PERU – The public is invited to attend three arts events during “Second Friday at Westclox” on Friday, Jan. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Westclox building on U.S. Route 6 in Peru.

The events, sponsored by North Central Illinois (NCI) ARTworks and Music Suite 408, are the first in a series of combined arts events. They include:

• Art Exhibit Opening Reception showcasing Jan Villarreal’s Oil Paintings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Music Suite 408 Paintbox Gallery.

Villarreal is a self-taught artist, specializing in oil painting. “Jan paints how she would like her world to be,” notes Sue Gillio, owner of Music Suite 408, the 408 Fine Arts Factory and The Paintbox. “Her message to aspiring artists is, ‘you are never too old to create a thing of beauty.’” Villarreal paints under the name of “Carleen’s Artistry.”

• Live Music by Mike Znaniecki from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Westclox ARTworks Center.

Peru native Mike Znaniecki has played guitar since he was 8 years old and has been singing since he could talk, notes Chris Coughlin, president of NCI ARTworks. “His style is easy-listening acoustic, and he’s been most influenced by Stevie Ray and Kenny Wayne Sheppard,” she said.

• BYOB Metal Tooling Workshop from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the 408 Fine Arts Factory.

Artist/educator Suzanne Schafer-Wilson will lead participants in making raised designs on softened metal. “Grab your friends and your favorite bubbly and learn about chasing and repose on metal,” Gillio said. Participants must be 21; cost is $25 for all materials. Pre-registration is required by calling (815) 257-3500.