This month, Venice's West Venice Avenue will become an outdoor art studio for more than 30 painters from across the country. From Feb. 26 through Feb. 28, the town's picturesque historic downtown district doubles as a

Amy Webber, a VAC instructor and member, poses with one of her sculptures at a members’ exhibition.

scenic backdrop for Venice Art Center's third annual "Paint Out in Paradise III." Visitors can observe the artists in creation mode and then view the completed works during a public exhibit held March 1-8.

"It's a wonderful event," says Bonnie Kaiser, explains Bonnie Kaiser, Venice Art Center's public relations director. "The painters have a blast - and the public loves watching them in action." The invited artists choose a variety of outdoor subjects, including streetscapes, buildings, the beach and other natural landscapes. Each artist completes one to four paintings, which will be on sale during the public exhibit. All proceeds fund Venice Art Center programs. "If this year is anything like the past two years, every painting will be sold!" says Kaiser.

Before the artists hit the streets, juror Mary Erickson will give a gallery talk on plein air painting techniques, Feb. 25, 5 p.m., at the Center. Tickets are $5. For a chance to meet the artists and see (and purchase) their works before the public exhibition, attend the "Paint Out in Paradise III Fine Art and Wine Reception," Feb. 29, 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance by calling Venice Art Center. Erickson will announce awards, including best of show, first, second, and third prizes, and honorable mentions.

Venice Art Center, the region's oldest and largest community art center, offers classes, workshops, summer art camps, and exhibits throughout the year. This venerable organization hails back to 1956, when the Woman's Club sponsored a two-day art show. Two years later, the Venice-Nokomis Art Association was born, which later morphed into the Venice Area Art League. It adopted its present name in the 1980s. Thanks to the efforts of its many supporters, the organization has expanded to feature five galleries, more than 200 classes, a children's summer camp, workshops with acclaimed artists, a speakers' bureau, a youth recital series, gallery talks, an extensive reference library and a café.

The Center boasts nearly 1,000 members. One way to view some of their works is during the Members Spring Exhibition, March 14-April 3. Kaiser estimates that approximately 125 members will show their creations, including fabric and fiber art, ceramics, photography, paintings, and sculpture. And if you love Florida's lush landscape, don't miss the Clyde Butcher photography exhibit, June 27-Aug. 15.

If you go:

Venice Art Center, 941-485-7136, www.veniceartcenter.com