In celebration of Black History month, The Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL) will open two exhibitions on Feb. 11, which feature the work of two Virginia artists whose works explore African American themes. PAAL’s main gallery will feature an exhibition of paintings by award-winning artist Philip Muzi Branch whose recent paintings visually articulate the religious, political and social manners, as well as the customs of African American culture. PAAL’s upstairs gallery will feature an exhibition of recent paintings by S. Ross Browne. The artist describes the works that will be on view are “all stemming from a desire to understand the enigma in the dichotomy of human compassion and apathy as it relates to race and race relations.” Feb 11 6 – 9 pm. The exhibitions will remain on view through March 5, Tues. – Fri. 12 noon – 6 pm; Sat. 10 am to 4 pm. 7 E. Old St. 861-4611 www.paalart.com