This Friday, August’s monthly Gallery Cruise promises a wealth of all kinds of art to gaze upon, as well as a chance to check out two new galleries. Most art galleries are open from 6 to 9 p.m.

Café Luna will show “Collages of Felines, One Chicken and Synapse Fandangos,” an exhibition of work by painter Anna Witte. The artist, who was born in Germany, grew up in Spain, and since traveled and lived in many countries, draws her inspiration from ancient myths of pre-Hispanic cultures of Latin America, tales from the Middle East, Spanish poetry and other diverse influences.To find out more about Witte’s work, visit her website, www.annawitte.com.

Duet will show paintings by Michael Spakowsky and mosaic art and jewelry by Lisa Betz.

Hastings Cone Gallery, adjacent to Snapdragon Café and Bakery, will have its grand opening with a show of paintings by island artist Allison Crain Trundle. Trundle received her BFA through the painting program at the University of New Mexico and has shown at galleries throughout the Northwest. Her work can be seen online at www.allisontrundle.com.

Heron’s Nest and Two Wall Gallery will both show “Asian Inspired,” a show of work by Ray Pfortner, a well-known island photographer and teacher. The exhibit includes works inspired by Asian gardens in the Northwest and Pfortner’s hometown of New York City. Lanterns, pavements, lattice windows, foliage and even wildlife will be presented in an encaustic format Pfortner has adapted from an ancient Greek technique — he transfers his photographs into warm beeswax, removing the paper to leave images floating magically in the wax. Pfortner’s show is a preview and advertisement for his upcoming photo workshops for all ages at Portland’s Lan Su Garden in August and September, Seattle’s Chinese Garden in August and Japanese Garden in October. For more information, contact Pfortner at raypfortner@gmail.com. The exhibit at Two Wall Gallery will also include work from Pfortner’s recent workshops with FamilyLink from Vashon High School students.

Island Artistry (in the space formerly occupied by Ignition Gallery) will have a group show to launch interest in a new artists’ co-op gallery. (See story page 1.)

Island Quilter will show work by Art Quilt Sues, a group formed four years ago by members of Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club in Sequim.  The group’s members explore a wide variety of non-traditional quilting, creating wall hangings and garments and offering demonstrations of various fiber arts techniques.

Monarch Gallery will have its grand opening in a new space located adjacent to Monarch’s antique showroom, featuring works by Robert Motherwell, Morris Graves, Cecil Beaton and other artists.

Nirvana will feature sculpture by Anthony Kaufmann of 3,000 BC Studios. Kaufmann says his mission is “through the vehicle of stone, provoke a rapture of mystery, to search for the essence of truth, and to explore the ceaseless cycles of birth and death.”

Open Space for Arts & Community will continue to exhibit an outdoor sculpture designed and built by Ken C. Judd. Community members are welcome to add to the sculpture with materials of their own or those left at the site. The artist will be in attendance on First Friday. Judd will also hold a workshop to augment with the creation of the sculpture from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Open Space.

Saucy Sisters Pizzeria will showcase Nathan Colello Gilmour’s photography. Gilmour’s photos capture casbahs, souks, markets, bazaars and festivals on four continents.

SAW and Vashon Central will show work by painter Spencer Sinner. His work can also be seen on Friday at Sunshine & Ideas.

Vashon Allied Arts Gallery’s show, “Figures and Places,” features paintings by Ted Kutscher and bronze figurative sculpture of the female figure by Mike Magrath. Kutscher’s work often reflects the landscapes as varied as Paris street corners, beaches in Kauai or views from atop Burton Hill. Magrath will show works evoking the goddesses Potnia Theron, Aurora and the Black Virgin, as well as smaller works from a series that depicts figures in repose. The island band River Bend will play music at the reception.

VALISE Gallery will exhibit “Sticks and Stoneware,” a two-person show of works in wood and clay by Patrick McCormick, Western Washington University professor of art, and VALISE mixed-media artist John Martin. The exhibit will showcase the duo’s talent in the media of wood and clay.  Martin, whose work combines metal, resin, encaustics and other media, pulls from his extensive knowledge of engineering to create pieces that are sometimes interactive, with clever mechanical twists. McCormick, head of the ceramics department at his university, creates funny and provocative ceramics intended to leave viewers laughing, surprised or confused.

Vashon Intuitive Arts will show “Zen Doodling,” a show of ink drawings by Bonnie Bristow. After graduating from Vashon High School in 1981, Bristow raised two sons and returned to school to become a nurse.  This last year, while listening to an extended lecture she had heard many times before, she found herself doodling on her tablet. She sent a copy of her drawing to her mother, local artist Geri Peterson, who encouraged her work. Bristow has now created a large body of work.

Vashon Senior Center on Bank Road will exhibit Kristin Reitz Green’s oil still life paintings of food, animals and tableaus.

Vashon Tea Shop will show Piro Kramar’s photographs from her mountaineering ski trips and other hikes.

Vashon Tile Company will show work by tile artist David Blad.