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Egyptian belly dancing, metal encased in glass, and one-of-a-kind wood sculpture are just a few of the surprises patrons will find at the grand opening of three art galleries in the Oregon District this evening. The Color of Energy, Visceral Gallery and Goloka Gallery will join Gallery 510 as the newest visual art venues in the district.

It's all part of an urban renewal project begun by Dr. Michael Ervin to revitalize the Oregon District. He plunked down $250,000 of his own money to invest in this idea, and has collaborated with the city of Dayton, CityWide Development Corp., Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Oregon District to make it happen. Ervin's contribution is helping subsidize the artists' rental fees and pay for an arts district director and a consultant.

"I'm ecstatic about the progress so far; the results are surpassing my expectations. We're going to have a lot of art galleries up and running very quickly," said Ervin. "We're working cooperatively with all the other visual and performing arts organizations. We want to position Dayton as an asset for the region. This could be a destination point."

According to Ervin, they have received "tons of calls" from many artists and nonartists alike inquiring about the expansion and to see if they could be part of it. One group is putting together a holistic medical center that will have a spa-like atmosphere featuring massage and acupuncture treatments. The planning committee has also talked with PlayThink, a group that promotes writing and performance art along with visual works.

These grand openings are an extension of the Cannery Art & Design Center's (434 E. Third St., Dayton) "First Fridays" events.

"We plan on doing something special for each First Friday," said Francine Riley, owner of Visceral Gallery. "These events will always be a celebration, and it's a great time to explore all the different offerings in the Oregon Arts District and throughout downtown."

Those visiting this weekend will also get a preview of the Link Gallery at 519 E. Fifth St. which will feature works by co-owners Kaye Carlile and Susanne King. Link Gallery will celebrate its grand opening March 14 and 15.

The Color of Energy

16 Brown St.

(937) 266-3491

www.colorofenergygallery.com

The owner is Mike Elsass, a celebrated, nationally-known artist who specializes in abstracts on rusted metal. It is adjacent to Pacchia, and across the street from Thai 9. In addition to presenting his own works, Elsass will showcase works by other local and national artists in the gallery. The grand opening will also feature photography by Jacquelynn Buck, metal bracelets by Hamilton Dixon and handmade cards by Anice Ervin and Friends. Elsass is also featuring the works of Eva Buttacavoli, director of exhibitions and education at the Austin Museum of Art in Texas.

Visceral Gallery

523 E. Fifth St.

(937) 409-0069

Francine Riley, a former art teacher at Centerville High School, is the owner. Her gallery features her works: batiked fabrics, collages and mixed media pieces. Patrons at the opening will also be treated to an Egyptian atmosphere. Moushira, an oil painter who lives in Egypt, will be showing works; and Egyptian belly dancer Kira of Kira's Oasis will be performing. Guests will also get to see James Michael Kahle's unusual glass art. Kahle specializes in encapsulating metal in glass.

Goloka Gallery

521 E. Fifth St.

(937) 559-7810

www.shonwalters.com

Words really don't do justice in describing Shon Walters' wood sculpture, but we'll try. Whimsical. Surprising. Delightful. The word he uses on his Web site is eccentric. The most eccentric pieces are his wooden boxes.

Some are self-locking, as in his "Keeper of the Secret" series, and can only be opened by breaking them apart. The titles of some of his other pieces, like "Cross pollination between Elegant Anorexic and the Numerically Wrong Legged Daddy Long Leg with Clodhoppers on #2" gives you an idea that he has an ongoing dialogue with his works.

how to go

What: Gallery grand openings

Where: The Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., Visceral Gallery, 523 E. Fifth St., Goloka Gallery, 521 E. Fifth St.

When: 5 to 10 p.m. today, March 7 and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 8.