It's that time of month again for First Friday gallery events. March 5th will not only bring a day of warmer weather, but the cultural districts have a few hidden hot spots that have been getting a lot of attention that must be sought after this month. "A Nod to Haiti" is a phenomenal show that has both intrigued me with the telling photos and a rustic sculpture element that brings the images to life in front of you. As this show was being hung at the Athenaeum's ArtSpace over the weekend of the 28th, I had the chance first hand to see over 100 images of pre- and post-earthquake Haiti. "A Nod to Haiti" is a photography documentary show of one woman's journey through a ravaged countryside with a unique medical viewpoint. Not only does this show soften the heart and bring more than one tear to the eyes, but it is also a fund-raiser for the medical missions to get a much needed generator to be able to serve the people better. If this wasn't enough to encourage you to head out to see this show, then maybe knowing that the artist Amy King has not only donated her time and all of her energy, but everything you will see in this exhibition she has purchased with her own funds and isn't taking a dime from the donations or the sales of any of the artwork. King will also be showing a documentary of Haiti during the opening on March 5th from 6-9pm. To see this show, visit the Athenaeum's ArtSpace at 401 E. Michigan Street (on the second floor). Or you can contact King directly at rolaking@hotmail.com.

Another gallery I was not made aware of until this last summer, is the IUPUI Cultural Arts Gallery, located in the campus center on the second floor (suite 240). This space is dedicated to educating the students and community through the visual arts. The show that just came down over the weekend was another art show bringing a bit of meaning to art. "Drawings from Life: works of the Imani Workshop, Eldoret, Kenya", the paintings in this exhibition were created by clients of the IU-Kenya Partnership AMPATH program in what is know as the Imani Artist Collective. Through the medium of paintings, each individual is given a chance to tell their stories, their truths. Proceeds from this show will make their way back to Kenya. As you know I am a strong supporter of shows that have a bit of meaning behind them and even better when there is a cause behind the art that can really make a difference. I have been out to see several shows inside this beautiful space and will be watching to see how the gallery develops in the future. The show that opens on March 5th, from 6-8pm is actually of my own artwork, but not to drag on about my art-you can check out this and the future shows at the Cultural Arts Gallery at www.iupui.edu.

One last mention of a hidden hot spot. Have you ever been driving around downtown and noticed a large yellow metal sculpture on the corner of Michigan Street by the canal and wondered who on earth created that and what is it? Well I am not sure I can shed light on what it is, but I can tell you that it has a name, Convergence and it was created by Bernie Carreno. The name is very telling of the piece; limiting behavior of an infinite sequence. I can not speak for the artist, but next time you are driving in this area and are safely STOPPED at the red light take a look and see what you think of Carreno's sculpture. If you are intrigued by metal sculptor's then don't miss the option on First Friday to stop by Carreno's Studio and Gallery at 901 N. Senate Avenue. His space is located one block south of the Stutz in the rear of the Sutton Garten Welding Supplies Building. Look for the bright green door, or contact Carreno at 317.408.1936 (carrenogallery@indy.rr.com).

I made mention in my last article that AV Framing Gallery in Fountain Square would be closing their doors shortly, well time is ticking down. This is their LAST First Friday. The current exhibition is a repeat from last month, but if you didn't get a chance to make it out to Fountain Square in the snow storm, then check out "Strumpets and Squares", new works by Jenny Elkins. The gallery is located at 1139 Shelby Street and will be open until 9pm on First Friday. They will close their gallery doors on March 20th, and take the frame shop mobile. If you would like to contact the owner Sarah Adams for future framing and virtual gallery exhibitions she can be reached at 317.356.3776 or www.avframinggallery.com While in Fountain Square, don't forget to check out the Studios in the Murphy Building and the Wheeler Arts Community.