5th Century, Rome Mid February was traditionally the time of the Lupercian festival, an ode to theGod of fertility and a celebration of sensual pleasure, a time to meet and court a prospective mate. In AD 496, Pope Gelasius outlawed the pagan festival. But he was clever to replace it with a similar celebration, although one deemed morally suitable. He needed a "lovers" saint to replace the pagan deity Lupercus.

The martyred Bishop Valentine was chosen as the patron saint of the new festival.

Saint Valentine had been beheaded for helping young lovers marry against the wishes of the mad emperor Claudius. Before execution, Valentine himself had fallen in love with his jailer's daughter. He signed his final note to her, "From Your Valentine", a phrase that has lasted through the centuries.

This week long group exhibition features the work of the greatest artists of our time. Included are Mark Ryden, Marion Peck, Shag Glenn Barr, Sas Christian, Dave Cooper, Liz Mcgrath, Helen Garber, Skot Olsen, Dave Leamon as well as several other renowned upcoming artists.

Most of the artists will be present for this spring event honoring Valentine.

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