ART HOUSE FACELIFT…Art House, Barbara Edell Poole’s showcase for local and regional artists, will be closing March 15 for renovations, including a new roof. The gallery will be holding a special inventory reduction sale this Friday and Saturday, to clear out as much artwork as they can before repairs begin on Sunday. Barbara wants people to know that classes will continue throughout the renovation process, so please call 373-8888 for registration and information. And be sure to stop by the gallery this weekend at 226 17th St. in Pacific Grove, to pick up that painting you’ve had your eye on.

MUSIC FOR THE NESHAMA…That’s Hebrew for “soul,” and PG singer-songwriter Alisa Fineman shows lots of it on her new CD, Closing the Distance: Poems, Prayers and Love Songs. Fineman is perhaps best known for her lyrical folk songs, such as those on her first, award-winning CD from 1988, Cup of Kindness. But anyone who goes to Congregation Beth Israel’s Friday night services, where Fineman usually serves as cantor, knows that she has a wonderful repertoire of Jewish music as well as a heartfelt appreciation for its spiritual depth. Closing the Distance does just that—bridges the gap between Fineman’s love for both Jewish and folk music, with her adaptation of traditional Jewish lyrics and the addition of World Music instrumentation. Check it out at Do Rei Mi Records in Monterey or Carmel, in the synagogue gift shop, or at www.alisafineman.com.

RINGING BELL…Pacific Grove high school student and star flutist Alissa Bell is a rising star on the state classical music scene. She was recently awarded first chair in both the All-State Wind Symphony and the All-State Honors Symphony, an extraordinary achievement. David Hoffman, instrumental music teacher at the high school, is fairly bursting his buttons with pride, writing “together, these two honors strongly suggest that she is the best high school flutist in the state of California.” Way to play it, Alissa!

DOCENT CALL…The Center for Photographic Art, which maintains its office and gallery at the Sunset Center in Carmel, needs volunteers to serve as gallery docents. It’s the usual meet-n-greet gig, with the added bonus of being able to hang out in beautiful downtown Carmel. Give them a call at 625-5181.