ART

SEW IT UP “New Works,” an exhib it by artist Elisa D’Arrigo, consists of collages of hand-sewn, colored flat “shards,” or hollow forms made of stiffened cloth or paper. The ten sion created by sewing together the individual rigid components trans forms them into structures that undulate and billow, as if animated from within. Through Thursday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Elizabeth Harris Gallery, 529 W. 20th St., between Tenth Avenue and the West Side Highway, 212-463-9666, free.

IMPRESSION, SUNRISE The Wil denstein & Co. Gallery presents “Claude Monet: A Tribute to Daniel Wildenstein and Katia Gra noff,” an exhibit of more than 60 paintings by the Impressionist culled from public institutions and private collections to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Founda tion. The show, which honors the late and highly influential art deal ers, is the largest retrospective of Monet’s work to be held in New York in more than 30 years and spans the length of his career. Through Friday, June 15, Monday Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wilden stein & Co., 19 E. 64th St., between Fifth and Madison avenues, $10 general, $5 students and seniors.

COAST TO COAST London-based Greek artist Emo Avora and New York artist Julia Junin join forces in the exhibit “Against Nature.” The title is taken from a 19th-cen tury novel by Joris-Karl Huysman which describes elements of deca dence, taste, and beauty from the perspective of the narrator, Des Es sintes. Through Friday, June 22 Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Greenberg Van Doren Gallery, the Crown Building, 730 Fifth Ave. at 57th Street, 212-445-0444, free.

MOUTHFUL OF WORDS “Tranquil ity of the Heart, Torment of the Flesh — Open Wide the Eye of the Heart, and Nothing is Invisible” is the title of a new exhibit of draw ings by Takashi Murakami, who combines the Japanese cartoon anime and manga styles with tradi tional Japanese drawing tech niques. Selections include “My arms and legs rot off and though my blood rushes forth, the tran quility of my heart shall be prized above all” (2007), and “I am not me. I cannot become myself” (2007). Through Saturday, June 9 Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Gagosian Gallery, 980 Madison Ave., between 76th and 77th streets 212-744-2313, free.

ON THE GROUND “Waking at Night” is an exhibit of new paint ings by Linda Stojak, who studies the human form in her paintings through dramatic “psychological self-portraits.” Selections include “Figure 38” (2007). Through Sat urday, May 26, Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Stephen Haller Gallery, 542 W. 26th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212 741-7777, free.

EATING WELL “Shitsurae: The Art of the Japanese Table” is an exhibit of artisanal ceramic tableware de signed by artist Yoshiaki Yuki. The word shitsurae is defined as the act of providing and arranging articles to create a room for some given purpose or activity. The untitled ceramics are featured in various table settings. Through Saturday Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Gallery Gen, 158 Franklin St., be tween Varick and Hudson streets 212-226-7717, free.

PEN TO PAPER “Egypt Buncake” is a solo exhibit by comic artist Marc Bell, featuring various cartoons made with Mr. Bell’s love for what he calls “fine ahtwerk.” The exhibit features 50 drawings, watercolors, paintings, and mixed media constructions that showcase a fully formed visual world of tubular creatures, inexplicable landscapes, and nonsense words. Through Saturday, June 9, Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Adam Baumgold Gallery, 74 E. 79th St., between Park and Madison avenues, 212-861-7338, free.

TINY TREASURES “Miniature Books: 4,000 Years of Tiny Treasures,” a newly opened exhibit of pint-size texts, is on view at the Grolier Club, an organization founded by aficionados of the graphic arts. The show features a vast collection of works — none taller than three inches — from a Babylonian tablet dated 2000 before the common era, to a set of Shakespeare’s works. Despite their challenges to typesetters and illustrators, the diminutive books are ultimately legible and present a fascinating history of the printed word. A collector and collector and vice president of the Miniature Book Society, Julian Edison, is curator of the show. Through Thursday, July 28, Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., the Grolier Club, 47 E. 60th St., between Park and Madison avenues, 212-838-6690, free.

PARIS IS BURNING The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art presents the opening of “The French Evolution: Race, Politics and the 2005 Riots,” an exhibit of 15 graphic multimedia works by Alexis Peskine. Mr. Peskine was moved by the unrest that unfolded in the suburbs of his native Paris, the site of rioting by an overwhelmingly underemployed and young immigrant population. Mr. Peskine frequently explores social inequality through his hip-hop-inspired art and relies on a variety of materials including wood, nails, canvas, and installations. Kimberli Gant is curator of the exhibit. Opening reception, Friday, 7 p.m., exhibit through Sunday, September 9, Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6p.m., MoCADA, 80 Hanson Pl. at S. Portland Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-230-0492, $4 suggested donation.

A TOUCH OF NIRVANA The Japan Society presents the opening of “Awakenings: Zen Figure Painting in Medieval Japan,” an exhibit of 47 Japanese and Chinese works painted between the 13th and the 16th centuries. The exhibit explores the origins and traditions of painting associated with Zen Buddhist communities during an era of singular artistic merit. Since World War II, there have been only two large-scale shows mounted on this subject outside Japan. Through Sunday, June 17, Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., between First and Second avenues, 212-832-1155, $10 general, $8 students and seniors, free to members and children under 16.

BARCELONA AT THE FOREFRONT The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art presents “Barcelona and Modernity: Gaudí to Dalí,” an exhibit that recounts through art pieces, the transformation of the second-largest Spanish city from a provincial port into a cultural capital. Among the 300 works from the period between 1888 and 1939 are paintings, sculpture, and architecture that trace Barcelona’s progress and follow its art movements. Paintings by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró are among the highlights. Through Sunday, June 3, Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street, 212-535-7710, $20 suggested donation, $10 seniors and students, free for members and children under 12.

