Local vet has photography exhibit

Solo exhibit

Photographer Dr. Merrill P. Irvin does so much more than snap pretty pictures. With a long-standing career as a vet here in the Lowcountry, Irvin also has traveled to and photographed every continent on the planet except Antarctica, and that one is next on the list.

Specializing in animal and nature photography, his photos can be likened to ones found in National Geographic magazine.

The combination of his photographic talent and these incredible adventures have resulted in some of the most dynamic photos of animals in their natural habitats and shots of stunning locations.

Irvin has spent the majority of life focused on his veterinary career and building his and his partner's business at the West Ashley Veterinary Clinic. In addition to this, he now has launched his own photography company and website, Worn Boots Photography.

The public is invited to join the artist for an opening reception and celebration 6- 9 p.m. Friday at the Real Estate Studio, 214 King St.

Beverages will be provided by Social Wine Bar. This show will be on display through Feb. 14.

Irvin also will be one of the featured artists in the Southeastern Wildlife Expo's "Landscapes and Locals" exhibit Feb. 17-19 at the Francis Marion Hotel.

At other times of the year, his work can be seen at West Ashley Veterinary Clinic, 840 St. Andrews Blvd.

For more, call 803-464-9766 or go to www.worn bootsphotography.com.

Artisan T-shirts

Fairly new on the art scene is Artisan Tees, which is forming part of the hip new stream of creative businesses on Spring Street.

Owned and operated by T-shirt designer and screen printer Andy Natusch, this shop will showcase more than his unique tees. Natusch plans on having an art show a month, each featuring a new local, emerging artist.

Friday, come view the works of local artists Stephanie Patton and Alexandria Baker. Patton's works are a variety of mixed media; Baker's are inspired by fantasy and sci-fi novels.

The free reception will run 6-9 p.m. Friday at 47 Spring St.

Call 406-7904 or go to www.artisantees.com.

Works on sale

Last week's opening for the Alfred Hutty and Jill Hooper exhibits at the Gibbes was a major to-do in Charleston's art community.

If you are interested in being able to actually purchase works by either of these legendary artists, there will be some for sale at Ann Long Fine Art starting Friday.

The exhibit will include etchings, drawings and watercolor paintings by Hutty and drawings and oil paintings by Hooper.

The gallery is at 54 Broad St. Call 577-0447 or go to www.annlongfineart.com.

Alchemy Coffee

Check out the works of artist Jake Morrill from 6-9 p.m. Friday at Alchemy Coffee in West Ashley.

This Hartford Art School graduate, who is new to Charleston, worked as a commercial freelance illustrator for The Wall Street Journal for many years. Over the past year, he has been deeply inspired by the natural world.

His works will be on display throughout February at 11 Magnolia Road. Call 860-997-5217 or go to www.morrillustrations.com.

'Ecstasy of Knowing'

If you like bright, interesting things, be sure to check out the site-specific installation by artist and educator Keith Lemley at Redux on Friday called "The Ecstasy of Knowing."

Growing up in rural West Virginia, Lemley felt inspired by the "beautiful, yet polluted environment." His medium is light and light bulbs.

He will give a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Friday, followed immediately by an opening reception from 6-9 p.m.

The show will be on display through March 10 at Redux, 136 St. Phillips St. 722-0697, www.reduxstudios.org

'Quiet Space'

Photographer John Michiels' style has been described as "Southern gothic." It is obvious he (and all his fans) see the beauty in the grays.

"I chose monochrome photography because it simplifies and emphasizes my subject matter. I love the mood and feeling it conveys," the artist said.

Piezography inks are a monochrome set of pure carbon pigment inks and are unparalleled for tonal-range, sharpness stability, further explains Anne Fishburne, gallery director.

There will be a reception tonight from 5:30-7:30 at the gallery, 125 Meeting St.

853-3233, www.wells gallery.com

A 'very bad day'

Have you ever had one of those days where everything goes wrong?

Join the Charleston Stage in some laughs this weekend as they perform "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Based on the book by Judith Viorst, this musical for young people reminds us that "Mama said there'd be days like these."

The play will be showing at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Tickets are $22 and are available online at www.charlestonstage.com or by calling 577-7183.

Irish comedy

On a lonely road on the island of Inishmore, someone killed an Irish Liberation Army enforcer's cat. He'll want to know who when he gets back from a stint of torture and chip-shop bombing in Northern Ireland. He loves his cat more than life itself, and someone is going to pay.

This describes the Threshold Repertory Theatre's play, "The Lieutenant of Inishmore."

Opening tonight and running through Feb. 19, this play appears to be perfect for those with a darker sense of humor. There will be performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and 19.

Tonight is "Pay What You Like" Night; all other performances are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students.

84 1/2 Society St., 277-2172, www.charlestontheater.com