^[1]“The Beautiful World of Watercolor,” an exhibit of watercolors by local artist and instructor Jim Kerr and his students will open Friday, June 24, at in the rotunda of Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St.

The exhibit will be on view from June 24 to July 15, weekdays 8-5. The public is invited to meet the artists and instructor and enjoy refreshments at the opening reception on Friday, June 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., also at Town Hall.

The exhibit will feature a collection of student and instructor artwork. Several of the students are new to watercolor, and others have been students of Mr. Kerr for years. While students have the freedom to paint whatever they wish, they often focus on landscapes, light houses, portraits and florals, the town said in a press release.

Mr. Kerr is excited about the exhibition because he said it “will present an example of the potential of anyone with a desire to learn art.” Kerr said he has seen many beginner painters evolve into fine artists.

Davidson Parks & Recreation offers watercolor classes throughout the year. For more information on the upcoming exhibition or watercolor classes, contact Colleen Whalen at 704-892-3349 or at cwhalen@ci.davidson.nc.us ^[2].

MOORESVILLE PHOTO SHOW

Mooresville Artist Guild is now seeking entries for its 2011 “Hot Town, Summer in the City” photography show this July at the Depot Visual Arts Center, on Main Street in Mooresville. The Guild seeks photographs for either of two categories:

• Photographs that are reminiscent of or about summer.
• Photographs of local bands, musicians, or photographs inspired by summer songs or taken while listening to music.

The show will be judged by Daniel Coston, a local photographer who has taken pictures for Rolling Stone magazine, VH1 and other magazines and networks as well as portraits of many musicians.   Entries should be delivered to the Depot, 103 W. Center St., Mooresville, on Monday, June 27 between 1 and 4 p.m., or 5 and 8 p.m. The  show will be on display during July with a reception Friday, July 8, during the art walk from 6 to 8 p.m.

Entry fees for Mooresville Artist Guild members are $15 for up to two entries, $5 for each additional entry. Non-member entry fees are $20 for up to 2 entries and $10 for each additional entry. Cash prizes will be awarded.  The complete prospectus and entry form are available at www.magart.org ^[3] or at the Depot.

OTHER ARTIST GUILD NEWS

The Mooresville Artist Guild is sponsoring a ‘reverse raffle’ and silent auction to help support the renovation of the Historic Mooresville Depot – Visual Arts Center.

The drawing and silent auction will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Depot on Main Street in downtown Mooresville.

The grand prize is $10,000, and only 250 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $100 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and two beverages. You do not need to be present to win.  To purchase or help sell tickets please contact Leo Gordon at 704-799-6409.

ARTISTS WANTED FOR AHLARA ART FAIR

Artists are invited to participate in the 2nd annual Ahlara Art Fair Saturday, Oct. 8, at Ahlara International Spa, 155 Joe Knox Ave., Mooresville. The event is conceived as a showcase of affordable art, and last year drew 60 vendors and about 1,000 visitors, according to organizer Myrna Reiss. She’s hoping this year will be even bigger. Download an application at ahlaraartfair.org ^[4] or call Myrna Reiss at 704-663-6343.

EXHIBIT SPACE

The Business Center @ South Main Square is now making its walls available as gallery space for shows, exhibits and events. The wall hanging system provides flexible options and can accommodate a large variety of exhibits. Interested? Contact Kathleen Rose at krose@roseassociates.com ^[5] or 704-896-0094.