Stay in town for a little arts and culture

I just got done writing about the Mariposa Storytelling Festival for Friday's paper, and it made me think of all the other artsy events going on a bit down from the mountains.

The Merced College Art Gallery last night had a reception for Northern California sculpture artist Chris Beards. While the opening of the show and reception for the artist has passed, his work can be seen on display through March 13. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. This small, humble gallery has hosted some interesting exhibits -- keep an eye out for future shows.

Art is also being shown at UC Merced. Professor Robin DeLugan, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts, and the Kolligian Library are presenting "liberARTE." It features recent artwork by Chicano artist and poet Xico Gonzalez. An artist lecture will be held Feb. 28. Keep an eye out for more details on this event, or call 209 205-8628.

For art off the college campus scene, make a stop at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center to check out its most recent exhibit. Now on display through March is the 2nd Annual California Centered Printmaking Exhibit. The Arts Center is also planning a March 8 concert featuring Paraguayan harpist Ramon Romero and his band Strings of Fire. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $14 in advance or $16 at the door.

If you want to head to a bar for some music instead, the Partisan on Main Street has a lot going on during the week. I just got a call from Merced pop/dance singer Moon Trent, who I profiled in our Arts Etc. section about a year ago. He will perform there Tuesday. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the music starts at 9 p.m. Admission is free.

R.C., one of the owners of the Partisan, also recently passed along the venue's weekly set up:

Monday - OPEN MIC - 8 p.m. - sign ups are free - no cover - 21+
The open mic gives local songwriters, poets, comedians a chance to perform their art on stage.

Tuesday - TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE - 8 p.m. - no cover - 21+
Features local and nationally touring bands performing original music.

Wednesday - KARAOKE - 9 p.m. - no cover - 21+
People get a chance to sing on stage, instead of in their cars or in the shower.

Thursdays - DJ DANCE MASH UP - 9 p.m. - no cover - 21+
The night features two DJs that play a mix of dance music. They do not play the top 40 rap hits, or get to into the techno house genre.

Friday - Party, Party, Party - 8 p.m. - no cover - 21+
Feel comfortable going to a bar without being blasted by a DJ or a band. The stereo will be on with drink specials all night.

Saturday - LIVE MUSIC - 8 p.m. - $5 cover - 21+
A ton of different genres from indie rock and hip-hop, to blues and bluegrass.