Laura Moriarty: Compressionistic Paintings

Laura Moriarty’s art has a decidedly geological bent. Working with encaustic paints (made from beeswax and resin), Moriarty creates paintings that, as she explains it, “resemble weird agates, geodes, bones and shards.”

The point? She says, in her artist’s statement: “Geologists know that rocks can tell stories if you know how to read them. I follow a similar curiosity-driven path, drawing far-fetched parallels between my work and the way scientists collect, classify and display fragments lifted out of time.”

The result are works with a strange, unnatural beauty, like Piled Aggregate (pictured). It’s an unusual experience, contemplating the portrait (as it were) of a rock.

An exhibit of Moriarty’s works, titled Compressionistic Paintings, will be featured at the Albany Center Galleries (Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany) from Tuesday (Aug. 31) through Oct. 16. A reception and artist interview will be held on Sept. 9 at 5:30 PM. For more information, call 462-4775.

Get a Grip—The Concert

Get a Grip, a new, almost-completed independent film by Albany native Kevin Craig West, tells the story of a New York City quad skater struggling to get his life on track. If this synopsis at all appeals to you, then consider Get a Grip—The Concert, a showcase of the soundtrack artists, with proceeds benefiting postproduction of the film. The eclectic show features performers from all over the map, musically, from the neo-soul groove of Maya Azucena, to the genre-defying storytelling of Jason Downs, to hometown players Mass Chaos and Thrust. Also featuring Liza Jessie Peterson, Fatima, and Ed Holley (who likes to refer to himself as “naturally extra-sexy”—can’t go wrong there), the evening promises a plethora of upcoming talent. The number to call for tickets is (518) 276-BEER; we know you can remember that one.

Get a Grip-The Concert will take place at Revolution Hall (425 River St., Troy) on Saturday (Aug. 28) at 7 PM. Tickets are $25. For tickets, info and directions, call (518) 273-BEER, or visit www.GetaGrip-theMovie.com.

Lark Quartet

The Lark Quartet will conclude their summer tour this Saturday at the Windham Chamber Music Festival. The quartet are renowned for being “young, American (and) all-female.” All right, they’re not renowned for that; it just makes them easily identifiable. (And—check out the photo—marketable.)

What they are well-known for is musical excellence and diverse programming. Example: Their recording of Alfred Schnittke’s 2nd and 3rd quartets were reviewed more favorably than contemporary recordings by Kronos Quartet and the Moscow String Quartet. If you can beat the avant-gardists and the Russians on their home turf, you’ve accomplished something.

The Lark will perform with pianist Jon Klibonoff. The program will include works by Beethoven, Ravel (String Quartet in F) and Franck (Piano Quintet in F minor).

The Lark Quartet will perform Saturday (Aug. 28) at 8 PM at the Windham Chamber Music Festival (740 County Route 32C, Windham). General admission is $18. For seniors, tickets are $15; for members of the Windham Chamber Music Festival or WMHT-FM, $12; and for students, $5. For more information, call 734-3868 or visit www.windhammusic.com.