First Friday guide

~ For February's First Friday, one gallery will whip out a romantic Valentine's Day theme, while the others just rely on good old art. Here's a guide to the First Friday receptions happening throughout town tonight.

Edward Bernard Gallery, 107 West Drive

6 to 9 p.m.

The Edward Bernard Gallery is putting a call out to lovers -- see some glass art and enjoy a romantic-theme evening at the same time. Tonight the gallery offers Chianti, gourmet pizza and tiramisu to the tunes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and other Italian music to complement its glass art collection.

Info: 332-7733

Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, 32 N. Main St.

5 to 8 p.m.

February is the month of the woman at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. Two exhibits this month feature all women. Southern Illinois fiber artist Sarah Shoot and painter Judith Nevins Bush present a show called "Wild Women" in Gallery 100. Cape Girardeau artist Megan Thrower will be featured in the Lorimier Gallery with her contemporary paintings in her first solo Arts Council show. Locals might know Thrower from her work on the Mississippi River Tales mural and with the contemporary arts group Integrated Counterbalance. The Visual Arts Cooperative will also display work in the Jean A. Chapman gallery.

Info: 334-9233

The Artist Studio, 38A N. Main St.

6 to 8:30 p.m.

Artist Studio owner Judy Barks-Westrich will display new watercolors and take sign-ups for two new workshops -- "Experimenting with Drawing" and "Experimenting with Watercolor" to be offered during the month of February.

Info: 651-4464

Garden Gallery,

833 Broadway, upstairs

noon to 9 p.m.

Garden Gallery won't have a featured artist for February, but will feature an assortment of Valentine's Day gifts.

Info: 332-7123

Fusion Glassworks Studio, 823 Broadway

6 to 9 p.m.

Studio owner Michael Guard will demonstrate his glass making technique for visitors.

Info: 332-7123

Fountain Street Gallery, 34 N. Fountain St.

6 to 9 p.m.

The city's newest contemporary arts gallery will display new work by gallery members. Photographs of India, Bermuda and Ecuador by Peter Hans Struebein of Georgia will be shown in Fountain Street's Willow Gallery.

Info: 275-3194

Gallery 1.2.5, 125 N. Main St.

4 to 8 p.m.

Gallery 1.2.5 will offer its collection of oils, prints and accessories with wine and hors d'oeuvres to wash it down.

Info: 335-2699

~ -- From staff reports