Art Walk celebrates Year of Dog

First Thursdays Art Walk marks its eighth anniversary Thursday, when it will also celebrate the Chinese New Year -- the start of the Year of the Dog.

Eight galleries in Art Walk carry the work of more than 45 Chinese artists, and many are celebrating with special events; red balloons will mark the participating galleries.

Chinese refreshments will be available at each of the following galleries during Art Walk, 6 to 9 p.m.:

* Contemporary Chinese Fine Art

* J. Kamin Fine Art

* Lu Martin Galleries

* Mandarin Fine Art

* Miranda Galleries

* Dawson Cole Fine Art

* Seven Degrees

* Win Henstock Gallery

Mei Hui, a student from the Los Angeles Classical Chinese Orchestra, will perform on the guzang (zither) at Contemporary Chinese Fine Art. Dragon dancers are planned at Mandarin Fine Art and Contemporary Chinese Fine Art.

An invitation-only post-Art Walk celebration will take place from 9 to 10:30 p.m., with music by Jason Feddy and acrobatic performances by Sasha Fedortchev and Chobi Gyorgy, formerly of Circque du Soliel, as well as solo performances by Francesco Gella and Paula VanOppen.

Invitations are available at participating galleries or by e-mail at events@firstthursdays artwalk.com.

20060127itobownc(LA)Earl Richmond, shown with a harbor seal pup, will present a video on the blue whale on Feb. 2 at Endandered Planet gallery.