"I never tire of their forms and colors," Julie Baxendell says regarding the traditional boats used by Portuguese fishermen. Noted over the years for her paintings of small fishing boats, Baxendell returned to Portugal last fall for further research, and spent the winter preparing for her upcoming show.

Colorful Traditions features views of harbors and portraits of individual boats, as well as unusual close-ups showing parts of sterns, several bows, the edge of a gunnel. The colors—bright, primary colors that often contrast each other—represent families for generations back as sons continue to follow the footsteps of their fathers and uncles.

"It’s such a beautiful tradition, proud and honorable. You can see they are proud to be fishermen in the way they take care of their boats. In every harbor in Portugal, they are so well maintained."

Baxendell has been included in the list of the top ten artists to watch by Delaware Beach Life magazine. The recipient of a 2003 Residency Fellowship from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and a 2002 Fellowship Grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, Baxendell is a long-time member of the Rehoboth Art League, an active member of The Artists’ Exchange, and a founding member of the Delaware Watercolor Society. She has been in numerous local shows, and is represented by Peninsula Gallery in Lewes, and Bishop’s Stock in Snow Hill, Md. Also in May, Baxendell is part of a three-person show at The Circle Gallery of The Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis.

The Colorful Traditions opening reception will be held at the Blue Moon Restaurant, 35 Baltimore Ave., on Saturday, May 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. The show will hang throughout May. For more information, call 302-684-1245.

Pop Rocks Introduces First Fridays at Their Baltimore Avenue Gallery

Pop Rocks Art Gallery, recently re-opened for its second summer season, is starting a new tradition, "First Fridays" at the gallery. Beginning Friday, May 5, join them at the gallery from 6-8 p.m. for complimentary wine and cheese, as well as jazz music provided by artist Paul Taylor. The gallery is hoping that this monthly event begins a First Friday tradition in the Rehoboth art community, one that has been successful in many cities across the country.

Throughout the season, Pop Rocks Art Gallery will be doing a number of special events in addition to its First Fridays. While last season’s "Warhol At the Beach" gallery event was a big hit, the owners promise this season’s main gallery event will be of equal importance.

Visit Pop Rocks Art Gallery and experience the vibrant and energetic nature of pop art. Located at 39 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, their goal is to provide the finest pop art and feature the work of the quintessential pop artists of the 21st century.

For more information on the gallery or its featured work, visit www.poprocksart.com or call the gallery at 302-227-0502.