Art
Art lovers, especially ones transplanted from New York State, should flock to the Society of the Four Arts in Palm
Beach, which recently opened “Hudson River Masterpieces from the New-York Historical Collection.” The exhibit showcase 45 pieces from the beloved school of romantic landscape art, featuring works by such interestingly named artists as Asher B. Durand, John Frederick Kensett and Jasper Frances Cropsey. Rarely has nature’s beauty been married to such stunning photographic realism. The exhibition runs through March 20. Admission is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Call 561/655-7227.
If you’re up in Palm Beach, you might also want to check out “The Extraordinary Joseph Urban,” which opened this week at the Flagler Museum. A designer, architect and illustrator from the Gilded Age, Urban began his architectural career at age 19 and counts among his myriad credits the Esterhazy Castle in Hungary and the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York. He has helped etch Palm Beach County history in stone, having designed the Mar-A-Lago, the Paramount Theater and the Bath and Tennis Club. The Flagler exhibition features objects not seen for more than 90 years. Admission is free for members, $18 for adults and $3 to $10 for children. Call 561/655-2833.
Books
Proving she’s not a one-book wonder, Boca Raton-based author Sharon Pottsreturns with her second mystery novel,
which bears the voyeuristic title “Someone’s Watching.” Two years ago, Potts released her debut, “In Their Blood,” an effective thriller, set in the hallowed halls of academia, about a prodigal son attempting to solve his parents’ brutal murder. Like “In Their Blood,” Potts’ new tome is set in Miami Beach and also features, as its lead character, a wayward student finding herself while attempting to solve a mystery. This time, she infiltrates Miami’s bustling and sinister club scene while trying to find a sister she never knew she had. I’ve interviewed Potts, and despite the dark nature of her storytelling, she’s a very nice lady. Find out for yourself when she speaks and signs copies of “Someone’s Watching” at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Murder on the Beach in Delray Beach. Admission is free. Call 561/956-7770.
Movies
On Friday, the Coral Gables Art Cinema is opening that rarest of film commodities: the animated film for adults. Delving into the relationship between a distinguished British writer and his German shepherd, “Tulip” is the first feature ever to be entirely hand-drawn and painted using paperless computer technology. Friday’s special opening night activities at the theater include dog adoption from Friends Forever Rescue and dog goodie giveaways. Show times are 7 and 9 p.m. Call 786/385-9689.
