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* The Bemis Underground has a new curator. Joel Elia Damon took over the space after Brigitte McQueen left at the end of 2010. Damon says he’s excited to build on the Underground’s momentum while continuing to grow the space. “I’m extremely honored to be in this position,” he says. And he’s jumping right in with the 2011 Bemis Center Regional Exhibition, a juried show. This is a first-time show that invites artists within a 100-mile radius of Omaha to submit up to five entries. Three artists will be awarded a $500 cash prize and an Underground solo exhibition in 2012. The juror is Kate Hackman, associate director of Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City. The submission deadline is Feb. 11. For more information or to submit work, visit BemisCenter.org. * Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and a few local arts venues have special events planned for the romantic day. Lauritzen Gardens’ Valentine’s Day Dinner is slated for Monday, Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m., in the visitor and education center. Glowing candlelight, a fireplace and a wide variety of tropical flowers will accompany a multiple-course dinner. Meal options include Chateaubriand, roast beef tenderloin, raspberry balsamic chicken, grilled fresh salmon and a stuffed Cornish game hen, among many others. Meal selection, reservation and pre-payment are required, and the dinner is $50 per person. Seating is limited. For more information or to make a reservation, call 346.4002, extension 201. * Art and Bubbly at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln (Full disclosure: I work at Sheldon) is slated for Saturday, Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m. and for the second year in a row will give visitors the chance to enjoy sweet treats and a champagne tasting in the museum’s candlelit great hall. Last year’s event was limited to 80 people and this year’s event has been expanded; tickets are available for $25 per person by calling 472.1454 or by visiting SheldonArtBubbly2011.eventbrite.com. Proceeds from the event support the Sheldon Art Association. Mixed Media is a column about art. Get local art updates at weekfiftytwo.com. Send ideas to mixedmedia@thereader.com.

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