Culture 2 Go

McCambridge-Thomas says that this year’s Visual Fringe consisted of 128 pieces of art and raised more than $3,500 – all of which goes back to the artists.

Marshall posted on her Facebook page that this year’s Fringe sold and comped 23,470 tickets – 2,253 more than last year.

Don’t underestimate the paintings of artist Robin Pedrero – even if artwork that’s bright and decorative, rather than arresting, isn’t your taste, many of the paintings she has on display right now in Amalgamation, a show hanging at Avalon Island art gallery, are well-crafted, easy on the eyes and (dare we admit this?) uplifting. Pedrero, who says she responds to “what catches my eyes and heart,” works primarily in acrylics and India ink here, and her images are whimsical and singsongy – silhouettes of white birds (doves?) and creeping vines punctuate canvases washed in vivid splashes of color. Pedrero’s work is simple but done well, and it’s pleasing if not challenging. She shares the gallery with Aurora Rincon, whose figurative bronze sculptures are rough-hewn and weighty – a nice earthy complement to Pedrero’s paintings. (Through June 10, Gallery at Avalon Island, 39 S. Magnolia, 407-312-0708, galleryatavalon island.com, free.)

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