posted by Mercury Arts Intern Matthew Vollono

Just when you thought it was safe to collapse on your sofa for another night of reality television.... bam! It’s First Thursday.

Floating World Comics hosts comic book artist David Mack for a slide show discussion and Q&A. In addition to his work with Marvel Comics, Mack is the creator of the comic series, Kabuki, and author of the children’s book Shy Creatures.

Local artist Cynthia Lahti will exhibit her drawings and porcelain sculptures at PDX Contemporary under the title SMILE (see image below).

James Pustorino’s Cosmic Strips opens at Chambers@916. Working with large canvases, Pustorino creates a "cosmology in 20 parts" representing his "perception of the universe in a multi-layered, visual narrative, influenced by orchestral fantasias, comics and science texts.” Sound interesting? I was sold at cosmology.

The Fontanelle Gallery is premiering the superbly titled exhibit, A Hunter’s Return To the Good Country. According to the press release, the work presented offers “unique insights into our most primal instincts as hunters and gatherers.” On display are seven artists working in everything from sculpture to painting to assemblage. Highlights include Rachel Denny's domestic taxidermy, Jessica Polk's "specimens", and dioramas by artist Wesley Younie. There's also a live music performance by psychedelic pop duo Imra and Eet at 8pm.

Happy trails.

Cynthia Lahti, Ball of Cats, 2009