Mushroom art show to help environmental education

The Mellow Mushroom has teamed up with the Lowcountry Environmental Education Program (LEEP) to bring the first in a series of Earth-friendly themed art shows. The first show, titled "Earth: The Beautiful and Controversial" will have an opening reception at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The show will feature a collection of works from eight local artists. Music will be provided by Mirage Quartet, a local jazz group, and there will be a silent auction, with proceeds going directly to LEEP.

LEEP is an environmental non-profit that provides opportunities for students of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to explore South Carolina's natural environment through experiential learning. The Mellow Mushroom is at 309 King St.

For information on the events, call Jonah Jeter at 327-0346. To find out more about LEEP, Visit their Web site at www.scleep.org.

May's 'Paint-Out'

The Broad Street Merchants' Association is collaborating with the Harbour Club and The Charleston County School of the Arts Music Program to host the second annual Southern Light-Plein Air Paint Out.

The event will begin with the artists' signing of the canvases May 28, then painting around town that afternoon, May 29 and May 30, and on the morning of May 31. Local and national artists will be participating in this paint out. However, this event is open to all artists. Anyone interested in registering should do so before May 25.

For more information about Southern Light-Plein Air Paint Out, or to request a registration and/or a workshop package, contact Julie Sweat at the Edward Dare Gallery at 853-5002 or via e-mail at edwarddare@comcast.net, or Mary Phelps at 720-4027, or bbh@gwi.net. More information is also posted on www.charlestongalleryrow.com.

'Coastal Impressions'

The Spencer Art Gallery II has just announced the opening of "Coastal Impressions," an exhibit of new oil paintings by Charleston artist Lisa Willits. There will be a reception for the artist featuring her works Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 57 Broad Street.

Willits hopes that her take on Lowcountry landscapes offers something different.

"My subjects include the colorful skies, soaring pines and playful palms found at my favorite places on Earth," she says. "My initial emotional response to a subject is triggered by color and pattern, be it the exquisitely delicate hues seen at daybreak or the intricate weave of branches silhouetted against the sky.

"While all of the pieces on display are studio paintings, many times they are the result of a small study painted en plein air. Trying to translate something as ethereal as the atmosphere to canvas is an endless challenge and continual source of inspiration for me," she said. "There are moments I'd like to bottle up in a tube and squeeze out onto my palette. I want my viewers to take off their shoes, step into one of my paintings and stay awhile."

Willits moved to Charleston from her native Pennsylvania 20 years ago. She is an exhibiting member of the Charleston Artist Guild and the coordinator of the Charleston Outdoor Painters Association. She has been affiliated with the Spencer Art Gallery II since 2005.

Her work can also be viewed online at www.lisawillits.com. For more information, contact the artist at 412-7433.

Art classes

Teens and adults can learn all the basics of jewelrymaking, including the tools, various bead shapes and cuts, and techniques of crimping, knotting and wire wrapping in three monthly classes called "Seed Beading" with Michelle Rose.

Join the North Charleston Jewelry Guild meeting and stick around for an hour-long workshop to hone skills.

The seed beading class on April 24 is the first of the series. Classes are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and cost $15 per class, with all basic materials provided. The classes will take place at The Meeting Place, 1077 East Montague Ave., in North Charleston. Registration ends one week prior to each class.

Another class available in North Charleston is the "Abstract Painting for Teens and Adults," taught by Jeff Poole. He will be teaching a mixed-media approach to making art by combining abstract painting with collage/assemblage. This is a hands-on class that uses various techniques and materials, including everyday reusables, to encourage self-expression and creating works of beauty.

This class will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from April 26 to May 31 at the Rhodes Art Center on the former North Charleston Naval Base.

It is $60 per student for a six-week session, and registration ends one week prior to each class.