call 940-442-1251.

—Ellen Ritscher Sackett