THINGS TO DO
Pensacola Junior College hosts distinguished artists

Pensacola Junior College presents the Switzer Distinguished Artists exhibit Jan. 21 through March 14 at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts gallery, Building 15 on the Pensacola campus.

The honored artists are photographer Jerry Uelsmann and digital artist Maggie Taylor. Come meet the artists for a gallery tour 2 p.m.on Thursday, Feb. 7.

Using multiple negatives to produce surreal, dreamlike photographs, Uelsmann has developed a singular artistic vision that has carried him through a nearly 50- year artistic career. Firmly entrenched in traditional darkroom practices, Uelsmann produces magical and thought-provoking imagery without the help of modern computer-based techniques. Uelsmann's works are featured in permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Bibliotheque National in Paris, the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo and Moderna Museet in Stockholm.

After 10 years of creating vibrant, color, still-life images with a view camera, Taylor began working with the computer in 1996. By placing objects directly on the glass top of the scanner, she creates a unique type of digital image that has some photographic qualities. Many of the images feature portions of her drawings, as well as found objects and bits of old tintype photographs.

The Anna Lamar Switzer Distinguished Artist Series was established though a major gift from the Switzer and Reilly families. The purpose is to feature artists of national and international reputation with exhibits and lectures by the artists.

Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. Admission is free.

For more information, call 850- 484-2550.

Corks 'N Canvases kicks off tomorrow

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida presents Corks 'N Canvases, an art auction and wine tasting fundraiser. The event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center, 401 N. Reus Street, downtown Pensacola.

The featured pieces in the art auction were created by "littles" with the help of their "bigs" or guardians. In addition to art created by "littles," there will also be a silent auction with pieces donated by local artist. The event will also include wine tasting with wines provided by Southern Wines & Spirits; light hors d'ouevres provided by Angus, Café 22, Chrisoula's Cheesecake Shoppe, Classic City Catering, Culinary Productions, Ever'man Natural Foods, Fire Mountain, The Portabello Market and Soiree; and live entertainment featuring Frank Deangelo and Lyndsey Battles. The cost for the event is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. To purchase tickets, call 433-5437.

Foo Fighters to rock Pensacola

The Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform on Sunday, Jan. 20 at The Pensacola Civic Center. The band celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sixth studio album, "Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace."

Ticket prices are $48, $41.50, & $28. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone, 850 -434-7444, or www.ticketmaster.com.

Jazz Gumbo this Monday

The Jazz Gumbo event, will be Monday, Jan 21 at 6 p.m. The event will include a special celebration of Jazz Society of Pensacola (JSOP) member Martha McDowell-Flemming's birthday. Jazz gumbo is always held at Seville Quarter, located in downtown Pensacola at 130 E. Government St. in Pensacola. Cost is $7 for JSOP members; $10 for the public, students are $5 and free to military in uniform. Admission includes a cup of seafood gumbo.

The "Friends of Martha Jazz Band" will include trumpeter/flugelhornist Roger Villines, trombonist Don Lewis, saxophonist/clarinetist Bob Maksymkow, guitarist Jim Armstrong, accordionist Bob Mattus, bassist Tim Jackson and drummer Larry Wojcik. There will also be some surprise musical guests. There will also be some tunes from the mid 40s-early50s as a clue to the honoree's birth year.