Just in case your true love has somehow let you forget…next week is Valentine's Day. So, there are several special events this week for lovers and art lovers. Most feature art or jewelry purposefully selected as possible Valentine gifts. Nude Nite, our biggest annual art happening, also begins (as always) during Valentine's week. Attend at least one art event this week; you'll be glad you did.
Even Comma gallery (813 Virginia Drive) has gone gushy with its selection this month, Everlasting Landscapes and Other Gems. "Perfect for Valentine's Day and forever. Berto Ortega's Romantic Italian scenes and Barabara Perrotti's love of wild Florida are timeless treasures." There will also be art-jewelry by Mary McBride, Martha Ford, Evie Parks and Francine. Comma has a reception on the second Tuesday of each month, and this one is just in time for Valentine's (6:30-9 p.m.). Then, next door, at Claybodies, view the clay creations of several artists and potters. This month they're highlighting the work of Vadim Malkin, who studied with masters in China, exhibited there, and now teaches at Crealde School of Art in Winter Park.
Gem dandy
Arts on Douglas (123 Douglas Street, New Smyrna, 386-428-1133) represents about 60 award-winning Florida artists, and this month they are featuring the art jewelry of the nationally recognized Mary Schimpff Webb. Her pieces are truly wearable art! Meet some of the artists at their monthly first Saturday (4-7 p.m.) opening.
New in town
Also Saturday (6-9 p.m.), visit the newest gallery at CityArts Factory (corner of Orange and Pine in downtown Orlando), New America Art. Their event is titled "Love of Art" and you'll LOVE their great collection of contemporary original art.
Art with heart
Just a block or two south from CityArts, is the bijou Grand Bohemian Gallery. Their event, "Heart & Soul", is Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This popular annual event features the works of Donna Dowless, Audrey Phillips and some other great artists.
Gallery of gold
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Melbourne (1470 Highland Avenue, 321-259-8261) will present its "6th Biennial Jewelry Show" hosting the Florida Society of Goldsmiths. The works are on exhibit until the end of the month, but the opening reception is tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The gallery is located in a historic area with other shops and restaurants, and the Brevard Art Museum is across the street from the gallery (where there will be live jazz tonight).
Totally 'Nude'
Enjoy an art "two-fer" this Thursday with the opening of the annual Nude Nite (503 Brookhaven Drive) and DRIP's "Fresh" presentation at the Cameo Theatre (Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive). DRIP blends visual arts, dance and performance art with a four-course, hands-on dinner. Call 407-310-4694 for details.
Nude Nite is a must see! There are different multi-media "happenings" each night (Feb. 11-13, 6 p.m.-midnight). There's something for almost everyone at this very successful event. Get a preview online at NudeNiteOrlando.com.
