Pittsburgh Art Events 4/9-10/10.

Friday

What better way to spend your Friday night than to search for amphibian egg masses in a vernal pond? Fern Hollow Nature Reserve is in Sewickley, and it is offering you the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with some slimy, slithery things. Of course most young people find their way into exploring such phenomena every weekend, but this is a chance for folks to get outside their genus. Show up 7PM at 1901 Glen Mitchell Road. It's $5 per family.

If you are not the outdoorsy type, Breathe Yoga Studio (1113 E. Carson St., South Side) is featuring the mixed media work of Shari Lynn Bennett, and having an opening between 7-9PM. Meanwhile, the 3G Gallery downtown (1001 Liberty Ave.) is hosting a group show inspired by travel from 5-7PM. Rick Byerly's lava shots from Hawaii will be included in the assortment of work.

Todd Rundgren is still alive. If you know who I'm talking about, go to the Palace Theater in Greensburg at 8PM. Or, if you want to see music that reached its apogee sometime after the mid-70's, Get Hip Records is offering a full bill, including the legendary Cynics, Aviation Blondes, Salena Catalina and The What Else. You really can't go wrong supporting local independents. Show up at the Rex Theater on the South Side, and bring $12.

Saturday

Crafts, yeah. The "I Made It!" series continues inside and outside of the former Joseph Beth Booksellers in the Southside (2PM). There''s gonna be "live entertainment" on a stage, plus a chili cook-off competition.

And how lucky are we to have not one, but TWO chili cook-offs on the same freakin' day?! The The Fourth Annual Braddock Carnegie Arts Program Chili Cook-Off starts at 1PM at 424 Library Street. It's $10, and you will get to sample some of the most savory concoctions available in Western PA. If last year is anything to go by, this is a must-attend event. They should have plenty of versions (both carnivorous and vegetarian) to choose from, and you'll get a individualized clay-fired mug to take home. Plus there's a raffle (I won a Starbucks card last go 'round).

The Shrine Circus is in town at the Mellon Arena, and the super-special guest star is Batman. Shriner's love kids, or so I've learned due to my foray into the basement of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA.