In celebration of Valentine’s Day, events are planned for lovers — of music, art and dance, that is.

“Isn’t It Romantic?”, the theme for this Friday’s schedule of events at the Des Moines Art Center, will feature musician Scott Smith playing a wide selection of romantic melodies.

“Smith has played extensively throughout the Midwest,” said Debra Lehmann, marketing director for the Des Moines Art Center. “He plays a large repertoire, but specializes in the ballad.”

Part of the Art Center’s ongoing “Arts After Hours” program, Smith’s performance will grace the audience with the likes of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. Smith will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the main lobby of the Art Center.

In addition, a variety of other activities will be available throughout the evening. A Valentine’s Day card-making workshop will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., giving people a chance to create a unique card for their sweetheart.

“We see this as an activity that the whole family can enjoy,” Lehmann said. Materials and instructions will be provided at the workshop.

For those with a little more ambition, a Tango dancing workshop will be conducted from 7:30 to 9 p.m. by professional dancers Kathleen Hurley and Garin Buttermore of the Iowa Dance Theatre Chamber Dancers.

Starting at 5 p.m., a cash bar and a Zanzibar’s coffee bar will be available in the main lobby. Fine chocolates will also be available for the tasting in the main lobby from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Art Center restaurant will also be open from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and more. The center’s gift shop will remain open until 9 p.m.

“It is a really a fabulous place for Valentine’s Day shopping because it has jewelry, greeting cards, posters, books and more,” Lehmann said.

A guided tour highlighting works in the Art Center’s permanent collection will start at 6:30 p.m.

On exhibit until May 4 in the Main Gallery is, “From Body to Being: Reflection on the Human Image.”

“This exhibit contains more than 60 classic works,” Lehmann said. “They each feature the body as their focus. The public will be able to see works by such artists as Andy Warhol, which should be fun,” she said.

Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. For more information call the Des Moines Art Center 277-4405.

Another upcoming event for culture-minded couples is the Des Moines Symphony’s annual Valentine’s Pops concert, to be held Friday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.

Titled “A Movie Kind of Love,” the performance will take place at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland.

Baritone Douglas LaBrecque and Warner Bros. recording artist Hilary James will join Maestro Joseph Giunta and the orchestra in a broad selection of songs.

“The concert is going to feature a nice mix of classical and contemporary sounds from motion pictures and Broadway,” said Paul Zastrow, public relations and marketing director for the Des Moines Symphony.

Selections will come from The Godfather, “Phantom Of The Opera,” the Lion King, The Wizard Of Oz, Gone With The Wind and many more.

“LaBreque has done a great deal of his work in Canada, including ‘Phantom Of The Opera,’ ‘Sugar Babies’ and ‘Les Miserables,'” Zastrow said.

“We are really lucky to have him because he is a very sought-after talent,” he added.

Zastrow also praised James. “Her debut album Flesh And Bone was a collaboration with father Bob James, a well-known musician,” he said.

A dinner, sponsored by the Des Moines Symphony Guild, will precede the concert at 6:30 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place. A cash bar will open at 6 p.m.

Music will be provided by symphony harpist Mary Foss and party favors will be donated by Joseph’s Jewelry. Tickets for the dinner are $25 per person.

Tickets for the concert are $22 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission.

Tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office and through Ticketmaster. Call 233-1888 to charge by phone.