7 Days in the Arts

3Saturday

The Norton Simon Museum surveys Pablo Picasso’s long, prolific career as a printmaker. Selections from the museum’s extensive collection of Picasso’s work represent more than60 years of printmaking activity and a wide range of styles and techniques. Through June18. Wed.-Sun. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. $6 (general admission); $3 (seniors); free for students. 411 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 449-6840.

4Sunday

The final guest in this year’s Words in the Worldseries at the Central Library is Russell Banks. Author of nine novels, including two which have been adapted for films (“The Sweet Hereafter” and “Affliction”), Banks is also renowned for his short story collections, which have been honored with the O. Henry and Best American Short Story awards. His presentation, at the Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium, will be followed by a conversation with Los Angeles-based writer David L. Ulin. 2 p.m. 630 West Fifth St., Downtown. (213) 228-7500.

5Monday

Michael Montfort’s exhibition of photographs at Coagula Projects continues his focus on a subject he has covered almost exclusively for nearly two decades. Titled “Bukshot”, the exhibit displays Montfort’s close study of Charles Bukowski, the prolific and controversial writer of over 50 books of poetry and prose. Bukowski is best known for the autobiographical novel “Barfly,” which he adapted for Francis Ford Coppola’s film. Montfort’s photos cover the time spent on the set making that film, and years spent off the set, living it. Through June 18. Coagula Projects at the Brewery Arts Colony, 2100 North Main Street ‘A8, Los Angeles. (323) 221-7912.

6Tuesday

The Geffen Playhouse presents the provocative, timely drama “Defiled” starring Peter Falk and Jason Alexander. The play tells the story of a police negotiator and an on-the-edge city librarian who threatens to blow up his workplace if a computerized filing system replaces the beloved card catalogue. speaks to Written by Lee Kalcheim. Directed by Barnet Kellman. 10886 Le Conte Ave. For more information, please call (310) 208-5454.

7Wednesday

“The Time Machine” starring Rod Taylor is probably available for rent at your local video store, But the L.A. Conservancy offers a chance to see the 1960 sci-fi film in a real time machine. As part of its “Last Remaining Seats” series, the Conservancy is screening the film at The Los Angeles Theatre, one of the grand motion picture palaces built downtown during the ’20s and ’30s which have been shuttered or turned into indoor swap meets. The Los Angeles Theatre, where Charlie Chaplin premiered his masterpiece “City Lights,” currently sits idle, but the baroque grandeur of the interior remains. Taking advantage of this space, a live stage show starring Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) accompanies the film. Doors open at 7 p.m., curtains open at 8 p.m. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. 615 South Broadway, Downtown. (213) 623-2489.

8Thursday

Weeds and root systems are the subject matter for painter Stephen P. Curry’s exhibition of new paintings at Koplin Gallery. This overlooked part of our natural environment represents for Curry a richness and beauty lost in the process of growth, decomposition and regeneration. Through carefully built-up layers of paint, he creates portraits of the life that hides behind the flowers. Reception for the artist, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Through July 22. 464 North Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 657-9843.

9Friday

Witness as L.A.’s best improv comics take the stand in their arresting new show, “Groundlings vs. The State of California”. The troupe that has given us comedians from Pee-Wee Herman to Lisa Kudrow returns with all new sketches and improvisational skits. An evening with The Groundlings is two treats in one; come for the on the spot merriment, stay to guess which of these talented comics will show up next on your favorite sitcom. $18.50. Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The Groundling Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. (323) 934-9700.