Franz Porcelain 2009 collection artist tour event

Franz Porcelain, a world-renowned manufacturer of luxury porcelain works of art for the home, is pleased to announce its Franz "Collection 2009 Artist Tour" stop at The Pear Tree, 310 A Brevard Ave., Historic Cocoa Village from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1.

The event will include floral demonstrations by a renowned florist, "Entertaining with Franz" demonstrations by John Durkee III and live sculpting and art signing by distinguished Taipei artist, Afa Lu. The demonstrations will educate individuals on artistic ways to plate and present various appetizers for the upcoming holiday season in beautifully detailed Franz Collection tabletop pieces, ideal for those who enjoy entertaining.

During the event, in addition to the art signing, Afa Lu will be hand-sculpting a teapot, from the Kathy Ireland Home by Franz "Dolphin Splash" Collection.

The event is open to the public.

For information, call (321) 632-5432.

Carol Taylor's flower drawings showcased

Suzan's Health Haven in the Railroad Emporium, 924 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne will showcase Carol L. Taylor's Tulipa charcoal pencil flower drawings from now through Dec. 31.

Inspired by Florida's vast variety and colors of tropical flowers, the first of a new series of hibiscus drawings will also be shown at Suzan's Health Haven.

Additional drawings, paintings and pencil portraits can be viewed at Carol Taylor's Studio in the Melbourne Arcade Building, 909 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. Hours of operation are by appointment.

For information, visit www.caroltaylorblackandwhite.com.

'Watercolor Images of the Refuge' art exhibition

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is presenting the seventh annual "Watercolor Images of the Refuge" art exhibition by members of the Brevard Watercolor Society.

The 40 original paintings highlight the fauna and flora of the Refuge and will be on view at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium from Nov. 7 through Jan. 31, 2010 during regular business hours.

The general public is invited to the opening reception on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 2-4 p.m.

Call (321) 861-2377 to reserve. Original paintings will be on sale and a portion of the proceeds will be donated by the artists to the refuge. In addition, matted prints of some of the paintings be on sale at the Visitor Center Bookery.

The Visitor Center is located on SR 402, 5 miles east of U.S. 1 in Titusville.

'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' performed by Edgewood students

Edgewood Junior/Senior High School's Theater Troupe, the Edgewood Harlequins, has announced the upcoming production of the musical version of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."

The two-act musical play will be presented at the Merritt Island High School Theater, 100 E. Mustang Way on Thursday, Nov. 5, Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $5 for students, $10 for adults and $5 for seniors.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is a musical comedy that follows two con artists working on the French Riviera who end up with a lot more than they bargained for. Showcasing the talents of leads Jackie Boissonneault, Jacob Fjeldheim, Avery Griffin, Matt Heffelfinger, Rebecca Moeller and Jackson Smith, student director Kirsty Johnson leads the student cast through a tune-filled performance.

Edgewood Junior/Senior High School is a Brevard County public school of choice located in Merritt Island, open to students from the central and north Brevard areas. Edgewood is a State A+ School and a national blue ribbon school.

For information, visit www.edgewood.brevard.k12.fl.us/

'Get Hammered!' at Brevard Art Museum

The Brevard Art Museum, 1463 Highland Ave., Melbourne, invites you to "Get Hammered!" on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Enjoy live music, delicious food, tools as art, and an auction.

"Get Hammered!" is the Board of Trustees' fall fundraiser and opening reception of the imaginative exhibition "Tools in Motion: Works from the Hechinger Collection."

Tickets are $100 and sponsorships are available.

In addition, the Museum will create an exhibition of hammers by local artists for purchase to be featured in the "Get Hammered!" catalog by Brevard Art Museum Press. Artists include David Brown, Nancy Dillen, Rick Dillen, Valerie Karas, Grace Leal, Patricia Lee, Michael Nemnich, Suzanne Peiffer, Rick Piper, Bruce Reynolds, Nancy Seib and John Sluder.

The museum will host "Tools in Motion: Works from the Hechinger Collection," a traveling exhibition organized by international arts and artists, featuring 20th century art that celebrates repetition and motion in common, everyday tools and hardware.

The exhibition will be displayed Nov. 7 through Jan. 17, 2010.

For information, call (321) 242-0737.

New holiday musical scheduled at King Center

The new holiday musical "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" will premier performances at The Maxwell C. King Center Friday, Nov. 13, for three performances only.

The original musical is filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. Ornaments come to life as costumed characters who perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season and showcase pageantry, ingenuity and artistry. An international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers and musicians perform on stage and in the air and while dangling from a 24-foot tall tree.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $34.50 and are available at the King Center Ticket Office, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, online at www.KingCenter.com or by phone at (321) 242-2219.

Crafts and arts for sale available

The "Coming Home" arts and crafts show will be Friday, Nov. 13 from 6-10 p.m. at the Center of Healing Arts, 916 Columbus Ave., Melbourne.

The show will run through Christmas. However, a second room will be open the opening night with a variety of affordable unique gift items available for purchase. All items are hand crafted. Gift certificates also available and lots of specials will be available.

For information, call Pamela Ricono at (321) 951-2349.

Locals celebrated in upcoming Art festival

The Artist Connection has announced the Friends Of Art - American Festival to take place On Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Searstown Mall, 3550, S. U.S. 1, Titusville.

There will be local artists who are in galleries and collections around the world, as well as crafters displaying their work for your enjoyment and purchase. Some of the artisans will be constructing their works for viewing.

There will be live music, food and other activities. Bring the whole family.

There will be artists of all kinds, including oil, water colors, sculptures, glass etching and cravings, drawings, portraits, metal, stain glass, muralist, photography, jewelry, stone, pencil, wood, a guitar builder and more.

Some of the artists include:

. Panther - One-of-a-kind original "Old World" frescoes with a unique and modern flare, incorporating sailing ships, mermaids, birds, fish, animals, portraits and more.

. Emerson - Acrylic artist who says "Give me a photo and I can paint it on almost anything."

. Van Arsdall - Oil master who enjoys painting too many subjects to list.

. Stout - The local glass artist who makes pocket-sized etched mirrors to wall-sized tropical and underwater scenes.

. Randall - Portrait artist and more.

. Reno - With more than 25 years experience as a color specialist, her experiences include seeing the actual transformation and healing power of color. Used in her artwork, in the home and office in her faux paintings and wall murals.

. Klopfstine - stain glass master who has his glass works in churches around the world, as well as many celebrity's homes and businesses.

. And many more artists and crafters.

For information to become a vendor or sponsor, call (321) 632-6979 or e-mail theartistagency@yahoo.com.

Watercolor classes offered

Cocoa Beach: The Brigantine Gallery, 80 S. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, offers watercolor classes at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays with Sandi Willians. The gallery also features local art by "Waterworks." For information, call (321) 783-7430.

Indian Harbour Beach: Indian Harbour Beach Recreation Center, 1233 Yacht Club Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach, offers watercolor classes on Wednesdays from noon to 2 p.m. with Clare Pearson Zipperly. For information, call (321) 773-0552.