art

While there may be layers of historic and academic allusions within Brooklyn artist Ellen Harvey's installation in the rotunda at PAFA, the most interesting thing about it may be its sheer ambition. On the reverse of 16 enormous mirror panels, Harvey engraved the stair hall in pieces, then assembled them on the 12-by-9-foot walls of the rotunda to create a replica — except it's PAFA in ruins, boarded up and with overgrown plants and deteriorating plaster. A video tape documenting the work and projected in the space shows the mirrors shattering. It's illusion on top of illusion that should make for eerie effects in the 1876 Victorian Gothic architecture. Harvey, perhaps best known for the "New York Beautification Project," in which she painted miniature landscapes on graffiti sites, will be in town for the reception, for a lecture on Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m. and a family workshop on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.

Opening reception Fri., Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m., free, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad St., www.pafa.org.

A few years back, Meredith Broussard asked 26 women to describe ugly breakups and rotten romances in The Dictionary of Failed Relationships. Now she's turned the tables with The Encyclopedia of Exes: 26 Stories by Men of Love Gone Wrong. Look for sob stories from Steve Almond, Dan Kennedy, Touré and others; contributors Nick Fowler, Anthony Schneider, Jeff Johnson, Marc Spitz and Ben Greenman will appear in Philly with Broussard. Offer them a Kleenex — maybe they're on the rebound.

Wed., Oct. 19, 7 p.m., free, Borders Books & Music, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.

In what Fairmount Arts Crawl organizers are calling "an open-door policy" for the day, visitors to Fairmount can wander in and out of any number of coffee shops, restaurants, galleries and shops in the neighborhood. While the big names are in force (Eastern State, London Grill, etc.), it's a good chance to see what the little guys are up to. A small sampling of participants: pottery by Sandi Pierantozzi and Neil Patterson at their studio; sketches by Kate Bailey at Crooked Frame Coffee and Art; and music from the Chappy Washington Jazz Band at Gloria's Gourmet Restaurant (where they'll also be vintage jazz photographs on display).

Sun., Oct. 16, 4:30-9 p.m. For full schedule and list of venues, visit www.fairmountartscrawl.org.

Azuka Theatre launches its own cabaret series, Azuka Lounge, with this Halloween-themed night to benefit ActionAIDS. Hosted by Philly institution Carlotta Tendant, the evening will feature performances by Janice Rowland, Billy Bustamante and Aaron Cromie (who'll bring his "Punch and Judy" show) plus live music and a special appearance by Martha Graham-Cracker. And if you're lucky, you may be chosen for a drag makeover.

Mon., Oct. 17, 7 p.m., $20, Black Box at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-733-0257.