Carmen’s Cafe will host an “Art Night” this Thursday, Oct. 30 featuring: a honeybee themed intersection artwork project, an art opening with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a special dinner menu.

While community members create the chalk murals outside, Carmen’s Cafe will also host a tapas and sangria reception from 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. for artist Gary Masline. The restaurant will be open until 9 p.m.

Masline’s exhibit of 12 oil paintings is titled “Faces & Places.”

Based in East Greenbush, Masline’s paintings of oils on canvas have received awards from the Mohawk-Hudson Regional Exhibition, Albany Center Gallery, and the Arts Center of the Capital Region. In 2010, the Albany Institute of Art and History named him one of “Tomorrow’s Masters Today,” and in 2001 he won the Metroland readers’ poll for “Best Visual Artist.”

The paintings, on display at Carmen’s from Oct. 30 through the end of the year, use the colors and light of the American southwest, combining people and landscape images to create “stories on the walls.”

(Note: Contact Jim Lewis for publicity images of Masline’s artwork.)

SPECIAL MENU

Carmen’s guest chef, Ross Tuskey, will be preparing the following special menu for Thursday and Friday nights:

• Braised Oxtail; Fontina Grits, Apple Gastrique, Fried Leeks, Cilantro
• Butter Poached Monk Fish Medallions; Fried Green Tomatoes, Pine Nut Couscous, Pink lemon pearls, White Wine Syrup
• Smoked Baby Pork-loin; Whipped Plantains with Coconut, Butternut Squash Hay, Pineapple Rosemary Demi
• Grilled Halibut; Jicama Slaw or Yuka Fries, Pea Puree, Chorizo Cream (optional, depending on market)

Tuskey is a culinary trained chef who prepares food for Carmen’s Cafe on music nights.