Velvet Nude Paintings, But Don't Worry, Not Elvis

Almost everyone has seen, if not secretly harbored a desire for, a velvet Elvis painting. The oil-on-velvet depictions of the now 20-years-dead star in his brilliant Vegas finery are the stuff of American legend. But are they ART?

Well, maybe not the Elvis stuff, but local collector David Price thinks that velvet artists in general haven't received their due. His "Velvet Lounge" exhibit opening tonight at the Showbox nightclub will introduce Seattle to the works of "legendary" velvet artists such as Edgar Leteeg and Burke Tyree. Consisting almost entirely of nudes, though thankfully no Elvis nudes, the 25 to 30 works will be on display for one week only. Price is hoping that the exhibit will jump-start support for his still-in-the-planning-stages Museum of Velvet Paintings.

"Velvet Lounge" will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. today through Sept. 11 at the Showbox, 1426 First Ave.; 206-628-3151.

Art on wheels: A Subaru covered in leopard spots? Ever-smiling Barbie dolls glued to the hood of a Toyota Corolla? A vintage Volkswagen micro bus transformed into a charming tiki hut? From the day the first automobile rolled off the assembly line, car owners have come up with ways to individualize their vehicles. But while most stick to the occasional odd accessory or clever bumper sticker, a number of local car owners have transformed their road warriors into pieces of art. On Saturday at the Art/Not Terminal Gallery, Seattle art car guru Larry Neilsen (a k a Dr. Schlock) and show curator Byron Lymburn present "Car Art I," a one-time evening exhibit of 15 to 20 of these artfully modified automobiles. Dr. Schlock will also present a slide show and discussion on the art car movement. Car-related art will remain on display at the gallery through Oct. 2.

"Car Art I" takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Art/Not Terminal Gallery, 2045 Westlake Ave. (206-233-0680).