Friday, July 18

Gusto at the Gallery:

Buffalo Book Fair/Opening of Op Art Revisited

This week’s Gusto at the Gallery is an all-out inter-disciplinary affair. Coinciding are two major events: The celebration of the Buffalo Book Fair 2008 and the opening of the exhibition Op Art Revisited: Selections From the Albright Knox Art Gallery. Book Fair-related events include an “Art in Words” art activity for families, a panel discussion, a “Meet the Authors” event with readings and workshops, literary award presentations, and a lecture by renowned German typographer Erik Spiekermann (space for the lecture is limited, tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 6pm). The Op Art Revisited Exhibition, curated by Associate Curator Holly E. Hughes, is comprised of pieces that were collected by the Gallery over the course of the last 50 years, including works by Victor Vasarely, Tim Bavington, Olafur Eliasson, and Susie Rosmarin. Much of the art was acquired shortly after it was made, an example of the Gallery’s tendency to buy new pieces “while the paint was still wet.” Although the Op Art movement saw its peak in the ‘50s and ‘60s, there has been a renewed interest of late, as illustrated in recent works by artists like Eliasson. The exhibit will remain on view through January, 2009. To cap off the evening there will be a performance by Carol McLaughlin’s Big Band, from 8-10pm.

—k. o’day

5-10pm. Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave. (882.1958/www.albrightknox.org). FREE