Ellington

An exhibition of artwork celebrating the season of heat and leisure, "Glories of Summer," opens tonight at the Gallery 119. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. this evening, visitors can drink free wine and admire paintings, photographs and ceramics depicting summer landscapes and flora.

The show highlights work by many regional artists, but gallery director Ellen Bourdeaux says that she drew inspiration for the show from paintings by New Orleans-based Billy Solitario.

"I build the show around his work," Bourdeaux says. "There is a painting of the beach at Deston (Florida) with an amazing thundercloud. You can just step into this painting and be on those white sand beaches."

"One is transported to these places," she adds. "His paintings are so clear."

Gallery 119 reverted to its original name last month, after spending six years as Highlands Fine Art Brokers. For its next show, the gallery will collaborate with Underground 119, a club opening downtown in August, Bourdeaux says. The club will host a blues concert in conjunction with a Sept. 10 opening of work by the Florida-based painting duo of Gary Patterson and Marion Barnes, whose art celebrates the blues.

"Glories of Summer" runs from July 16 to Sept. 3 at Gallery 119, 119 S. President Street. Free.