Thursday, July 28
Selfie Deception
We can all probably agree there is no photographic image more narcissistic than the digital selfie. Those 18th-century kings and queens who posed for days at a time in starchy regalia so artists could paint laborious portraits of them for posterity have nothing on the selfie generation, where self-love is not only rampant but also in need of constant replenishment: Shoot, post, dispose, repeat. It's hard not to think of the ubiquity and immediacy of this most expendable of art forms when viewing Aurora Molina's "Selfie" exhibition at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison St., Hollywood). The Cuban-born Miami-based fiber artist comments on the inherently transient nature of self-snapped images by recreating them with the most painstakingly slow method imaginable: needle and thread. Her dozens of smartphone-size selfie quilts put our digital snapshots into new perspective by treating each smiling mug shot and dramatic scowl as a work worthy of such finger-aching commitment. Listen to the artist discuss her process and the themes addressed in her work — from egocentrism to social-media addiction — at an artist talk in the gallery at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The talk is included with museum admission, which costs $7 for adults and $4 for students, seniors, and children ages 4 to 17. Call 954-921-3274, or visit artandculturecenter.org. John Thomason
Organizing food drives, volunteer dog walking, fostering, and helping out at the local no-kill shelter — there are so many tasks we could be doing each day to make the world a better place for our furry friends. One other crucial way to assist is with cold, hard cash (when you can afford it). If you can combine fundraising with cocktails and conversations with other like-minded animal lovers, even better. That's where Bark for Art: A Benefit for Animal Aid comes in: an evening of drinks, live music, food, and live art auctions this Thursday evening. Animal Aid is a Fort Lauderdale-based no-kill rescue shelter dedicated to all cats and dogs in need. The night includes raffles for items like spa treatments, Marlins tickets, and gym packages. There will even be honorary shelter guests for the evening, so you'll get a chance to mix with some four-legged friends. Bark for Art is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Hotel, 620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Guests are encouraged to RSVP with advance tickets at barkforartauction.eventbrite.com. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 dollars the day of the event. Terra Sullivan
Friday, July 29
Marked for Life
The art of ink has evolved continually since mankind first applied pigment to skin. Yet for the millennia this art form has been evolving, it wasn’t until relatively recent times that tattoos began to lose their old stigmas and taboos. Fifty years ago, someone with a tack or piercing wouldn't have been permitted to administer anesthesia; now, you wouldn’t bat an eyelid if the doc doing a triple-bypass on Pop-Pop had full sleeves. Hell, you might even inquire whose name is inked in cursive on the guy's neck. The bottom line is that we live in wonderful times to get inked or to be a tattoo professional. Tattooing is so prolific these days that it seems like every Dick, Tom, and Jane has opened up a parlor in town. Fort Lauderdale’s Ink Mania Con might not have everyone represented under one roof, but it will have dozens of local and national parlors and artists plying their trades in order to get your attention and earn your confidence. Aside from a great way to meet the artists and see their skills, the convention will also have seminars, contests, and related vendors for a complete ink experience for both newcomers and those running out of epidermic real estate. An art auction benefitting Blooming with Autism will be a highlight of this event. No presale tickets will be available, and day/weekend passes range from $30 to $70 for adults, while kids under 12 get in for free. Ink Mania Con takes place from noon to 11:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5:45 p.m. Sunday at the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial, 800 NE Eighth St. Call 954-828-5380, or visit inkmaniacon.com. Abel Folgar
Saturday, July 30
Record Time
The term "art rock" takes on a new meaning when assessing the work and curatorial interests of Jane Hart. One of the last exhibitions she presented as chief curator of the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood was Dave Muller's "Rock 'n' Old," a mixed-media aural and visual environment by the record-collecting artist which included a three-day pop-up LP sale during its opening weekend. The collages Hart creates under her anagrammatic pseudonym TJ Ahearn share a similar passion for the synesthesia of sound art and visual art. In "Jukebox Collection," her appropriately titled survey at Girls' Club (117 NE Second St., Fort Lauderdale), Hart creates evocative and nostalgic mixed-media mélanges atop vintage album covers reflecting her diverse taste in music, from Simon & Garfunkel to the Sex Pistols. The pieces will be framed to reveal both her collaged front cover and the album's original back cover. "The records are also included in the albums, in case collectors want to get nostalgic and take them for a spin," says Sarah Michelle Rupert, gallery director of Girls' Club. Don't miss the opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday when Miami post-punk legend Pocket of Lollipops will perform a half-hour set. Admission is free. Call 954-828-9151, or visit girlsclubcollection.org. John Thomason
Footballers and Art
It wasn't too long ago that FATVillage was a quaint arts village. Now, the immediate vicinity of 525 NW First Ave. in Fort Lauderdale features monthly art walks with pop-up cocktail events, culinary events, and cutting-edge art shows attracting enthusiasts from all walks of life. This month's FATVillage Art Walk again features all this plus the return of the Cocktails for Humanity pop-up bar featuring former NFL ballers Zack and Henri Crockett. The event will also feature Color Cut Outs, which showcases the work of local artist Gregory Dirr. The series is an extension of his color abstractions that were influenced by the color cutouts he made in elementary school. From 6 to 10 p.m. at 109 NW Fifth St., World and Eye's "Beneath the Surface," an exhibition of works by Rosalia Curbelo, Hana Davis, Rene Gordon, Sara Walker, and Whitney Leon, will showcase the works of five artists who explore what lies beneath the surface. Call 954-540-9897, or visit fatvillage.com. The FATVillage Arts District is also looking for volunteers to help this Saturday. To volunteer, email [email protected]. David Minsky
Shake What Your Mama Gave You
Travel back in time to the decades between the 1930s and the 1960s for the South Florida Shake Down rockabilly event and pinup contest happening Sunday, where ladies will be vying to be the best retro, rockabilly, vintage pinup girl in 2016. First place will receive $100, an onsite photo shoot with Erika Nelly Photography, gift certificates, and the title of trophy girl for the classic car and vintage motorcycle contest (it's a literal title — she will distribute trophies and takes pictures with the winners). Second place will get $75, gift certificates, 25 percent off a photo shoot with Erika Nelly Photography, and a goody bag. Last but certainly not least is third place, which will get $25, a goody bag, gift certificates, and a free 8 x 10 print from Erika Nelly Photography. The Shake Down Pinup Contest will occur at 4:30 Boardroom Bar, 3343 NE 32 St., in Fort Lauderdale. This is from 2 to 3 p.m. Contestants can register at the event until 1:30 pm. Those entering must be at least 21 years of age. All shapes and sizes are welcome to enter. Visit the Facebook event page. Natalya Jones
