Elisabeth Condon, Impending Fall, 2007, Watercolor, 11 x 15 in.

With few natural signals to indicate the passing of the seasons, Bay area residents are left to simulate the arrival of spring with a flowering of arts and cultural offerings. Dear friends, as we face a never-ending onslaught of oppressively sunshine-filled days in the coming months, turn to the following events for comfort. Taken from this week’s Spring Arts Preview: Art feature in Creative Loafing.

Instant Gratification. A “cash-and-carry” show of delicious Polaroids designed to stimulate your appetite for a little art snack. Opens Fri., Feb. 8 at [5]art West Tampa.

Liquid World. New watercolors, collages, and monotypes by Elisabeth Condon at Bleu Acier. Opens Sat., Feb. 9.

Natural Defenses. Mark Messersmith’s vibrant depictions of Florida’s natural landscape and its wild inhabitants. Opens Mar. 1 at the Polk Museum of Art with a talk by the author on Fri., Mar. 7.

Drawing Beyond the Plane. Unconventional “drawings” by local and regional artists at the TMA’s interim location in West Tampa. Opens Mar. 7.

Jun Kaneko. Massive ceramic sculptures, painted with brightly colored glazes and geometric patterns, by an internationally known artist from the Midwest. Opens Mar. 7 at The Arts Center.

The Second Coming. “Low brow” art (I hate this term. Why am I using it?) with an apocalyptic theme by local and national artists at Pale Horse, formerly Blackout Creations. Opens Mar. 15.

Cameron Gainer. Watch out for Big Foot and Nessie sightings in Carrollwood. Opens Apr. 25 at USFCAM.