Visual Stimulation: Friday brings all the art openings you can handle

Kittner's 'Discarded Story' at Plum Elements

"The Discarded Story: Narrative Works of Assemblage and Collage by Bobbi Kittner" will have an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 today at Plum Elements, 161 1/2 King Street.

Kittner's work has stirred a local following, becoming a favorite among those who appreciate a bit of whimsy.

"The Discarded Story" delves into the many stories each person holds.

"Whether it is a collage of painted rice paper, her old journal pages and music scores from 100 years before, or an assemblage of Playskool blocks combined with other treasured, found objects, the many layers reflect the depth of Kittner's thoughts and experience," says gallery owner Andrea Schenck.

Viewing Kittner's work, many have discovered they want to explore their own stories. Getting such feedback has lead Kittner to teaching and guiding others on their own journey.

On Oct. 24, Kittner will conduct a day-long workshop called "The Suspended Dialogue." The session will focus on the mystery and magic of telling one's own tale through the art of assemblage.

The deadline to sign up for the class is Oct. 16. To register, contact Plum Elements at 727-3747 or info@plumelements.com.

October Art Walk on Friday

With the cooler weather come herds of art lovers parading about the French Quarter and beyond.

The October art walk is probably one of the most attended of the entire year.

The line-up of artists and exhibitions for Friday is sure to satisfy.

Unless otherwise noted, all art walk receptions will be 5-8 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Ichter demonstration at the ML Gallery

Best known for his brilliantly colored, stylized landscapes in pastel on suede and abstract oil and acrylics on canvas, artist R. John Ichter is inspired by his world travels.

"His color-saturated landscapes and dragonflies convey his passion for the beauty of nature and his intense abstract works show his depth of imagination and spontaneity,"says gallery owner Mary Martin. "All of these elements are transformed by his imagination into works with striking visual impact that are at the same time peaceful."

Today, his watercolors and pastels are included in many corporate and private collections.

View the collection and meet the artist at the ML Gallery, 132 East Bay St.

'I'm a Girl!' by Myers at SCOOP studios

SCOOP studios will be hosting Karen Ann Myers' first solo show in the southeast with her newest collection of works called "I'm a Girl!"

The artist, who received her MFA in painting from Boston University, has exhibited extensively throughout the Midwest and Northeast.

Now working as the executive director of Redux, Myers is plugged in to the contemporary art world.

"Having a particular talent for painting detailed fabrics and prints, this aspect of her artwork is one that she has become known for," explains Rebecca Powell, co-owner of SCOOP studios. SCOOP is at 57 1/2 Broad Street and can be reached at 577-3292.

Various receptions at galleries

Ann Long Fine Art will be presenting "Toscana: Recent Work by Leo Mancini-Hresko." The artist will be present.

Stephen Chesley will be the featured artist at Carolina Galleries with his moody, compelling and sometimes dark landscapes.

The Corrigan Gallery will be "Respecting the Past" with a collection of Manning Williams' early works. These special jewels from his studio are sure to please and provide a timeline for his life's work.

Don't miss Montreal-based artist Joan Dumouchel's newest body of work at the Martin Gallery. Author Carrie Host of "Between Me & The River: Living Beyond Cancer," will be signing copies of her book, and the Martin Gallery's newest artist Wanda Steppe will also be present.

The much loved Robert Lange Studios has moved to 2 Queen Street and will open its doors to the public with a collection of Nathan Durfee pieces called "Thoughts Between the Sky and Sea." The new space will also showcase new works from all 12 of the studio's artists.

Smith Killian Fine Art will feature painter Kim English and his wife, sculptor Andi Mascarenas, in their first joint show on the East Coast.

The Wells Gallery is looking forward to sharing its most avant-garde show to date by Sarah Ashley Longshore, whose bold oil paintings are best described in her own words as "Pop Expressionistic."

First Friday's on Broad Street's Gallery Row

This "First Friday" happens to fall on the same date as the French Quarter Art Walk, so be sure to bounce around Broad Street on Friday.

Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see from the Broad Street Merchants.

The Edward Dare Gallery will feature Roberta Remy's newest body of works called "Traditions."

COCO VIVO Fine Art & Design will highlight Angela Trotta Thomas's romantic Charleston traditions.

Join Utopia for a special Fall Trunk Show of EthelFern Jewelry Designs.

Hamlet Fine Art will feature Fern Beau's "Southern Impressions."

Ellis-Nicholson will exhibit photography by Rick Rhodes and Tim Steele, titled "Charleston 1865."

Charleston Artist Guild's new location

The Charleston Artist Guild is excited to have its new space at 160 East Bay Street open in time for the October art walk Friday.

The much larger and more visible space will showcase diverse works from guild members.

"The gallery presence is professionally managed by caring artisans who believe in the esthetic value of art, promoting the practice or teaching, and recognition of fine arts," says Guild board member Karen Vecchioni.

On Saturday, the guild will be having its last event at the old location, 6 North Atlantic Wharf, just off East Bay Street.

Going out with a sexy bang, they will be having their "Sultry, Fiery Shots" event, where photographer Olli Wendelin will be taking black-and-white photos where adventurous attendees can choose from a variety of poses and props to create their own personal portraits.

Firefly Sweet Tea beverages will be served.

All of the photos will be matted and packaged for guests for $30 each. Reservations are suggested. For more information, call 722-2425.