March Madness is bringing a variety of art events to Jessamine County in addition to the usual basketball tournaments. 

The paintings of Jessamine County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Andy Sims will be on display the entire month in the exhibit “Heartbreak and Halfpipes.” Sims’ paintings, many of which are actually painted on skateboards, are in the pop art style reminiscent of Andy Warhol. This exhibit will be displayed at the Polvino Family Art Center at 109 S. Main in downtown Nicholasville. The opening reception is Friday, March 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. 

March continues with a series of musical events at Asbury University. At 7:30 p.m. on March 2 in Hughes Auditorium, the concert band will play with the West Jessamine High School Band in the Band Invitational Concert. In Akers Auditorium, at 7:30 p.m. on March 6, you can hear a faculty musical recital. At 10 a.m. on March 8 in Hughes Auditorium, the Concert Band, Handbell Choir and Men’s Glee Club will perform. Senior vocalist, Cynthia Berggen, will present her senior recital at 7:30 p.m. on March 20 in Akers Auditorium. Also in Akers Auditorium, the Peniston Honors Competition Recital will take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 30. 

The Creative Art League’s Community Art Night will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. This popular event features dinner and an art project. The project for March is pottery. The cost is $15 per person ($10 per person for families of four or more). Register online at www.caljessamine.com. Families and singles are welcome. The project is suitable for all skill levels. 

Asbury art students will present their senior exhibits March 2 through March 24. Michelle Dun and Ashley Lacheta will display their work in the Z.T. Johnson Gallery, while Emma Nesselroade’s work will be in the Kinlaw Library Lobby Gallery. The opening reception for all three exhibits is from 4 to 6 p.m on March 9. 

All artists and aspiring artists are invited to attend the Creative Art League’s Paint In from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11. This event, suitable for all skill levels, will be held at the Polvino Family Art Center. Bring a canvas and your favorite brushes and paints and join us for this fun, informal painting session. The cost is $5 ($10 if you do not have a canvas). 

Mark your calendar for the first gallery walk on April 7. The gallery walk, which takes place in downtown Nicholasville from 5 to 8 p.m., features five art exhibits within a one block area as well as demonstrations of artists and other events. Come downtown that evening and see the art, which will include work created by Maura, the service dog artist. The gallery walk is sponsored by the Nicholasville Tourism Commission. 

The Creative Art League’s new website is ready for primetime. Check us out at www.caljessamine.com. You can learn more about the art league and how you can get involved. You can also get information about our events by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.