GRIN: Art of the Smiley Face

More than an emoji, the new exhibit "Smile: The Art of the Smiley Face" challenged artists to incorporate the classic yellow smiley face within their art. More than 40 artists couldn't resist playing with a symbol ripe for subversion, including Robert Dennard III, whose work is at right, Daniel "R5" Barojas, Ashley Bates and Carrie Kilgore. The chirpy icon has been grinning since the summer of love, ranging from cheerful corporate symbol to acid fad, serial killer symbol and the overused millennial expression of joy in text. Multimedia artist Chad Mize's gallery exhibit openings are more party than arty, thanks to his love of pop culture, music and creating a fun scene, so don't miss Friday's opening from 6 to 10 p.m. The exhibit runs through Aug. 24. Free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. 689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Petersburg.

READERS: Book Lovers Day

Celebrate storytelling and childhood literacy at the Glazer Children's Museum on Friday for Book Lovers Day. Tot Time is at 11 a.m. and it's all about letters. At noon, kids can visit with therapy dogs and read them stories. They can learn how to make their own books at noon and 2 p.m. There will be a SMALLab virtual reality storytelling experience at 1 p.m. At 3 p.m. it will be story time with Tampa writer Laurel MacQuarrie, author of the Seefus the Slug series of children's stories. And Saturday you can find a variety of books to buy for your little one at the Usborne Book Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Level 2 next to the Farm exhibit. Book pricing starts at $4.99, and proceeds benefit the museum. $15, $10 ages 1-12. 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. (813) 443-3861. glazermuseum.org.

PURR: Cat Show

Step away from the funny cat videos and spend some time this weekend with the real things at the TICA International Allbreed Cat Show. Hosted by the Skyway Cat Club, a TICA (the International Cat Association) chartered club, more than 25 breeds of cats will preen for the judges. Meet other cat lovers and take photos with your favorites. Breeds include round-faced Persians, blue-eyed Himalayans, giant Maine coon cats, leopardlike Bengals and the hairless Sphynx. Adoptable kittens and cats will be on site, as will vendors. Admission, good for both days, is $8, $3 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free. (Get $1 off admission with a cat food donation to benefit rescue cats.) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Minnreg Building, 6340 126th Ave. N, Largo. (727) 289-1989. skywaycatclub.com.

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