Regent Square gallery assembles an interesting show
Don’t miss the fanciful, thoroughly enjoyable exhibition “Curator’s Choice: Celebrating 40 Years of Concept Art Gallery,” at 1031 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square, only through Sunday. It comprises two floors of work by almost 60 artists selected by 23 art professionals, ranging from 19th-century, gilded-frame finery to a contemporary suspended space station, most for sale. Among choice picks, critic and curator Graham Shearing has produced a visually ticklish melange of pluck and elegance patterned on historic Cabinets of Curiosities. Snatch up a copy of his limited-edition catalog cum artist book, “Signs and Wonders: A Modern Wunderkammer” ($ 25), vintage Shearing (who else uses words like huggermugger?). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. 412-242-9200.
Walter Gay panel
In conjunction with the opening of “Impressions of Interiors: Gilded Age Paintings by Walter Gay,” the Frick Art & Historical Center will present a panel of scholars from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday to discuss the collector and socialite who immortalized the richly appointed homes of wealthy Americans and Europeans.
Participating in “Walter Gay and ‘The Spirit of Empty Rooms’” are Isabel Taube, guest curator and catalog author; and catalog contributors Priscilla Vail Caldwell, director of the DC Moore Gallery, New York; Nina Gray, decorative arts expert; and Sarah Hall, Frick director of curatorial affairs. Frick director Bill Bodine will moderate. Advance registration is required and space is limited; cost is $12, members $10. The exhibition continues through Jan. 6 at 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze; 412-371-0600.
Shadyside ArtWalk
“In Your Face: Paintings & Mixed Media by Daniel Bolick” will open with an artist’s reception and music by Joy Ike from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Gallerie Chiz, 5831 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. Mr. Bolick is known for his portraits of prisoners assisted through the Innocence Project (through Oct. 27; 412-441-6005). The opening takes place during the FirstFriday ArtWalk.
Next door, at Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery, a group exhibition of nine glass artists — including Pittsburghers Kathleen Mulcahy, Ron Desmett and Judi Charlson — opens from 5:30-8 p.m. Exhibiting artist Deborah Horrell of Portland, Ore., gives a free talk at 11:30 a.m. Saturday (through Jan. 30; 412-441-5200). Pittsburgh painter James P. Nelson and five friends exhibit at Mendelson Gallery, 5874 Ellsworth, opening 7 to 9 p.m., continuing through Oct. 27; 412-361-8664.
Mt. Lebanon Art Week
The inaugural Plein Air Mt. Lebanon began Tuesday when 25 invited artists, competing for $ 6,250 in prize money, began painting plein air, i.e. outdoors, around the town. Winners will be present at a Friday night gala in the municipal building, where paintings made during the week will be for sale (admission, $125, includes a $ 50 voucher toward purchase of an artwork). Participating artists include local luminaires Robert Bowden, Bud Gibbon, Stacy Innerst, Kevin Kutz, Mary CulbertsonStark and Ron Thurston.
If you’d rather create your own master work, join the Mt. Lebo Paint-Out! from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, a quick competition (first prize is $100) that welcomes beginners and practiced artists, including children. Resultant paintings will also be for sale. Register on website, at the municipal building, or from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday). A Celebrity Paint-Out follows from 1 to 2 p.m., with works auctioned afterward for charity. Plein Air proceeds benefit the Mt. Lebanon Arts Initiative.
The 11th annual Art in the Park, with more than 50 crafters, live music and food vendors, runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Academy Avenue parking lot. For information, locations, tickets or to register, visit www.pleinairmtl.com.
Desmett in N.Y.
“Ron Desmett: Eccentric Beauty,” a solo exhibition of glass sculpture by the Pittsburgh artist, opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at Kim Foster Gallery, 529 W. 20th St., New York, continuing through Nov. 10.