To one one's surprise, winter's Gallery Night presented bitterly frigid temperatures and blustery winds. But, we still had a nice time, didn't we?

Contrasting January's city-wide art event with the upcoming spring edition paints an exciting portrait, and it's not just because of the forecast 50 degrees.

With a record 74 participants, Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19's Gallery Night & Day promises to be our largest artsy fartsy weekend ever. Here are just a handful of the hundreds of ogling options around town:

Tory Folliard Gallery
233 N. Milwaukee St.
For as long as Gallery Night has been a Milwaukee art force to be reckoned with, the Tory Folliard Gallery has been a forerunner in the scene. The Third Ward gallery celebrates 20 years this Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m. by showing the artists that have made the occasion possible. Wisconsin artists include John Wilde, Tom Uttech, Fred Stonehouse, Patrick Farell and Flora Langlois.

Spackle Gallery
2674 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
This new Bay View art collective gallery just opened in early March. It's second show, "Mnemonic: Visual Echoes," opens on Friday night to highlight the work of abstract artists Frank Juarez, Andrea Larson, Chuck Wagon and Dave Watkins. Reception runs 6-10 p.m.

Miss Ruby
522 N. Water St., suite 203
This bridal shop-by-appointment boutique opens its doors this weekend to offer some wine, chocolate and several Milwaukee-based artists' wedding-related work. Photog Troy Freund has black and white wedding images, Betty Christian and Stacy Kassulke present their custom jewelry collections and eco-friendly floral designer Stephanie McCready of Muscari flowers shows off her socially conscious arrangements. The store is open 12-9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Paper Boat Gallery
2375 S. Howell Ave.
Paper Boat welcomes back Minneapolis-based mixed media artist Amy Rice with Massachusetts-based artist Abby Glassenberg for "Feather Your Nest." The opening runs from 7 to 10 p.m.

Intercontinental Milwaukee
139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
It's a throwback party called "Some Things Get Better With Age" and it exhibits the annual Lifetime Art Competition. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the Rat Pack-esque Tom Sorce Group, gin martinis and '50s style comfort food like bacon meatloaf and fried mac and cheese. Party runs 6 to 10 p.m.

For a fill list of Gallery Night and Day participants, go here.