Artists who work with metal are privy to one of nature's most amazing transformations: watching red-hot liquid steel, silver or gold cool to create virtually indestructible objects of beauty. Focusing on this age-old medium, the Gulf Coast Museum of Art presents works by three contemporary Florida practitioners in its new exhibit, Liquid Metal. Inside the museum, visitors find functional, rainforest-inspired furniture by James Liccione and delicate jewelry by Carol Jenrett. Outside on the museum grounds, Robert Coon presents large-scale sculpture. Liquid Metal opens on Friday with an artist talk at 6:30 p.m. and a reception to follow at 7 p.m. All three artists will be present. The following Friday, join GCMA's young professionals group, Les Fauves, for hands-on metal art-making activity, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and music by The Human Condition. On display Feb. 23-May 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, $8 adults/$7 seniors/$4 children and students with I.D., 727-518-6833, gulfcoastmuseum.org.
