By the People, for the People

As a teen, R. Grimes was initiated into the local punk scene after taking a thrashing from a group of skinheads. Undeterred, the skateboard rat would frequently travel to the hardcore South Beach club scene from his home in the Keys, eager to absorb the lumps and quaky imagery that now inform his work. It paid off in spades. The self-taught Grimes has gone on to exhibit his hand-screened creations in Los Angeles, Australia, the Big Apple, and Vegas. Fusing album covers, politics and elements of skateboard and punk rock culture, his work has been featured in Juxtapoz and Swindle magazines. Recently Grimes inked a deal with Urban Outfitters to trick out his own line of threads. “It Started in the Garage,” opening tonight at 7:00 at the Antikulture Gallery (169 NW 36th Street, Miami), explores the artist's early influences in a solo show, during which Grimes will also silk-screen T-shirts live for his fans. Call 305-573-3313, or visit www.antikulture.com.

Downwind at the Miami International University of Art & Design (1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) “Tear/ Off” celebrates more funky street art in the group show curated by DIY: MIA, a grass-roots organization encouraging the public to unleash that inner Van Gogh. The hipster event will include works ranging from stickers to graffiti, handmade books and zines, posters, photographs, short experimental films, and indie (non-retail) clothing hung salon-style. Call 305-428-5676, or visit www.ai.edu/miami.