RIGHT: This work was created by artist Bill Harris, who will present a lecture on Feb. 28 and a master class next month. View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

>> FEBRUARY MIGHT BE DREARY, BUT THE FREDERICKSBURG ART COMMUNITY IS BUSTLING COLLAGE OF ART EVENTS ADDS COLOR TO FEBRUARY

Some art-related events coming up locally

Date published: 2/22/2007

By Emily Gilmore

February is a busy time for the Fredericksburg art community. Check out these special events:

Spotlight Exhibition at Gari Melchers Home and Studio--The first in a series of Spotlight Exhibitions, meant to highlight individual or small groups of works, has debuted at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont in Stafford.

The exhibit, which runs through July 8, features works on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as well as several recently conserved works by Melchers.

The Spotlight Exhibition series is on display in the Pavilion Gallery, and it is included in regular museum admission.

Call 540/654-1015 or visit garimelchers.com for more information.

"Watching Paint Dry," exhibit closing and silent auction--In honor of Art First's 15th anniversary, the members of the artist group have participated in a monthlong collaborative project, putting their personal stamps on 13 canvases.

The closing reception for "Watching Paint Dry" will take place Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. A silent auction of the pieces will take place during that time, with 25 percent of the proceeds going to Hope House.

Art First is located at 824 Caroline St. in Fredericksburg. Call 540/371-7107 for more information.

FCCA Master Class: Bill Harris, "An Easier Way to Paint"--The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts will host a lecture and a series of classes by local artist Bill Harris.

The free lecture, which takes place Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m., will cover Harris' techniques and ideas, and Harris will answer audience questions. Those taking the class will be given reserved seating and guaranteed admission.

The class will take place Wednesday nights from March 7 through 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Students will complete a painting, using Harris' methods, over the course of the four weeks. The class costs $125, and students will need oil paints and brushes.

Contact Harris at 540/424-8157 or by e-mail at
Email: bill@wcharris.com. Visit wcharris .com to learn more about Harris and to see examples of his work.

--Emily Gilmore

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Date published: 2/22/2007