THU 3/17
Although they aren't holding any more infamous ravey dances, it's clear you can't keep the good people of Lumonics down. They're back with a retrospective exhibit, "The Art of Lumonics," at the Coral Springs Museum of Art (2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs). The 30-plus pieces of sculpture and mixed-media art highlight the careers of Lumonics Light Museum co-founders Dorothy and Mel Tanner. Dorothy has been carrying on the couple's work since Mel passed away in 1993, including the key feature of internal lighting for sculptured plexiglass. For so many years, the trippy sculptures had set the mood for Lumonics' late-night light shows. Recently, Dorothy, in her new Tanner Studio, has been going greener by updating the couple's sculptures with low-voltage, energy-efficient light sources.
Don't be disappointed if the more subtle exhibit doesn't feel like the crowded, now-shuttered warehouse. In the old days, "Lumonics looked like one huge sculpture; the [pieces] blended into each other," Lumonics spokesman Barry Raphael says. The current exhibit isn't on quite the same scale. But that just gives you more space to appreciate each piece on its own merits.
"The Art of Lumonics" exhibit runs through May 14. Call 954-340-5000, or visit www.lumonics.net. -- Dave Amber
Who Needs Plot Lines?
Mood movie shows outside
FRI 3/18
Plots -- who needs 'em? Not Peter Weir, director of Master and Commander and Dead Poets Society. At least, he didn't need them back in 1975, when he was more of a renegade filmmaker, without Hollywood box-office receipts to which to kowtow. Back then, Weir directed Picnic at Hanging Rock, a beautiful roll of celluloid about schoolgirls who disappear from an excursion in Australia circa 1900. Bonus: Much of the score is by Zamfir, master of the pan flute! The movie screens at 8 p.m. outside behind the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art (601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth). Despite the museum's imminent closing, the Cine al Fresco series -- of which this screening is a part -- will go on, thanks to culture troopers Talya Lerman (PBICA curatorial assistant) and Melodie Malfa (of Sin Miedo Media). The film is free. Call 561-582-0006, ext. 1019. -- Deirdra Funcheon
A Northern Renaissance
In West Palm Beach
THU 3/17
Back in the Renaissance period, people didn't have cell phones to take their friends' picture every five minutes (stop it already!). Instead, it was up to visual painters like Rogier van der Weyden to reproduce one's likeness on canvas. While that was some 600 years ago, the portraiture of the Northern Renaissance lives on in the paintings of Phyllis Herfield and can be seen now through April 9 at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach). With subjects ranging from topless men and women to famous artists, Herfield's paintings occasionally vary in detail (Charles Cowles looks more photo-like than Mary Boone). Now turn off that damned cell phone camera and call 561-832-1776. -- Jason Budjinski
Roles Are for Actors
THU 3/17
For the convention-flaunting artists featured in "Transitory Patterns: Florida Women Artists," art rules and gender roles can take a hike. The mixed-media exhibit pushes the aesthetic envelope, from Marisa Tellería-Díez's fiberglass/hydrostone creation Dismembered Multiseat to Carol Brown's digital dancehall in Edgewater Ballroom. The exhibit runs through June 19 at the Museum of Art (One E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). Call 954-525-5500. -- Jason Budjinski
