The Lincoln Barber Shop in Bellevue is the old-fashioned kind, with a row of well-worn, leather barber chairs running the length of the narrow shop.

But the artwork on the walls belies the old-time feel of the 42-year-old shop.

Hanging in the shop are colorful paintings, some surreal, such as a dark interpretation of the Tooth Fairy by David Deffner, of Bellevue.

It's part of Aaron Stubna's vision to help local artists while helping Bellevue, too.

"The idea is to give the artists the space, to promote local artists, give them a 30-day run and constantly change it," he said.

Mr. Stubna placed an Internet ad inviting artists to hang their work in his shop as part of Bellevue's second annual Light Up Night this holiday season. Originally, the artists thought they would remove their work the next day, but Mr. Stubna decided they should keep the artwork up and offer it for sale.

He joked with some of the customers who like to come in and "loaf," telling them, "I'm just trying to give you guys a little culture."

To draw some attention to Bellevue, he and other businesses are holding a free art event at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

In addition to the gallery in the Lincoln Barber Shop, Matthews Arts will hold an art exhibition, Your Mom's will display art and offer live music, Affogato Coffee Bar will offer live music, Devine Sensations will hold a holiday party, and Scheer Studio S and Vivo restaurant will be open.

"We do have some jewels here in Bellevue that are undiscovered," said Mr. Stubna, 36, who is the third generation of his family to cut hair in the Bellevue shop. It was opened by his grandfather, Fred Mell, and later run by Mr. Mell's daughter, Christine Stubna, before Mr. Stubna took over. He now works alongside two aunts at the business.

His idea of offering art and music to attract people is what he would like to do at the Garden Theater on the North Side. The historic theater was built in 1915 and began showing X-rated movies in 1972. It closed in February.

Now, the Urban Redevelopment Authority is considering several proposals, including Mr. Stubna's, for redevelopment of the theater and the entire block called the North Side Federal Street-North Avenue corridor.

Some proposals call for renovatomg the entire block, but Mr. Stubna has plans only for the theater.

He wants to convert the 900-seat, single-screen theater into a smaller, 350-seat theater. The front of the building would be converted into an art gallery with an open kitchen that would be a stage for Culinary Art Institute students. Another part of the building would house a wine bar, and the theater also would be used for films and live music.

He wants to entertain patrons before a film begins with live music instead of canned music or the same eight movie trivia questions shown over and over on the screen.

"When you come into our theater, you might see a three-piece jazz band or an acoustic act, some sort of local talent. There's artists out there dying for stage time," he said.

"I want to entertain you before your entertainment," he added. "It will cost you the same."

Mr. Stubna also would like to hold three to four concerts a month.

"We feel the inside of the theater should be modernized. The outside we want to be restored back to its original look."

On the inside, he foresees three levels of stadium seating, with lounge booths in the back, "a real Rat Pack-era feel," Mr. Stubna said.

His background in filmmaking also would play a role in the project. He would like to offer after-school film classes for children.

"I want it to be the community's theater. The community has to be involved," he said.

For more information about tomorrow's art event, call 412-766-1668.