Cure your cabin fever with a dose of culture. Here are just a sampling of the art openings and receptions taking place tonight; for more art related events, check out our calendar or visit firstfridayrochester.org.
If you've always wanted to participate in Rochester Contemporary's annual 6x6 show and sale, but never seem to dedicate the time to make an artwork, come to the First Friday 6x6 Party Month Kickoff. The event will be held tonight at RoCo (137 East Avenue) from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring art-making workshops with The Large Artist and the Print Club of Rochester, a special appearance of The Drawing Booth, a cash bar and live music. Make 6x6 artworks and submit them on the spot (the deadline is April 17). The annual 6x6 opening party event will be held on June 4. Admission to RoCo is $2 and free to members. For more information, call 461-2222 or visit rochestercontemporary.org.
While you're there, check out "Makers & Mentors," which is on view through March 13. This iteration of RoCo's annual series, which features the work of artist-educator Sheldon Berlyn and a small group of artists who benefitted from his tutelage. Berlyn is a celebrated abstract painter, and his featured former students include Russell Floersch, Juan Perdiguero, Kathleen Sherin, and Gerado Tan.
Don't forget RoCo's LAB Space, which is currently showing "One Cubic Foot: The Genesee River" by award-winning photographer David Liittschwager. Through more than 60 images, Liittschwager illustrates the biodiversity of the Genesee River. The exhibit is the result of Liittschwager's tenure in Rochester, in partnership with the Seneca Park Zoo. Read more about his project here.
The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley recently moved to a new location at 100 College Avenue, in the spot that formerly housed Lumiere Photo. The new spot features an exhibition space, Gallery Q, which is currently showing "together/apart," a showcase of five artists who each consider themes of companionship, loss, and the search for meaning within our relationships. Participating artists are Gretchen Arnold, Randall Cook, Meredith Davenport, Dan Larkin, and Scott McCarney. The show will remain up through March. See the show tonight, 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. For regular hours and more information, call 244-8640 or visit gayalliance.org.
Writers & Books (740 University Avenue) will host a Choose Your Own Adventure themed event from 4 to 6 p.m. Start in the bookstore and let your intuition guide you through a series of passages taken from real Choose Your Own Adventure books. Enjoy snacks and A Wide Open Mic that begins at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 473-2590 or visit wab.org.
Check out the work of a set of talented emerging artists at the 2016 Grad Thesis Exhibit for the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. An opening reception will be held tonight, 4 to 7 p.m., at RIT's Bevier Gallery (73 Lomb Memorial Drive, Henrietta). The show of Emily Bellinger, Shane Durgee, Sarah Jean Taavola, Abiose Spriggs, Matt Mroz, Mike Strobert, and others. Admission to Bevier Gallery is free and hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 to 4:40 p.m. Visitor parking is available in lots E and F. For more information, call 475-2646 or visit cias.rit.edu/bevier-gallery.