West-central Florida's last big outdoor art show of the year happens this weekend. Mayfaire-by-the-Lake, sponsored by the Polk Museum of Art, is set up on the museum's grounds and the adjacent lake, a bucolic setting complete with swans - both the real kind and giant fiberglass versions painted by artists several years ago. More than 100 artists and crafters will have their wares for sale. A children's art tent includes hands-on activities for physically or emotionally challenged children. And, of course, entertainment and lots of food will be available. It could be the perfect answer to "Where should we take Mom for Mother's Day?" The Polk Museum is at 800 E Palmetto St. Mayfaire hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. (863) 688-7743 or www.PolkMuseumofArt.org
A plein-air show of support
The opening party for the third annual Plein Air Painting show and sale is at 7 tonight at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, with food provided by Bonefish Grill, to benefit the city's First Night. "Plein air" is a genre popularized by 19th century French painters who took their easels and paint boxes outside into the "open air" to paint what they saw. It's still a popular genre and more than 30 artists, including Larry Moore, whose Tampa and Tampa Bridge is shown above, have contributed work for the silent auction. First Night is a nonalcoholic performing and visual arts event on New Year's Eve held at and around the city's waterfront. Tickets for tonight's benefit are $75. The show will continue through Sunday. For information, call (727) 823-8906.
