KBBI an Downward Dog Productions will bring singer, songwriter and guitarist Kelly Joe Phelps to Alice's Champagne Palace Thursday, Feb 12th at 8 p.m. Phelps released his new album, 'Slingshot Professionals,' in March of 2003 and will stop in Homer for this solo show. Tickets are available at Alice's, KBBI, Solstice Music, and the Homer Bookstore and cost $25.

French film coming

The French film "Beaumarchais the Scoundrel" will play Friday at the Kachemak Bay Campus Foreign Film show. The 1997 film focuses on one of history's most extraordinary figures: inventor, playwright, diplomat, playboy, spy for King Louis XV and emissary of the colonial attacks against Britain during the American Revolution. With love affairs, scandals and espionage filling the hilarious yet elegant and richly detailed period piece, this film is one to see, promoters say. The film, which runs at 6 and 8 p.m. at the Kachemak Bay East Campus, is free, and donations are accepted.

Ptarmigan Arts remodeling

Ptarmigan Arts will be closed Feb. 15 until further notice for remodeling. For more information, call Jewels at 235-5345.

Pratt deadline extended

The Pratt Museum is soliciting entries for its Juried Art Show 2004. Preliminary jurying will be from 35-mm slides only. Due to the unexpected unavailability of slide development, the deadline has been extended to this Friday. This year's juror is sculptor and architect Tim Prentice, known internationally through his installations of kinetic sculpture. Each artist may submit up to four entries. Works in any media are accepted. Only works not previously shown and completed in the last two years will be accepted. Each entry must be accompanied by an artist entry form along with a $20 fee. Entry forms are now available at the museum (ring the doorbell) or via mail or fax. Call Gale Parsons or Kathleen Cashin at 235-8635.

Patrons of Pratt offering chocolate

The Patrons of the Pratt Society are sponsoring a gala evening of delectable chocolate delights and sampling of fine port wines for Valentine's Day. Coffee, cold beverages and a selection of cheeses will also be served. The Mike Heimbuch ensemble will entertain guests throughout the evening with swing jazz. A silent auction featuring unique gifts will also be offered. The event will be held Feb. 14 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are on sale at the museum and the Homer Bookstore.

Kaufman watercolors chosen

Two watercolor paintings by Mary Bee Kaufman were chosen to accompany the 2003 All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition XXX, which opened Feb. 1 at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. The works will be in Anchorage through March 7 and will then travel to the Kenai Bicentennial Visitor and Cultural Center, then to the Fairbanks Arts Association and Juneau.

Beck paintings in Hawaii

An exhibit by Halibut Cove artist Marian Beck will be on display this month in Hawaii. The show, title "Island to Island, Art of Kohala" will open Friday at the Parker Ranch Historic Homes.

Alaska stories, photos wanted

The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, a high school program of the National Wildlife Federation, invites Alaska students (elementary through college) to submit their personal stories and photos about the wild places in all regions of Alaska. Stories and photos will be compiled into a booklet that will include the natural history of these regions and a resource directory of organizations and agencies. Written submissions are limited to 700 words. Photos will not be returned. All submissions must be received by March 15. Send to AYEA/NWF, 750 West 2nd Ave., Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501 or fax 258-4811. E-mail is AYEA@nwf.org. Call 339-3907 for more information.

Craft supplies wanted.

The Boys and Girls clubs of the Kenai Peninsula are looking for donations to their arts and crafts program. Things such as felt, sequins, ribbon, yarn, feathers, Styrofoam, strong little boxes to cover, fabric, egg cartons, beads, acrylic paint, etc., will be happily received. Proof of donation for a tax deduction is available. Call 283-2682 for more information.

Artists in Schools apps available

Applications are now available for the Alaska State Council on the Arts 2004-2005 Artists in Schools Program. Every school, public or private, in the state is eligible to have a resident artist for a minimum of two weeks for next school year. The program offers students and teachers an opportunity to work with professional artists on site in a fill-time residency. Residencies last from two weeks to four months. The program provides a matching grant to school funds to provide art artist residencies, teacher in-services and community outreach opportunities. For more information, go to www.eed.state.ak.us/aksca or call (888) 278-7424.

Poetry contest entries wanted

The Fairbanks Arts Association's Literary Arts Committee is now accepting entries for the 10th Annual Poetry Contest. Awards ranging from $150 to $15 in three categories (adult, high school and grade and middle school) will be awarded. Entries must be typed and may not exceed 100 lines. No more than four poems per author may be entered. A cover page should be included with the author's name, address, phone and category as well as the title of all poems submitted. For more information call 456-6485, x-227 or e-mail fairbanksart@mosquitonet.com. Entries must be received by March 28.

Community band rehearsing

Homer's Community Band is now meeting on Thursday nights in the Homer High School band room from 6-7 p.m. The emphasis is on enjoyment and the band plays everything from Sousa marches to Joplin rags and Dixieland, to big band tunes and classical arrangements. We're looking for more clarinets, trumpets, baritones and low brass, but anyone who wants to play is invited if they can play at least four different key signatures. Rusty players welcome. Call Renda Horn for more info at 235-2025.

Fleece fest returns

NOMAR will sponsor the fourth annual Piece the Fleece contest. All interested can stop by, pick up entry blanks, pay the entry fee and pick up a bag of fleece scraps to work with. All entries must be delivered to NOMAR by March 15. Prizes will be awarded in youth and adult categories. For more information, call 235-8363.