Check out his new works Friday, when the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (4420 Warwick Boulevard, 816-753-5784) opens its three-month Sheinkman show. There's a free reception at 5:30 p.m.; the artist talks about his work at 6:30 p.m. -- Andrew Miller
Mail Man
WED 1/19
Best-known for his role as the abusive drill sergeant in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, R. Lee Ermey marches into town at 7 p.m. Wednesday for an appearance at the Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway). He's here to promote his new book, Mail Call: This Book Takes Q's and Kicks A's, a literary extension of his popular History Channel television show, in which he responds to viewers' questions about military technology and demonstrates how to operate machinery -- all with the same in-your-face voice that made him such a memorable character in Kubrick's film. (I will gouge out your eyes and skull-fuck you! Ring any bells?) There isn't much in Ermey's book that doesn't concern war and weaponry, and he happily offers his expertise in samurai swords, Civil War-era pistols and the Kiowa attack helicopter, among other things. Call 913-384-3126 to reserve the free tickets. -- Todd Broockerd
Have Some Class
1/15-2/19
This weekend kicks off the Kansas City Art Institute's spring semester of continuing education and special programs with a watercolor painting class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Instructor Ed Fenendel says students will paint "in a very loose and wet style, using lost and found edges, with emphasis on shape, value and color." Classes, Saturdays through February 19, begin with a short lecture, followed by a demonstration, studio time and a daily critique. Instruction in other media, such as ceramics, fiber and photography, among others, also are offered. Costs and times vary; call 816-802-3505 for information or registration. -- Annie Fischer
