TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Talks: Robert Gober in conversation with Ann Temkin; Thomas Struth with Paul Holdengraber at the New York Public Library
Robert Gober’s MoMA retrospective left the art world perplexed, moved, disturbed, and divided this fall. Observer contributors Linda Yablonsky and Walter Robinson penned lengthy essays trying to make sense of the artist’s tenebrous oeuvre. The artist doesn’t speak about his work publicly much—he made a rare appearance at the show’s press preview—but he’ll be chatting with the exhibition’s curator Ann Temkin at the New York Public Library this week. Additionally, photographer Thomas Struth will be in conversation wtih Paul Holdengraber at the Celeste Bartos Forum. So if you’re at the NYPL on Tuesday, you can’t miss out. — Alanna Martinez
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, South Court Auditorium and Celeste Bartos Forum, 6-8 p.m.
Book Launch: Fulton Ryder presents Justin Adian’s “Soft & Loose” at Parkside Lounge
Last week, Fulton Ryder—the appointment-only pop-up rare book store ran by Richard Prince—announced that it would close. Bummer! But there’s one last book party, and it’s for Justin Adian’s “Soft & Loose.” Swing by and grab a copy for $60 cash at Parkside Lounge, and then stay at Parkside Lounge, because it’s awesome and there’s a rad foosball table.—Nate Freeman
Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston Street, New York, 6-8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Opening: “Jeanette Hayes: This American Life” at 55 Gansevoort
Jeanette Hayes is as lovely in person as she is on her hilarious Twitter, so swing by the tiny Meatpacking District gallery 55 Gansevoort to see some new video work and say hello. The show is called “This American Life,” which is just a great title, and I promise it’ll be better than staying home and listening to Serial.—N.F.
55 Gansevoort, 55 Gansevoort Street, New York, 6-8 p.m.
Performance: American premiere of Petr Kotik’s Master-Pieces at Paula Cooper Gallery
S.E.M. Ensemble will perform the U.S. premiere of a new 60-minute chamber opera by American/Czech composer Petr Kotik based on the 1936-1945 writings of Gertrude Stein. The performances will be directed by Michael Rau, and and feature Kamala Sankaram, Marty Coyle, Jeffrey Gavett, Adrian Rosas, and Pauline Kim Harris. — A.M.
Paula Cooper Gallery, 534 West 21st Street, New York 7:30 p.m., ticketed event
THURSDAY DECEMBER 18
Talk: Visiting Artist Talk with Yvonne Rainer at NYU Steinhardt
As part of the Visiting Artist Lecture Series presented by the department of art and art professions, postmodern dance legend Yvonne Rainer will impart some wisdom to the students of NYU. The lecture is also free and open to the general public, so everyone should go. — A.M.
NYU Steinhardt, Einstein Auditorium, Barney Building, 34 Stuyvesant Street, New York, 5 p.m.
Opening: David Zwirner Books Holiday Pop-Up
You know what your mom really wants for Christmas? She wants a Ray Pettibone book. And wouldn’t a Christopher Williams book be perfect for dad? You can get these and more at the David Zwirner Books holiday pop-up store, nestled inside the gallery’s 19th Street space. Shop away!—N.F.
David Zwirner Books, 525 W. 19th Street, New York, 10:00 a.m.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19
Performance: “Blood Makes Noise” at the Guggenheim
Following on the heels of her Frieze New York project Without, a public concert series performed at the fair in collaboration with Tom Tom magazine editor-in-chief Mindy Abovitz, Brooklyn-based artist Naama Tsabar will hold up in the Guggenheim’s Tower Gallery Level 5 for four days (beginning this Saturday) playing her hybrid objects with friends during museum hours. The performances series is part of Performance at the Guggenheim: Blood Makes Noise.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Tower Gallery Level 5, 1071 5th Avenue, New York, 10 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Performance and Exhibition: Charles Dickens’ Original Manuscript of A Christmas Carol and Holiday Caroling at the Morgan Library and Museum
This Friday and Sunday, singers from Mannes College at the New School will be caroling in the museum’s halls during regular hours for visitors. Enjoy a mix of traditional and popular holiday music while you peruse the annual display of Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of A Christmas Carol at the Pierpont Morgan historic library, on view through January 11. — A.M.
The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New York
SATURDAY DECEMBER 20
Opening: Bruce High Quality Foundation University End of Semester Show: “2014? Bye Felicia!”
The best free art university on Avenue A, the BHQFU will be presenting the work of its staff, faculty and students as a way to close out the semester and, as it happens, the year. Apparently there will be a surprise DJ, but no word on whether or not the infamous umbrella nachos will be making a return.—N.F.
The Bruce High Quality Foundation University, 34 Avenue A, New York, 6-10 p.m.
Performance: A Charlie Brown Christmas 50th Anniversary celebration with live music at the Met
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Met will screen the film with live musical accompaniment from Rob Schwimmer Trip and the Church of Heavenly Rest Children’s Choir. Then, Mark Stewart and Rob Schwimmer will host a sing-a-long after the screening. — A.M.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, 1000 5th Avenue, New York, ticketed event