Celebrate the sweetest month of the year at the next University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) First Friday reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday Feb. 1 at hotelVetro in downtown Iowa City.

For $5, enjoy drink specials, light hors d’oeuvres and art by Cheryl Jacobsen, local artist and calligrapher. Each guest will have the opportunity to hand-make a special valentine with a piece of custom-made calligraphic work by Jacobsen. Live music will be provided by guitarist and native Iowan Tom Nothnagle .

Cheryl Jacobsen is a freelance artist in Iowa City with work varying widely from design and straightforward lettering, to illustrations and art. She is an adjunct assistant professor at the UI, where she teaches a variety of classes for the University’s Center for the Book, including a history of lettering and several courses in basic and advanced calligraphic hands.

Tom Nothnagle creates genre-bending improvisations and compositions solidly rooted in classical guitar technique. In addition to broad composition and performance experience, serving as an artist for the Iowa Arts Council and teaching a variety of styles at his studio, Nothnagle is the producer and host of “Tom’s Guitar Show,” which has run for nearly two decades on Iowa City PATV.

UIMA First Fridays provide an ideal chance to usher in your weekend and mingle with other art-enthusiasts for a great cause. Consider becoming a UIMA donor! Courtesies include home delivery of the UIMA magazine and a special Donor Card, which entitles you to complimentary entry to the Figge Art Museum and reciprocal admission to more than 20 other art museums.

First Fridays are sponsored by generous UIMA donors.