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Featured photo is Erica Pastecki’s “What’ll It Be”, one of more than 70 pieces of local art that will be part of the Wet Paint Party March 4. Photo courtesy Greater Augusta Arts Council
The first weekend of the month always means brand new art exhibitions and fun gatherings around them.
Head downtown on First Friday for several special events including a fun art exhibition at Westobou’s MICRO gallery.
For Daze Inn, curated by Jeff Kinzel, more than 20 artists received the same hotel art painting. Their task was to repurpose the art using their creativity to make something meaningful.
The reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m., March 3, at the gallery, 1129 Broad St. Alto Pablo will provide music.
While on Broad Street, take a trip to the 600 Broad Building for Dreamscapes featuring the art of Alex Foltz and friends.
The gallery’s March exhibition features the work of Foltz as well as Jacki Mayo, Tiphiknee De Herrera, Debra Estep, Yana Bondar, Diana Kalasa-LaLuz and Terry Wilber.
A reception will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and the exhibition will be on display throughout March. The gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For additional hours, contact 4P at (706) 267-6724.
Also on Friday is the Morris Museum of Art’s 30th annual soiree.
The event features a cocktail hour for exploring A Hunt Slonem Menagerie beginning at 7 p.m.
“Slonem is one of America’s most renowned artists and has become best known for his electric neo-expressionist paintings of bunnies, butterflies, and tropical birds,” according to the museum website.
At 8 p.m. is fine cuisine from Dennis Dean, drinks from White Horse Wine and Spirits and dancing with music of the Root Doctors.
The gala “supports the museum’s operating budget and helps the museum to provide free public programs and services at the museum and throughout the community,” the website continued.
On Saturday, it’s the Greater Augusta Art Council’s biggest indoor shindig of the year as it hosts the Wet Paint party from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Julian Smith Casino.
“Fall down the rabbit hole with the Greater Augusta Arts Council as they celebrate Augusta’s local artists with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” according to a news release. “Mingle with the Red Queen, the White Rabbit, a Mad Hatter and more delightful characters while sipping a themed craft cocktail.”
More than 70 local artists are participating in this year’s event which also features Alice in Wonderland themed performances by Shō Fusion Dance Studio, a piece coordinated by Melissa Ayala and another choreographed by Vintage Ooollee. Master of Ceremonies Kigg Cherry & KATz Audio will provide the music and Chef Edward Mendoza of Cucina 503 and the Augusta Junior Woman’s Club have prepared the menu..
Admission is free to arts council members. To join, click here.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the publisher of Augusta Good News. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Have headlines delivered to your email by signing up for the newsletter here.