Eat, drink and view 'Nudes '96' at art league

It seems as though everything is going alternative. There's alternative clothing, music and even lifestyles. And now there's an alternative way to enjoy art. Tonight is the debut of Fourth Friday: The Alternative Happy Hour sponsored by The Lexington Art League, Ol' Don Jacobs and Z103.3.

The event, which kicks off at 5 p.m., offers attendees, three hours of food, tunes, brew and of course art.

"We're trying to create an alternative atmosphere," said Clair Talmadge, the art league's education director.

The "Fourth Friday" idea was borne out of Talmadge's desire to offer an art-related event that would appeal to the 21- to 39-year- old age group.

"We've had a lot of interest expressed in that age group, but not many outlets," Talmadge said. "I thought it would be good to combine art with something that's already comparable (to that age group)."

What she has done is put together an event that has something to appeal to everyone; furthermore, she shatters the stereotype that associates art and art galleries with strictly upper-class society.

The Alternative Happy Hour will feature Limestone Beer on Tap, free Pepsi and food from Billy's BarBQ and live music by the Humdingers, a local Lexington rock-a-billy band.

The band features Bruce Humphries on guitar/vocals, Frank Turner on bass/vocals and Hugh Baring on drums.

Humphries, a UK art studio senior, said the band's style is reminiscent of the '50s when Elvis mixed rock 'n' roll with country.

"Our response has been very good," said Humphries, whose band has been together for about a year. "We're pretty excited to be playing at the Lexington Art League. We always like publicity and more exposure helps."

Being an artist himself, Humphries said playing at the event is special to him because it celebrates art.

Pieces from "Nude '96," the 10th annual exhibit of the figure, has been on display since Jan. 5 and will run through Feb. 18. It is the Lexington Art League's largest exhibit of the year.

The Alternative Happy Hour is open to everyone. Admission is $2 for all non-members of the art league.

The Lexington Art League at Loudon House, a castellated Gothic villa built in 1852, is located at 209 Castlewood Dr.