Arts picks: Kinetics, ‘Whitney’ and ‘Lombardi’

Bid on pieces from Baton Rouge Gallery artists at Kinetics
Baton Rouge Gallery celebrates the energy of contemporary art with the return of its annual benefit fundraiser. The live art auction, Kinetics, kicks off at the gallery Friday at 7 p.m. The event provides the community a chance to bid on more than 30 original works from some of the gallery’s artists. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the artists, and the rest of the funds will go toward Baton Rouge Gallery’s upcoming exhibits and more. The gallery’s executive director Jason Andreasen says this is the biggest event for the organization. “[Kinetics] is a monstrous part of our year,” he says. “These funds will go toward everything from postage to new programming and improvements to the gallery.” Kinetics will also feature a raffle with vacation packages, music from Café Au Lait and food from Stroubes. For more information on the event, click here or RSVP here.

New Venture Theatre celebrates the life of a legendary singer
A local theatre company remembers Whitney Houston with a new dance musical, Love, Whitney. Performances start Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Manship Theatre. Additional performances take place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. The show features Houston’s greatest hits and explores the singer’s life with choreography from Jeoffrey Harris Jr. The show is G-rated and appropriate for all ages. For more information, visit newventuretheatre.com.

Also this week
Theatre Baton Rouge’s latest main stage production, Lombardi, starts this week. Based on the book When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, the drama focuses on the life of the Hall of Fame football coach. Performances start Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances take place Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. Group and student rates are available. The show is rated PG-13. For more more information, visit theatrebr.org.

Elevator Projects’ founding members David Contreras and Raina Wirta will show new works at the Gallery at Manship Theatre. The new exhibit, titled “work from home,” features oil paintings and drawings from Contreras and a collage installation by Wirta. An opening reception will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. RSVP and get more information.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum hosts Art After Hours Thursday at 5:30 p.m. At the event, artist Heather Hansen will show how she uses her entire body to render gestures onto an oversize canvas. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for members. RSVP and get more information.