ART

HIDEAWAY The Frederieke Taylor Gallery presents Lisa Sigal’s “Tent Paintings,” an exhibit of paintings and sculpture inspired by the artist’s fascination with architecture. Ms. Sigal uses wallpaper, drywall, and newspaper to create her “paintings.” She was chosen to participate in the 2008 Whitney Biennale, and also has an ongoing installation at the P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City, Queens. Selections from the gallery show include “Untitled (Crossword)” (2007), above. Through Saturday, January 12, Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 535 W. 22nd St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 646-230-0992, free.

FAILURE TO CLOSE The Chelsea Art Museum drew from the Morton G. Neumann Family Collection to create the exhibit “The Incomplete.” The featured works depict each artist’s take on closure — or a lack thereof. The works span from the mid-1980s to today, and include Jeff Koons, Wendell Gladstone, Kelli Williams, and Michael Bevilacqua. Through Saturday, January 12, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, noon–6 p.m., Thursday, noon–8 p.m., Chelsea Art Museum, 556 W. 22nd St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-255-0719, free.

FROM HAND TO STONE “Beginnings: Sculptors as Draftsmen” features preparatory drawings by four sculptors — Shida Kuo, Louise Hindsgavl, Sun Koo Yuh, and Vesa-Pekka Rannikko. These drafts represent the groundwork for sculptures eventually created by the artists. Some of the drawings, such as those of Mr. Rannikko, depict vibrant mini-scenes unfolding around his sculpted characters, while those of Mr. Kuo are illustrated with an animated hand. Through Saturday, January 12, Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Nancy Margolis Gallery, 523 W. 25th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-242-3013, free.

AN ANIMATED LIFE The Jewish Museum presents “From The New Yorker to Shrek: The Art of William Steig.” Steig worked for 73 years at the New Yorker, where his art appeared on more than 120 covers and more than 1,600 of his drawings were published. He is credited with transforming the way cartoons were created at the weekly magazine. Steig also wrote and illustrated children’s books: His picture book “Shrek!” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) inspired the “Shrek” series of films by DreamWorks. This is the first major exhibition of the artist’s work. The show features nearly 200 original drawings, several of the artist’s notebooks, sketchbooks, and letters, as well as preparatory mock-ups for his books for young readers. Through March 16, Saturday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–5:45 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., the Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd Street, 212-423-3200, $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7.50 students, free for members and children under 12.

BENEFIT

SAVING GRACE Highline Ballroom presents “Teddy Thompson & Friends Christmas Show: A Benefit Concert for SaveDarfur.org.” A British singer and songwriter, Mr. Thompson performs with musical guests, including Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Ben Lee, Sonya Kitchell, and Neal Casal, among others. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power gives a brief talk on foreign policy and Africa. All proceeds from the event benefit SaveDarfur.org. Tonight, 8 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., between Ninth and Tenth avenues, 212-414-5994, $35.

DANCE

THESE ARE THE BREAKS A hiphop dance and theater company, Full Circle Productions, began working on the piece “Innaviews” in January 2006 at Dance Theater Workshop. The completed work was constructed as a duet between dancers Kwikstep (Gabriel Dionisio) and Rokafella (Anita Garcia), and tells the stories of the pair’s efforts to bring street dance to the professional stage, as well as to debunk misconceptions about the art form. The workshop hosts a performance of the piece, which combines high-impact movement with monologues, poetry, and video. Mr. Dionisio and Ms. Garcia choreographed “Innaviews,” and Gamal Chasten is director. Tonight through Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, 212-924-0077, $20 general, $12 students, seniors, and members.

DESIGN

DESIGN OF A CENTURY “Piranesi as Designer,” an exhibit that examines the artist’s role in the reform of architecture, is on view at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. An 18th-century Italian architect and designer, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, created elaborate interiors and exquisite furnishings that continue to have an impact on how artists work within the two mediums. The show includes etchings, original drawings, and prints by Piranesi, as well as a selection of three-dimensional objects by the artist and his successors. Through Sunday, January 20, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, noon–6 p.m., Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St. at Fifth Avenue, 212-849-8400, $12 general, $9 seniors and students, free for Cooper-Hewitt and Smithsonian Institution members, and children under 12.

