Hot rods, Harleys and two new galleries this week at Art Walk

News

Staff Writer

Each month, First Wednesday Art Walk has a different theme. This week’s edition, “Art on Wheels,” is a celebration of the internal combustion engine and wheels. There’s also some Cinco de Mayo influence, and Wednesday evening will mark the official debut of two “Off the Grid” galleries at the Landing and the grand opening of Downtown’s newest artisan manufacturer, Burro Bags.

Bee Gallery at the Landing is run by Melissa Finelli and her friends and artists, including Dee Roberts, Brenda Kato and Helen Cowart. Painting, sculpture, glass and photography will be represented at the gallery.

Finelli expects what she calls “pretty art” to be on the walls, with little political or social statement as subject matter.

“We wanted to be part of Downtown’s energy and its renewal,” she said. “We’ve barely started, but we already feel we’re a part of the Downtown art scene.”

Just down the hall, Lamar Smart has opened his gallery and studio near the Charles F. Adams Class Museum.

Smart is a JU grad and a multidisciplinarian when it comes to art. The gallery will exhibit his work ranging from photography to oils.

“I feel blessed to be part of Off the Grid. I know as an artist, you have to work at least 40 hours a week to be successful and you have to have a commercial side. If I’m awake, I’m on the clock,” said Smart.

As for the “wheels” part, the Landing, in partnership with Koja Sushi, is presenting Adamec Bike Night. More than a dozen Harleys will be on display.

More wheels: at the Florida Theatre the Second Annual Big George Tribute is taking over the block of Forsyth Street between Main and Newnan streets Wednesday evening. It’s a remembrance of the late George Wolfe, who at one time operated the barber shop at The Carling and helped make that block of West Adams Street an Art Walk destination. Expect a classic hot rod show with pinup models, live music and drink specials at Dos Gatos.

About a block east of the car show, Burro Bags is having its grand opening with a DJ and a celebration of Zombie Bikes’ second anniversary.

At The Library at 122 Ocean, regional artist Heather Blanton is having a one-night, one-woman show and seniors from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts will present a showcase.

If you’d like to test drive Downtown’s classical music experience, be at the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Kayo Ishimaru from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will present a preview of Ginastera’s “Harp Concerto,” which is on orchestra’s schedule May 13-15.

One of Downtown’s newest businesses, Perdue Office Interiors at Main and Forsyth streets, is opening its doors for Art Walk with an exhibit featuring selected artists from Avondale Artworks.

Also, since it’s Cinco de Mayo, appropriately themed parties will be found at Cafe 331, Mark’s on East Bay Street and The Twisted Martini at the Landing.

Art Walk is the first Wednesday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free and more venues are added every month.

When you arrive Downtown, ask an Ambassador for this month’s map or just start the self-guided tour at Hemming Plaza.

For more information, call 634-0303 or visit www.downtownjacksonville.com.