By President of CAL Constance Grayson

February not only brings Valentine’s Day but also a wide variety of art activities to delight your hearts. The Creative Art League’s February exhibit is “WESTern Art”—an exhibit of art by students at West Jessamine Senior High School. 

The work of these talented young artists will be on display from Feb. 1 through 28 at the Polvino Family Art Center, 109 S. Main in Nicholasville. The opening reception will be Friday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Also at the Polvino Family Art Center will be a fun-filled Community Art Night beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16. This evening will feature dinner and an art project and is suitable for all ages. The cost is $15 per person and $10 per person for families of four or more. Families and singles are welcome. Registration is encouraged. Email CALJessamine@gmail.com. 

Asbury University has a full schedule of musical programs during February. The first event of the month is an organ and brass faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 in Hughes Auditorium. The following week, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, the Russian String Orchestra will perform in the Artist Series in Hughes Auditorium. The Chorale, Women’s Choir and Men’s Glee Club will perform a Choral Valentine’s Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Akers Auditorium. 

Adrianalia Moutz will give a recital at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 in Akers Auditorium. At 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, there will be a Jazz Ensemble Concert in the Student Center. Fred Mbesi, trumpet, and Andrew Wittenberg, vocalist, will perform their Senior Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 in Akers Auditorium. The orchestra will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 in Hughes Auditorium. 

Not to ignore the visual arts, Asbury is hosting an exhibit of work by their art students through Feb. 14 on the second floor of the Z.T. Johnson Cafeteria. 

The Creative Art League’s popular Sunday art classes for children, Junior Creative Art League (JCAL), begins its spring semester on Sunday, Jan. 29. These classes will be held on Sunday afternoons throughout the spring semester, and are taught by two of Jessamine County’s certified art instructors. There are still spaces available for your young artist. Email CALJessamine@gmail.com for information or to register. 

The Visual Arts Association of the Creative Art League will host a Paint In on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Polvino Family Art Center, 109 S. Main in Nicholasville. Anyone interested in painting a Valentine-themed still life is welcome. Bring your pencils, paints, canvas and favorite brushes and join us. The cost is $5. 

The Creative Art League is planning its 2017 series of gallery walks. If you are an artist and would like to be considered for one of these events email CALJessamine@gmail.com.