Shawn Myers wanted to use his shipping and receiving space in the Calvert Building for more than shipping and receiving. I always wanted a place to show art, he said, and this venue off Mount Vernon Avenue offered an intimate space to showcase selected artists.

He knew that he wanted to do something with art, and a friend said, If youre going to do it, just go with fine art. Eight shows later, he says Its awesome! I knew that it was going to be a challenge, but if I could sustain it, through word-or-mouth it could be exactly what I wanted.

Specifically, the Del Ray resident wanted a place for people who are intimidated by the art scene to bring a date, a place that is casual and comfortable, just to appreciate the art to feel it.

The current show, by Artist Pridon Goisashvili, is the eighth for the Blueberry Art Gallery. A native of Tbilisi, Georgia, Goisahvili came to the United States in March 2002. His work has hung in galleries and museums, including the Georgia State Museum, the Academy of Arts and the National Gallery in Tbilisi. Winner of the celebrated Youth Illustration Concepts Award, Goisahvilis drawings have appeared in both childrens books and publications for such notable organizations as UNICEF.

Among artists who have inspired him, Goisashvili mentions Latvian-born American artist Mark Rothko, Italian artist Giorgio Morandi and self-taught Georgian artist Prismani.

Exhibition hours have been limited to the opening and closing receptions and by appointment, but beginning Aug. 26, the gallery will be open Tuesday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you go: Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112A Mt. Vernon Ave., (behind Hectors Place) Alexandria. For further information, visit www.blueberryartgallery.com or call 703-894-8854.