The first time we saw the work of Jennifer Morgan, we immediately wanted to commission her to create some grand mural in our home. Her paintings are bright, whimsical (but not beyond taking on the heavy subject here and there) and totally infectious. We want her energetic shapes all over our walls, and apparently Izmir Mediterranean Tapas does as well. The restaurant is hosting Morgan in another one of its Downtown Arts events from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Eat some tapas, drink some wine and buy some art. We're officially coining the term "gourmet whimsy" just so you know. Izmir is located at 1520 Elm St. Call 214-653-8880.
Friday, November 19
There was something about art time in preschool that was incredibly inspiring and memorable, even now as our memories begin to fail us. One distinct memory involved dunking our digits in tempera paint and gliding our coated fingers over special shiny white paper to produce a shocking bright green smear that was delightful to our cow-licked noggin and wide eyes. Then came the paste paper. For all of us who, even for a couple of hours, would like to return to preschool's hands-on art time, The Decherd Turner Bibliophiles Lecture & Workshop Series at Bridwell Library presents Paste Paper: Finger-Painting for Grown-Ups, a free class taught by Jace Graf of Austin's Cloverleaf Studio. Graf, a 16-year veteran of book arts, will teach about gift wrapping, framing and box making, in which the paste paper technique is useful--and totally fun. The Bridwell Library is located at 6005 Bishop Blvd. Class size is limited; registration is recommended. Call 214-768-3483.
Saturday, November 20
Who doesn't love jewelry? More specifically, what jewelry-lover doesn't covet sparkly handmade pieces of fused glass or hand-blown beads? Most people immediately think "beaded jewelry" and take a mental journey back to their Camp Fire vest, but modern beadworks can be less bulky than that fake plastic turquoise and way more high-fashion thanks to trends such as Swarovski crystals and refinished vintage beads. The Second Annual Fort Worth Bead Market has "all the beads you need," or so says its tagline, with Borsillica glass pieces, novelty beads, detailed and painted beads and more. Beading classes are also available to help new beaders "do the strand." The event takes place at Will Rogers Memorial Complex at Interstate 30 and University in Fort Worth from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Call 903-843-5555.
Sunday, November 21
Stand-up comic Louis CK deserves the highest compliment: The man never sounds like he's doing a rehearsed bit, a certain shtick or some rant he's done a million times before. His act somehow always sounds fresh, as if we're the first audience to ever hear about excuses for not mowing the lawn or how his wife "makes" him drive their dog, Loona, cross-country on his tours. CK has writing credits for the Late Show With David Letterman, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, The Chris Rock Show and The Dana Carvey Show and writing and directing credits for Pootie Tang (one of the most underrated comedy flicks ever) and jazz mockumentary The Legend of Willie Brown. And despite all his television projects, shows and travel, the guy still maintains and blogs on his Web site (www.louisck.com), often inciting a cackle from the reader. This multifaceted funny guy is pee-yourself funny, so grab the Depends and hit the Improv in Addison by Sunday (it's his last night here) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Call 972-404-8501.
Monday, November 22
Everyone needs a cover now and then. Sometimes, that cover is a shelter providing a haven for a woman and her children from violence and domestic turmoil. Sometimes, the cover is a bit more literal, like when a little kiddo just needs a blankie, wooby or binky--a security blanket, something to curl up with and call his own. Sleep Experts locations across the area are participating in Share the Warmth, collecting new and gently used blankets (twin or full), baby blankets, towels, sheets and pillows to donate to The Family Place, Genesis Women's Shelter and Women's Haven of Tarrant County in preparation for the colder months. Christine Cook, president of Sleep Experts, says that in the Thanksgiving season we must look at our own blessings and find ways to help others. "Families escaping an abusive relationship have in many cases left their homes with nothing except the clothes they are wearing." She adds that through Share the Warmth, items such as blankets help victims of abuse "sleep in comfort during this uncertain period of transition." Stores are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The drive continues through November 28. Call 1-888-55-SLEEP or see www.sleepexperts.com for a nearby Sleep Experts drop-off center.
Tuesday, November 23
This Tuesday event plagues us with a heinous mantra, something no person should have to read or, worse, hear. Ever. Unfortunately, the event we're previewing is the screening of the Aerosmith feature flick You Gotta Move, filmed during the tour supporting the band's 25th album, so we are completely out of luck and have endlessly been assaulted with the aforementioned evil phrase. We scarcely dare write it here, lest all of you read it and have the nauseated reaction to it that we did, but we must honor the facts as displeasing as they may be. The despicable adage is actually the title of Aerosmith's latest album and tour: Honkin' on Bobo. We have no idea what the real meaning of this "title" is, but we've come up with some theories, including the grabbing of a groupie's mammaries, the goosing of one's ass and other sordid concepts we hope aren't correct. We're gonna go with it having something to do with blues and blues-related instruments that appear on the album. But since the film doesn't carry the same name, we might be able to handle it when it appears on screen at UA Galaxy Stadium 10, 11801 McCree Road, on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 in advance or $15 on the day of the show and are available at www.bigscreenconcerts.com.
Wednesday, November 24
Most recognition comes after the death of an artist, it seems. Take into consideration the discovered works of the late Harvey Darger or even the elevated values of Jean-Michel Basquiat's work after his death. Once unknowns, now household names. The McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 McKinney Ave., honors what would have been late artist Otis Dozier's 100th birthday. Curated by Dr. Sam Ratcliffe, the retrospective features not only the paintings of Dozier, but archival materials as well, with the show separated to highlight the four stages of the artist's life. Otis Dozier: A Centennial Celebration is a show that unfortunately doesn't afford the audience the ability to congratulate the artist but to celebrate for the centennial. Better late than never, right? The show continues through December 10. Call 214-953-1212.