LAKEPORT – We look forward to meeting you at our reception for the artists at the Main Street Gallery's First Friday Fling on March 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and introducing you to the 4 new artists showing in the gallery.

First time showing in the gallery, and a recent resident to Lake County, is Cathy Gale who has studied art in Italy for 18 years and will be exhibiting her beautifully executed still lifes and landscapes in oils.

Also showing for the first time is Linda Reidel with her finely detailed pastel landscapes. The popular Joan Facca returns to exhibit her distinctive style in pastel landscapes; while, Judy Cardinale delights us with her expressive figurative oil paintings.

Continuing in the Main Street Gallery is the unique wall sculptures of Ted Kirby, executed in mixed medium.

Two photographers continue to exhibit in the March show; Richard Hoyt in black and white figurative photography and Jacqueline Solgat in floral and underwater images.

Jo Bergeson, Ginger Ingersoll and Meredith Gambrel each demonstrate their unique styles in oils. In acrylics, Josh Murray shows his highly impressionistic work and Shelby Posada continues to show her work in acrylic and mixed medium abstracts.

Stephanie Bero adds sparkle to the show with her finely crafted jewelry, and try on one of Toni Stewart's one of a kind handcrafted and irresistible hats.

We are pleased to continue the show the work of third and fourth grade students from Upper Lake under the instruction of Jennifer Sabalone. If you haven't yet seen the show, it is well worth the time to view this pleasing example of abstract pastels. Some of the work is for sale. How fortunate we are to have instructors who can instill this love of art and encourage creative expression in their students. And, how fortunate the Main Street Gallery is to afford students a space to show their original art.

We invite you to join us and meet our featured artists while sampling the fine wines of Tulip Hill Winery poured by the knowledgeable tasting room manager, Chris Skarada with Patsy Mitchell assisting her.

We are pleased to feature a very versatile and talented flutist, George Husaruk, who will entertain you with a variety of music from jass, blues, rock, classical and pop as you enjoy a wide variety of art.

Further adding to the evening will be raffle of "Vintage View," a 30 inches by 24 inches, a framed original oil by the well-known artist Gail Salituri. The painting is valued at $2,400. Raffle tickets can be purchased during the evening with all proceeds going to Freedom House. Gloria Flaherty, executive director of Lake Family Resource Center also will be in attendance as will Sheri Salituri of Inspirations Gallery.

The Main Street Gallery and Gift Shop is located at 325 N. Main St. in Lakeport. More information can be obtained by calling 707-263-6658.

Shelby S. Posada is executive director of the Lake County Arts Council.