A gala opening of two arts exhibits will take place at the Cedar Key Arts Center Saturday, March 1 from 5-7 p.m. In the Main Gallery, artist Sam Kates will show his hyper-realistic paintings. In the Member Artist Gallery, Cedar Key ceramic artists Amy and Henry Gernhardt will show their work for the month of March. New work done by Henry Gernhardt in the past two years but not previously exhibited will debut in this show. A selection of Henry`s large sculptural pieces can be seen in the Arts Center`s Sculpture Garden. Mr. Gernhardt is an Emeritus Professor at Syracuse University, and he has written several books on ceramics. In 2005, his "Blue Bowl" was included in the International Exhibit of the best pots created in the past 90 years. Amy Gernhardt has come to her creative life during the past five years, learning ceramics as an apprentice to her husband, Henry. Mrs. Gernhardt has a strong ethic of ecology and sustainability, which informs her art, inspires her to honor the craft with objects that function beautifully and have soul. Her vessels celebrate simplicity. The opening is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. In addition to the two opening exhibits, an ongoing exhibit of "Beads for Life" will be available through March 21. A "do-it-yourself" workshop will take place Saturday, March 15 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This community-wide workshop and sale will help women in Africa who make the beads from recycled materials. 97% of sales will be returned to the women, following the program`s slogan, "Eradicate poverty one bead at a time." | 