It's the last week to see two great exhibits — the first, by nationally-acclaimed artist Jasper Johns, and the second by Nancy Cervenka, a darling on the local scene.
Jasper Johns Prints: Things the Mind Already Knows is a 40-year retrospective of printmaking by revered pop artist Johns, who's known for his use of simple image language (letters, numbers, targets and flags); on loan from the John and Maxine Belger Family Foundation collection. Through May 30, The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-822-7872. (Shown: A 2001 untitled work by Johns showcasing several of the themes that recur in his art; formatted to fit our screen)
Nancy Cervenka presents Intersect, hot on the heels of her success at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, where she snagged the $15,000 Best of Show award. The Gulfport artist shines in a solo exhibition at C. Emerson Fine Arts. A cinematographer-turned-sculptor, Cervenka uses long strands of movie film to create dramatic coiled forms. (Look closely at their translucent surfaces to see the images — some abstract, some pictorial — hiding in each frame.) The exhibit, which features film sculptures, installations, photography and video, is devoted to new work by the artist. Through May 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sat., 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-898-6068, c-emersonfinearts.com. (Megan Voeller)
Tonight's edition of Freight Train Annie's Girlie Show at Skipper's Smokehouse features bluesy folk with The Marys, the "ultimate in girl power pagan music" trio Hecate's Wheel, and violin-laced originals by singer-songwriter Rebecca Zapen. This monthly event recognizes the hard-working, talented rock chicks who keep the local music scene vibrant and interesting. 7:30 p.m. Tues., May 26, Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa, $7, 813-971-0666, skipperssmokehouse.com
This article appears in May 20-26, 2009.