With Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto behind us, it seems most folks are having a little down time this week.

If you still have energy to spare, there are a few cool things to do around town.

‘Inside/Outside’
Artists Steve Johnson and Vanessa Gonzalez have put together a duo show of works inspired by their immediate surroundings called “Inside/Outside,” and the show kicks off with an opening reception 6-9 p.m. Friday at Rick Rhodes Photography and Imaging.

Both artists have interesting sources of inspiration.

An assistant professor of drawing at the College of Charleston, Johnson’s technique is skillful, even as he draws the rodents and birds found in his backyard.

“Chickadees and rats are depicted interacting in a variety of ways, generating open-ended and ambiguous narratives. The work does not assign simplistic roles to each group, but muddles and interweaves the two, creating story lines that explore the gray areas inhabiting the space between good and bad,” Johnson said.

Originally from Santa Fe, N.M., Gonzalez also does things a little differently.

For example, she likes to collaborate, but not really with other people. She prefers her dog, Mick, and gets many of her ideas from the stuffed animals and toys that Mick has destroyed and left lifeless.

“Each finished painting commemorates the toys as a symbol of Mick’s conquests and serves as a reflection of the artist’s environment and personal history,” Gonzalez said.

Meet the artists Friday at 1842 Belgrade Ave., West Ashley. Call 766-7425 or go to www.rick rhodesphotography.com.

‘A Born Leader’
Recently, local artist John Carroll Doyle presented 82 Queen’s general manager, Johnny Williams, with one of his original paintings.

Titled “A Born Leader,” the painting was inspired by Williams’ hard work and dedication. He started working as a bus boy at 82 Queen and has risen to general manager.

The artist and restaurant have a great relationship in general. Doyle’s paintings are the only ones you see in the restaurant, and the same is true for its sister restaurant on the Market, Lowcountry Bistro.

Visit Doyle’s gallery at 125 Church St., and grab some Lowcountry food for lunch or dinner at 82 Queen and see more of Doyle’s work.

Go to www.johncdoyle.com and www.82queen.com.