March's art scene, like the weather, is rolling in as fiercely as a lion. First Friday, the monthly city-wide gallery night, is held by non-profit, university, and commercial and indie art venues in Rochester, where we all trot about from station to station, filling our eyes and ears with what's new and exciting in our community. On Friday, March 4, 6-9 p.m. (and sometimes later) you can check out art openings, poetry readings, and musical performances in various locations. Visit firstfridayrochester.org for a list of this month's participating venues, and check out all the flyers in cafes and such for more events happening the same night. Here are just a few:

1975 Gallery at Booksmart Studio (250 N. Goodman St., 1975ish.com) will present a new show by two members of Sweet Meat Co., "Nothing New: The Ruminations & Imaginings of Sarah C. Rutherford and St. Monci," with new work by both artists as well as collaborations between the two (pictured).

"Winter Blooms" will open at the Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery (713 Monroe Ave., 271-5183), and will feature artistic, functional ceramic work by Giselle Hicks and Kala Stein.

The Hungerford Urban Artisans (The Hungerford, 1115 E. Main St., thehungerford.com) will present the "FLUX: THAW at the Hungerford" in Suite 258, and continuing on Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through March. Arti Gras comes to Anderson Alley Artists (250 N. Goodman St., 442-3516, secondsaturdayartists.com), with open studios, shopping, live Zydeco music and dancing, Friday 5-9 p.m., and continuing on Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. While in the building, be sure to check out "Collaboration Collisions" with work by local artist Heather Erwin and NYC artist Duane Sherwood, in Studio 215, 6-9 p.m.

The Mill Art Center and Gallery and The Rabbit Room (61 N Main St, Honeoye Falls., 624-7740, millartcenter.com) will host "Relevant: An HF-L Alumni Art Exhibition," with work by Honeoye Falls-Lima High School alum, and includes work by internationally acclaimed artists. The 6 p.m. opening will feature live music by Steve Grills and the Roadmasters.

On the alternative-spaces front, check out "Book of Nights" work by Aydin Ture at Living Room Café (1118 Monroe Ave, thelivingroomcafe.com), 6-8 p.m. And at the Gallery at Rubino's Café (1659 Mt. Hope Ave., 271-0110), 5-7 p.m., you will find "Whimsical Art" by Margot Fass, Mollie Wolf, and Martha Schermerhorn.