artsquicks

by Lori Hill

art

The lavish, gothic and fantastical paintings by the artist known simply as Shervin get their East Coast debut at Ashley Gallery this weekend. Shervin paints nudes in quasi-formalist poses and wild-eyed circus performers. He also paints clowns, which is just downright creepy. His work will share the walls with Los Angeles artists Michael Hussar, Sean Cheetham, John Paul Altamira, Tim Meehan and Kevin Llewellyn. Opening reception Sat., June 11, 7-11 p.m., exhibition through mid-August, Ashley Gallery, 718 N. Third St., second floor, 215-888-4813.

books

The Free Library plays host to several bigtime readings this week:, Newt Gingrich and Nick Hornby just came through and Michael Cunningham reads today. One of particularly local interest is a double bill of Sarah Dunn and Jennifer Weiner. Dunn's here to promote the paperback release of her debut novel, The Big Love, which is set in Philly, and Weiner is going to interview her on stage. Weiner's got the street cred, with her big-hit novels Good in Bed and In Her Shoes, while former TV scribe Dunn's well on her way with her own love-in-the-big-city tale that's received gobs of national attention. Wed., June 15, 7 p.m., free, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

flea market

If you're going to buy stuff you don't need, you might as well do it for a good cause. Multicultural Youth Exchange (MYX) is throwing a flea market that sounds more like a party. The MYX and Match Mart has the usual trappings — tables full of books, CDs, toys, appliances, jewelry, clothing and bric-a-brac — but there're also $5 bottomless beers, a 50-cent grab bag, a raffle and music from DJ Halfbreed and Dolio the Sleuth. All proceeds fund MYX's multicultural education efforts, specifically this summer's Art of Community Service Program in Costa Rica, where Philly mural artist Michelle Ortiz will work with American and Costa Rican teenagers on a community art project. Sat., June 11, noon-6 p.m., Second and Church sts. (Rain date Sun., June 12.)

reading

One of the most rewarding programs on the Philly theater scene closes out its sixth season on Monday. In InterAct Theatre Company's Writing Aloud series, local actors read stories by contemporary Philadelphia writers. The final evening, called "Holding On," features works by Robin Black, James Waltzer, Frances Webb and Marguerite McGlinn (read by Cheryl Williams, Ray Saraceni, Martha Kemper and Sarah Doherty, respectively). There's a vicarious thrill for the audience, celebrating the writer's success of getting a work on stage, even — or perhaps especially — if it's in such an intimate way. Mon., June 13, 7 p.m., $12, The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8079.