ART EXHIBITS & HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Christmas Lights from a Speeding Car
An exhibit of abstract digital photography by Hampton Dohrman. The closing reception takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 2. Free admission. Centre Gallery, USF-Tampa, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-974-5464.
Holiday Members' Show
The 10th annual exhibit represents more than 70 ceramic artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2-3. Free admission. St. Petersburg Clay Company, 420 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2529, www.stpeteclay.com.
Annual Christmas Show and Sale
Select from a variety of unique holiday gifts, including ceramics, prints, pottery, calligraphy, cards and more. An opening reception takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free admission. On display through Dec. 9 at Elliott Gallery, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8340.
Museum of Fine Arts Holiday Open House
The public is invited to drop by the museum for free and enjoy visits from Santa Claus; performances by the Soulful Arts Dance Academy (1:15 p.m.), Nan Colton (2 p.m.) and Largo High School's Madrigal Singers (3 p.m.); festive punch and cookies; Victorian-style Christmas tree and holiday decorations; and much more. 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667, www.fine-arts.org.
Martinis & Mistletoe Show
An array of area talents display artwork inspired by the show's theme, all moderately priced for those interested in giving the gift of art for the holidays. 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9; interested attendees should R.S.V.P. by Dec. 6. $10 donation at the door to benefit Toys for Tots. Lyssa Morgan Gallery, 4062 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-281-1000.
Holiday Art Sale
A selection of original paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics and other holiday gifts for anywhere from 15 to 50 percent off; all proceeds benefit the Project Return art program and artists with mental illnesses. Guests enjoy free cookies and cider. Noon to 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Dec. 10-11. Free admission. The Lobby Gallery at Project Return, 304 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-933-9020 www.projectreturn.org.
19th Annual Holiday Show and Sale
Dunedin Fine Art Center presents unique gifts and decorations by Fair Trade artists from around the world. UnWrapped: A National Invitational of Contemporary Fine Art and Craft is also on display, along with 10 Christmas trees featuring handmade ornaments. Extended holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Fri., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., 1 to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission. On display through Dec. 23. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, 727-298-3322, www.dfac.org.
Pasco Arts Council's Holiday House 2005
The house sparkles with holiday decorations, and a large assortment of handcrafted items by community artists are available for purchase. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free admission. On display through Dec. 23. Pasco Arts Center, 5744 Moog Road, Holiday, 727-845-7322.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery Holiday Members Show and Sale
This exhibit is a 19-year tradition that features handmade gifts by 250 Florida fine craft artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission. On display through Dec. 31. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-7391.
Celebrations: 2005 Holiday Show Invitational
A selection of holiday-themed work by Arts Center members, including ornaments, jewelry, pottery, paintings, holiday cards and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission. On display through Jan. 22. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.
BENEFITS & FUNDRAISERS
Lights of Lake Park Estates
Each year, the residents of Lake Park Estates light up the neighborhood to raise money for a local charity. This year's recipient is the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 6:30 to 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-31. Donations gratefully accepted. For directions, call 727-586-4432 or visit www.thehospice.org/lolp.htm.
18th Annual Madrigal Dinner — A Victorian Yule Feast
Dine on a scrumptious meal prepared by the Wine Cellar Restaurant while enjoying holiday songs by the Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers (directed by Marion Smith). Proceeds benefit the Concert Choir's 2006 Spring Tour. 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 1-3. $70. The Marly Room, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Call 727-864-8222 for reservations.
Victorian Christmas Stroll Preview Party
The Henry B. Plant Museum Society hosts a cocktail buffet and wine tasting in preparation for its annual stroll. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 1. $75 per person (to benefit the museum). 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 727-254-1891, www.plantmuseum.com.
36th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes
Tour a handful of tastefully decorated Dunedin homes, and enjoy tea and holiday shopping at the First Presbyterian Church's Olde Christmas Shoppe. Funds support Dunedin Youth Guild scholarships. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 3. $15. Tickets can be purchased at the church. 455 Scotland St. For more information, call 727-734-0394.
