A weekend of art, wine and music will be offered by Sheboygan Visual Artists Friday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, Feb. 26, at EBCO Artworks, 1201 Erie Ave.

      This month's Final  Friday  program will feature Norma Bell, founder of the Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art, and Craig Blietz, the Academy's artistic director. Beginning around 8 p.m.,  Mr. Blietz will present “The Nude – and Why”, using his own art and work by Academy students to explain why the human figure has fascinated artists from ancient to contemporary.  The ArtWorks gallery also will feature an exhibit of work by SVA members Agata Augustine, and Ray Hagerman, who studies under Mr. Blietz.

     Kewaunee Academy features an intensive curriculum devoted to drawing and painting. In preparation for careers as practicing professional artists, its students are taught the classical techniques and methods introduced before the Renaissance and perfected by the Masters.

     Prior to the Academy presentation, Jaclyn Stuart, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine & Food Pairing”, will advance a unique idea:  "Pairing Wine With Art."  Stuart, a certified sommelier and gourmet, will prove that matching certain wine with certain art actually increases one’s satisfaction of both.  Beginning at 7 p.m., her presentation is free;  for $12  ($10 SVA members), one also may experience her hand-picked wine and art pairings.

    Music performed by cellist Elizabeth Zerger will enrich the evening.

    On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10:30, during a free continental breakfast,  Friday night’s presenters and artists will be available for informal discussion. 

     From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blietz  will conduct a figure drawing workshop, explaining while he demonstrates with charcoal. Participants may simply listen and observe or draw the live nude model. The workshop is open to anyone, beginner through accomplished, for  $15.00  ($10 SVA members). Reservations are encouraged because space is limited;  email timebes@hotmail.com

 #