While most galleries are taking a month off from the First Friday openings, Ptarmigan Arts Back Room Gallery opens its doors to a pack of art from Homer's canine photographer, Karen Roush. Roush's exhibit, titled "More Homer Dogs and What They Do," features digital photographs of her furry friends. An opening reception will be held Friday from 5-7 p.m., and the show will be on display through Feb. 5.

Pratt closing next month

The Pratt Museum will be closed through Feb. 4 for yearly maintenance and repairs. The business office will be open for Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 235-8635 for more information.

HCOA members' exhibit up

While not holding a First Friday opening, the Homer Council on the arts will present two exhibits during the month of January. Starting on Wednesday, the council's freshly painted walls will be hung with members' art work. The show will include not only art created by members, but also that art which inspires and enthralls council participants.

Homer Council on the Arts director Janet Bowen said the council sent out invitations to members explaining the show in a recent mailing, and hopes to see artwork as eclectic as the membership.

The artwork will hang for a week before work by the Homer Boys and Girls Club will take its place. An opening of the youth art show will be held Jan. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the council building.

For more information about either show, call 235-4288.

Council holds annual meeting

The Homer Council on the Arts will hold its annual membership meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. The meeting will include a counting of ballots for this year's board of directors as well as reports on fund-raising efforts, a recap of last year's events, and a look ahead as the council moves forward with renovation plans in its recently purchased building.

'Driftwood' calls for entries

The Kenai Peninsula College's literary and art magazine, "Driftwood," is soliciting memoirs, essays, stories, poetry, prose, poems, novel excerpts and artwork from Alaska authors and artists for the 2003 edition. Prose must be limited to 2,000 words, poems to two pages, typed, double-spaced. Multiple entries are accepted. Artwork and photography must be size appropriate for photocopying or scanning, and no pencil or charcoal drawings may be submitted. Send manuscripts to Barb Christian and artwork to Celia Anderson, both at 34820 College Road, Soldotna, AK 99669. For more information, call 262-0364 or 262-0361.

MountainFilm festival returns

The Telluride MountainFilm Festival returns to Homer on Jan. 13 at the Mariner Theatre. The festival, which visited town last year, includes short films of not only outdoor pursuits, but also films focused on environmental awareness. Tickets are available at the Homer Bookstore, and Homer Community Schools. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for students and $30 for families of four or less. Call 235-4288 for more information.