Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 8/6-8/8

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top end of week picks for 6sqft readers!

One of the busiest art shows I’ve ever seen returns to New York this week- Spoke Art’s annual Wes Anderson-themed exhibition “Bad Dads,” which attracts collectors, fans and those who love to dress like his characters (always a lot of fun). Artist Brian Leo’s colorful myriad of cartoony drawings open at Amy Li, a massive group show curated by Melissa Mccain-Welles kicks off at Azart Gallery, and cutesy arty toy store My Plastic Heart hosts a two-person East vs. West Coast Show. The gorgeous grounds of Wave Hill in the Bronx invite guests to chat with artists in their current show after perusing the gardens, and Michael Alan brings his “living installation” for visitors to become a part of for its 13th anniversary.

“Brian Leo is not a Zombie Formalist” ↑
Amy Li Projects, 166 Mott Street
Thursday, August 6, 7:00-9:00pm
Influenced by the internet and memes, Leo’s colorful canvases explore pop culture and technology- and are quirky and fun! Expect a giant cluster of bold imagery to keep you amused and distracted from talking to other people at the opening.

“Bad Dads,” a Wes Anderson Art Show ↑
Joseph Gross Gallery, 548 West 28th, 2nd Floor
Friday, August 7th, 6:00-9:00pm
San Francisco’s Spoke Art comes back for their 6th Annual pop-up art show. Wes Anderson-inspired art works from 70 artists are paired with a banging party and often-costumed attendees. It is likely going to be packed, so make sure you get your ticket on Eventbrite.

Trophy Art ↑
Azart Gallery, 617 West 27th Street
Friday, August 7, 6:00-9:00pm
Curated by Melissa McCaig-Welles and Rodrigo Valles, this summer pop up brings together a great group of artists including the photorealist paintings of Tim Okamura, graffiti-inspired sculpture of Carlos Mare, and the work of Kathleen Vance, who transforms old luggage into miniature landscape tableaus. An eclectic bunch for sure.

Michael Alan’s “Living Installation “↑
Tanja Grunert, 33a Orchard Street
Saturday, August 8, 6:00pm to midnight
Its hard to believe that tonight celebrates the 13th year of artist Michael Alan’s “Living Installations.” Thirteen models will be transformed throughout the evening into living sculptures, coupled with music, drinks, sounds and party people. Bring a sketch pad and join in or just enjoy the scene. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then expect a night of forgetting about New York’s rapid homogenization.

Artist Talk: “Wrath Force of Nature” ↑
Wave Hill, W 249th St, Bronx
Saturday, August 8, 2:00-3:30pm
The gorgeous grounds of Wave Hill are like a day-cation from the city. Enjoy the beautiful gardens for the day, and stop by this artist talk (included in admission) with artists from the Force of Nature exhibition including the fantastic Brian Adam Douglas alongside curators David Xu Borgonjon, Gabriel de Guzman and Jennifer McGregor. A rare treat to get into art and nature inside the five boroughs.

“Metal and Fur,” Artists ChrisRWK and Philip Lumbang ↑
My Plastic Heart, 210 Forsyth Street
Sunday, August 8, 7:00-10:00pm
The adorable Lower East Side store and gallery is hosting an opening tonight for an East Coast vs. West Coast artist collaboration. Rapping LA is Philip Lumbang and his uber-happy Awesome Bear (the fur), while ChrisRWK’s familiar Robots Will Kill are found all over Manhattan and Brooklyn–and represent the “metal” aspect of the show. The first 25 guests get a free collabo tote bag to commemorate the night!

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Lori Zimmer is a writer, curator and founder of Art Nerd New York, an off-beat art history guide to the city. Lori also recently released her first book through Rockport Publishers, The Art of Cardboard: Big Ideas for Creativity, Collaboration, Storytelling, and Reuse. Follow her on Twitter @LoriZimmer.