MAKING AN ENTRANCE The New York School of Interior Design presents “Making an Entrance: Design Philosophy and the Entry in Western Architecture.” The exhibit explores the history and evolution of the entryway. Particular attention is paid to the classical tradition and the ways in which the modern movement gave way to building entrances to embody both a literal structure and a metaphorical divide between the outside world and the interior of an architectural composition. The director of the New York School of Interior Design library, Eric Wolf, is curator of the show. Through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., New York School of Interior Design, 170 E. 70th St., between Lexington and Third avenues, 212-472-1500, free.

FILM

DANNY IN REAL LIFE The Museum of the Moving Image pays tribute to actor Danny Glover, right. The gala program includes a discussion with director John Sayles, whose latest film, “Honeydripper” (2007), features a performance by the actor. Blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr., who also appears in the film, performs during the event. Mr. Glover has won critical acclaim for his roles in such films as Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” (1985), playing the cruel husband, “Mister,” who ultimately finds redemption, and in Jonathan Demme’s “Beloved,” in which he was cast opposite Oprah Winfrey as Paul D, a freed slave. He is perhaps best known to moviegoers for the buddy flick series “Lethal Weapon.” Mr. Glover discusses his career with the chief curator at the museum, David Schwartz. Tonight, 7 p.m., the Times Center, 242 W. 44th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, 718-784-4520, $25 general, $17 members, free for sponsor-level members.

SOUL SISTERS The Film Forum hosts a screening of Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986), which follows two years in the lives of a trio of siblings. The three sisters are Lee (Barbara Hershey), a drifting Alcoholics Anonymous member who is married to a misanthropic painter; Holly, a failed actress, writer, and caterer, played by Dianne Wiest, and Hannah, the beautiful, famous actress, who seems to have the perfect life, played by Mia Farrow. The balance is shattered when Hannah’s husband, played by Michael Caine, falls in love with Lee. Tonight through Monday, December 24, 1:25, 3:30, 5:35, 7:40, and 9:45 p.m., and an additional midnight screening on Friday and Saturday, Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, 212-727-8112, $10.50 general, $5.50 seniors weekdays before 5 p.m., $5.50 children.

HOLIDAY

MEDIEVAL MIDTOWN The performers in the group Trefoil, named for the symbol that represents the Christian Holy Trinity, are self-described “modern minstrels.” Trefoil sings medieval musical works during a lunchtime performance for the “Midtown Concerts” series. The program also includes traditional laude, songs from 14thcentury Italy about the ancient themes of Christmas. Tonight, 1:15 p.m., St. Bartholomew’s Church, 109 E. 50th St. at Park Avenue, 212-967-9157, free.

COCKTAILS WITH ISAAC “A Holiday Celebration with Isaac Mizrahi” features the fashion designer and television personality, who shares a campy compilation of holiday stories and cheerful anecdotes. Premium seating includes cocktails and a holiday menu. Mr. Mizrahi is joined by a few surprise special guests. The Brooklyn native opened his successful eponymous clothing label in 1987. By 2003, he was on to his second act, hosting a talk show on the Style network, and producing women’s sportswear, accessories, and a home collection for Target stores. Friday, 9 p.m., Blender Theater at Gramercy, 127 E. 23rd St. at Lexington Avenue, 212-777-6800, $349 table seating, $24 general.

A CHOIR CHRISTMAS Before New Yorkers attend midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the church plays host to a festive gathering during the “A City Singing at Christmas” concert. Performers include the St. Patrick’s Cathedral choir, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, the Queens College Choir and the Queens College Chorus, and the New York Symphonic Brass. Tomorrow, 7 p.m., St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 460 Madison Ave., between 50th and 51st streets, 212-753-2261, free.

