Poet and novelist Oscar Wilde once said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.”

This got me thinking: Most of us would agree art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, and a sign of individuality is expression of self in a unique or extraordinary way.

So, be an individual and find your “art” in April!

If you checked out Jill Johnson’s moRe sUper event this month, you’re going to love her latest exhibition of artists, along with a countless number of other talents, at this year’s Gaslamp Art Showcase in downtown San Diego, March 29 from 12-7 p.m.

The Gaslamp Art Showcase will host many works in three different collections: The Reflection Art Show on Fifth Avenue between J and L streets under the Gaslamp Archway, The Spyglass Art Exhibit inside Gaslamp businesses between Fourth and Fifth avenues, and the Kaleidoscope Art Tour (from 3-7 p.m.) in the fine art galleries and rooftop lounges throughout Downtown.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery will host moRe sUper’s exhibit of artists Bruce Reeves, John Brooks and Jacki Geary. Save energy for the after party, a showing of the Human Canvas, a collaboration of local artists using the human body in its purest form to create art, at Confidential Restaurant & Loft from 7-9 p.m.

The event is free, except for sampling of fine wine and spirits on the Kaleidoscope Art Tour, which is $10 per person.

For more information on all of the artists who will be featured and participating locations, visit www.gaslamp.org/articles/articles/gaslamp_art_showcase.html.

In the planetarium at The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m., The Sky Tonight presents the sky as it would appear on the night of the show, as well as special topics in astronomy, including The Sun & the Solar System on April 2 and Planets Beyond the Solar System on May 7.

Tickets are $6 for members and $8.50 for non-members; get there early because tickets usually sell out (in March, the astronomer stayed for an impromptu second show). Tickets for The Sky Tonight also include admission to the galleries. After the show, The San Diego Astronomy Association provides the use of telescopes to view the night sky (weather and operational requirements permitting).

If astronomy isn’t your cup of tea, then check out Fridays at the Fleet, a series of four classic and current IMAX films shown every Friday starting every hour from 6-9 p.m. Titles such as Mysteries of Egypt, Island of Sharks, and Volcanoes of the Deep Sea are featured, and the cost is $7.50 for each showing.

For more information on these events and more, call 619-238-1233 or visit www.rhfleet.org. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is located at 1875 El Prado.

Every year, I look forward to the onslaught of gay films the industry has to offer, and I’m not talking about the likes of Brokeback Mountain. April 11-17 at the Ken Landmark Cinema, FilmOut San Diego celebrates 10 years of enlightening, educating and entertaining the communities of San Diego County through the exhibition of GLBT-themed films.

Also this year, FilmOut showcases a San Diego GLBT filmmakers segment, showcasing movie short The Field by director Robert Mrazek and the main feature, Birthday Boy, by director Dale Jeter. These films are just two of the plethora of shorts and features that are sure to tantalize all of your senses.

Tickets are $10 for each film or group of films, but a VIP All Access Pass can be purchased for $150, which will allow you entry to every show in the film festival as well as all FilmOut-sponsored parties. If that’s a little out of your budget, try the Boys/Girls Package, which features three pre-selected films for $24.

For more information and to purchase tickets, stop by Obelisk Bookstore or visit www.filmoutsandiego.com. Obelisk Bookstore is located on 1029 University Avenue and The Ken Landmark Cinema is located at 4061 Adams Avenue.

This year’s annual event of culinary delights from more than 40 of the area’s restaurants will be held on April 18 from 12-4 p.m., and it promises to satisfy your appetite!

During Taste of Uptown/Hillcrest, taste new and delectable dishes on your restaurant tour through the gayborhood, while perusing the great shops and the new Sidewalk Sale. Shuttles will be available making limited stops around town, and walking maps will be made available the day of the event, highlighting the locations of all participating restaurants.

Tickets are $30 per person (and have sold out the past three years). Proceeds benefit the Hillcrest Association. For tickets and more information, visit www.mcfarlanepromotions.com or www.hillcrestassociation.com.

Don’t forget to check out the San Diego EarthWorks EarthFair 2008 on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in picturesque Balboa Park. This EarthFair is touted as the largest free annual environmental fair in the world, drawing around 60,000 visitors a year.

Stop by one of more than 200 exhibitors, five stages of entertainment, the eHome exhibit showcasing products and technologies that can make your home more environmentally sustainable, the eARTh gallery featuring works of art using recycled materials or depicting “endangered species” in San Diego County, the food pavilion, and the cleaner car concourse exhibiting vehicles of all descriptions that run on alternative fuels.

Visit www.earthdayweb.org/ SDEW_EarthFair.html for more information.

A simple act of charity can go a long way, and on April 27 from 7-9 p.m. Aveda and The Surfrider Foundation are hosting a fund-raiser at the Mission Beach Woman’s Club to benefit The Surfrider Foundation.

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

As a part of the fund-raiser, patrons can enjoy organic hors d’oeuvres, wine from San Pasqual Winery and live entertainment from Paul Gregg of the David Shaw Duo. A silent auction of various items, including original artwork and salon services from Gila Rut, will also be held. In addition, honored guest speakers who support this great cause will include Congressmember Susan Davis (D-CA).

A limited amount of tickets can be purchased at The Aveda Experience at Fashion Valley for $20 per person.

The Mission Beach Woman’s Club is located at 840 Santa Clara Place.