FILM

GRAY’S GARDENS The IFC Center hosts “Spalding Gray Stories,” a series celebrating the late monologist. The series features a screening of Steven Soderbergh’s “Gray’s Anatomy” (1996), which features the late writer and actor delivering a hysterical talk about blindness. Featured guests, including Gray’s widow, Kathleen Russo; the director of the play “Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell,” Lucy Sexton, and Mr. Soderbergh are on hand to present the film. Gray, who suffered from depression, went missing in January 2004 and was found dead three months later. Tonight, 7:30 p.m., IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave. at West 3rd Street, 212-924-7771, $15 general, $5 IFC members.

FOOD & DRINK

SUMMER VACATION Chef Brian Alberg of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Mass., prepares a multicourse dinner celebrating the riches of the Berkshires region. Dishes include spinach and goat cheese gnocchi, seared spring lamb noisette with white bean puree and roasted shiitakes, and vanillacured pheasant breast with saffron risotto and grilled ramps. Tonight, 7 p.m., James Beard House, 167 W. 12th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues 212-627-2308, $155 general, $125 members.

HOLIDAYS

UP ALL NIGHT The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan celebrates Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the Jewish holiday for insomniacs, with an all-night celebration. Shavuot is the day that marks the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It was reclaimed in modern times by Jews for its traditional edict to stay up all night and study. Contemporary followers now use the holiday to celebrate in culturally artistic ways. The JCC offers an all-night program of film, music, workshops, and discussion. Tomorrow, 10 p.m.–5:15 a.m., the JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue @ 76th Street, free.

MUSIC

DANCE ALL DAY The Cuban ensemble Tiempo Libre performs timba, a fusion of Latin jazz with the Cuban son style, creating Cuban music with a youthful, modern sound. Musicians include musical director and pianist Jorge Gomez, vocalist Joaquin “El Kid” Díaz, and bassist Tebelio “Tony” Fonte. Tonight, 8 and 10 p.m., S.O.B.’s, 204 Varick St. at W. Houston Street, 212-243-4940, $12.

MISSING ON NORFOLK The Vision Festival and Arts for Art present a showcase during May featuring artists whose shows were cancelled after the announcement that the venue Tonic, on 107 Norfolk St., would be closing this month. The showcase, called Vision Tonic, features performances lute player and electronic musician Jozef van Wissem. During a later set, Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra performs. Tomorrow, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Clemente Soto Velez LES Gallery 107 Suffolk St., between Rivington and Delancey streets, 212-696 6681, $10 per set.

MEET IN PERSON The New York Philharmonic goes “Offstage” and presents violinist Julian Rachlin before he begins a three-day recital series with the Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall. Mr. Rachlin performs and discusses his career with a host from the radio station 96.3 WQXR, Jeff Spurgeon. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street, 212-875-5656, free.

PAINTINGS

WONDERFUL COLORS Painter Dora Carrington lived a short life — 39 years — but in that span, she made a strong impression on the social and artistic life of the fin de siècle world in which she lived. She appeared in the novels of D.H. Lawrence, Wyndham Lewis, Rosamund Lehmann, and Aldous Huxley. Her whimsical paintings sometimes resemble illustrations in children’s books, but are painted with a strong and sure hand. Selections from an exhibit mounted by David & Langdale Gallery include “Landscape with Horse and Flower” (c. 1920s). Through Friday, June 1, Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Davis & Langdale, 231 E. 60th St., between Second and Third avenues, 212-838-0333, free.

READINGS

RESISTING CABIN FEVER Author Mary Pope Osborne, best known for her “Magic Tree House” series, ushers in the 11th annual Barnes Noble summer reading program designed to keep young children between the first and sixth grades reading during their vacations from school. Broadway actors Paul Wyatt, Katie Brunetto, and Donna Bullock, all cast members of “Mag ic Tree House: The Musical,” join Ms. Osborne during the opening. Tomorrow, 10:30 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 240 E. 86th St., between Sec ond and Third avenues, 212-794 1962, free.

TALKS

INVISIBLE NO MORE The Museum of the City of New York presents Arnold Rampersad, the author of “Ralph Ellison: A Biography” (Knopf ), a book that explores its subject’s complexity as a cultural intellectual and one of America’s most important writers. Ellison counted Saul Bellow, Langston Hughes, Robert Penn Warren, and Richard Wright as close friends Mr. Rampersad was given com plete access to Ellison’s letters and writings. He is the Sara Hart Kim ball Professor in the Humanities and a member of the Department of English at Stanford University In a review of the work in The New York Sun on April 18, book critic Adam Kirsch writes, “… Thirteen years after Ellison’s death, Mr Rampersad has written what is likely to become the definitive life of one of the American century’s most brilliant, enigmatic, and un happy figures.” Thursday, 6:30 p.m., MCNY, 1220 Fifth Ave. at 103rd Street, 212-534-1672 ext 3395, $9 general, $5 members.

FREEDOM TIME “Redemption: The Last Battle of the Civil War” is a panel discussion about the strug gles that freed black slaves faced af ter the Civil War, when campaigns were mounted to suppress rights and freedom. These campaigns were so successful that, a century after Appomattox, black Ameri cans were still fighting for rights that had been in the Constitution since 1870. Panelists include the dean of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and a writer for the New Yorker magazine Nicholas Lemann; a professor of law at New York Law School, An nette Gordon-Reed, and an editori al journalist, Brent Staples. Thurs day, 6:30 p.m., New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, 212-868-4444, $15 gen eral, $10 students, seniors, and edu cators, $8 members.

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