MUSIC

TWO HANDS TOGETHER Pianist Leon Fleisher lost the ability to use his right hand as the result of a neurological disorder in childhood. But having recently regained use of his afflicted hand, he recorded his first “two-handed” performance in 2004. He performs during the 92nd Street Y’s Chamber Music at the Y series, focusing on three lesser-known works by Robert Schumann: Adagio and Allegro for Horn and Piano in A-flat Major, Op. 70, “Fantasiestücke” for Cello and Piano, Op. 73, and the Andante and Variations for Two Pianos, Two Cellos, and Horn. Accompanying performers include pianists Katherine Jacobson Fleisher and Alon Goldstein, cellists Julia Bruskin and Sharon Robinson, and French horn player David Jolley. Tonight, 8 p.m., 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at 92nd Street, 212-415-5500, $40, $25 for ages 35 or under.

JAZZ AND SAMBA The Jazz Studies Program of New York University showcases its faculty and students during a series of performances at the Cachaça Jazz ‘n’ Samba Club. Featured faculty performers include a saxophonist with the Saturday Night Live Band, Lenny Pickett, and saxophonist George Garzone. Tonight, 7 p.m., Cachaça Jazz ‘n’ Samba Club, 35 W. 8th St. at Sixth Avenue, 212-388-9099, $5.

‘CRAZY’ AFTER ALL THESE YEARS Vocalist Carolyn Sills and the Brooklyn-based alterna-country band, the Poor Man’s Roses, perform a tribute to country music legend Patsy Cline. Ms. Sills and her band play such classics as “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” as well as a program of holiday favorites made famous by Cline. Ms. Sills (also of the blues-Americana band Boss Tweed) and The Poor Man’s Roses have attracted a following on the East Coast with nostalgic renditions of Cline’s catalog. Thursday, Rodeo Bar, 375 Third Ave. at 27th Street, 212-683-6500, free.

PHOTOGRAPHY

BRUCE ALMIGHTY The exhibit “Isaac Bashevis Singer and the Lower East Side: Photographs by Bruce Davidson” includes 40 photographs spanning the years between 1957 and 1990. An author and Nobel laureate, Singer is widely revered among Yiddish writers of the last century. Mr. Davidson’s portraits capture both Singer and residents of the city’s Lower East Side. While the author and the acclaimed photographer were friends and neighbors in the same Manhattan apartment building, they collaborated on the film “Isaac Singer’s Nightmare and Mrs. Pupko’s Beard” (1972). During and after production, Mr. Davidson photographed his friend in various poses, whether reclining on a sofa, or feeding the pigeons on a Broadway park bench. Through Sunday, February 3, Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd Street, 212-423-3200, Saturday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–5:45 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., $12 general, $10 seniors, $7.50 students, free for members and children under 12.

READINGS

POETRY FOR ALL Sip Lounge, just a stone’s throw from Columbia University, hosts its monthly reading series, Sip Lit. Featured writers include poet Sarah Arvio, who reads from her two collections, “Sono” and “Visits From the Seventh” (Knopf), and Peter Cameron, who reads from his latest novel, “Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You” (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux). Ms. Arvio’s work has earned her the Rome Prize, a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation fellowship, and the Paris Review’s Bernard F. Connors Prize. Tomorrow, 8 p.m., Sip Lounge, 998 Amsterdam Ave., between 109th and 110th streets, 212-316-2747, free.

TALKS

PRESERVING A LEGACY The Bard Birthday Breakfast Benefit celebrates the legacy of Albert Bard, a national public advocate who devoted his efforts to beautifying cities through municipal art, zoning, and other methods. This year’s benefit features a talk with the author of “The Politics of Urban Beauty: New York and Its Art Commission” (University of Chicago Press), Michele Bogart. The discussion, titled “New York City’s Art Commission: Art ‘Police’ and Keeper of the Treasure,” explores the relevance of the Art Commission of the City of New York, the city’s design review board. Today, 8:30 a.m., the Harvard Club, 27 W. 44th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 212-861-4993 ext. 246, $75–$250.

THEATER

SEND IN THE CLOWNS A Chicagobased theater group that fuses improvisation and circus arts, 500 Clown, performs an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic “Frankenstein.” The performers play off members of the audience, drawing them into the action and allowing them to help shape it. Tonight, 7:30 p.m., Performance Space 122, 150 First Ave. at East 9th Street, 212-352-3101, $20 general, $15 students and seniors, $10 members.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.