Opening reception at Visual Art Studio for Greg Lewis's "Pamlico" among several for this Friday

Instead of using them to serve hors d’oeuvres at a party or hold olives in cocktails, Greg Lewis uses toothpicks in art.

An opening reception this Friday, at 7 to 10 p.m. at Visual Art Studio is for Greg Lewis’s new toothpick sculpture, “Pamlico.”

A mermaid of 87,000 toothpicks, “Pamlico” is named for the largest body of water on the East Coast of the United States. The term also refers to Native Americans that once inhabited North Carolina.

Lewis’s other mermaid sculpture, “Hatteras,” is in Ripley’s Believe It or Not’s permanent collection in Orlando, Fla. and will be a part of the 2010 Ripley’s Big Book.

Pamlico will be on exhibit through Friday, April 30. Lewis will also be available at the First Friday Artwalk reception on April 2.

In the Frank Hart Memorial Gallery at Visual Art Studio, new acrylic paintings by Claudia Weisner-Comebecher, “Out of Shape, Out of Line,” will also go on exhibit with an opening reception at 7 to 10 p.m. According to a press release by Visual Art Studio, Weisner-Comebecher’s art is inspired by Minimalism and Asian art.

“Out of Shape, Out of Line,” will be on exhibit through Friday, March 26.

Elana and Rod Hyner will open the receptions with music at Visual Art Studio.

“Forgotten Memories,” new paintings by Chris Semtner, continues on exhibit through Friday, March 26.

An opening reception at 7 p.m. at Gallery5 on Friday kicks off a two-day event sponsored by Gallery5, Rumors and RVA.

“Model Citizen” is a month-long exhibition of Richmond fashion. In addition to runway models wearing local fashion, musical performances will take place and craft vendors will be on hand Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the fashion show at 9 p.m. on Saturday are $7 per person.

Visual Art Studio is located at 208 West Broad Street and can be reached at 804/644-1368.

Gallery5 is located at 200 West Marshall Street and can be reached at 804/644-0005.