THURSDAY-SUNDAY

MIA kicks off 100th birthday

Yep. The forever-young Minneapolis Institute of Arts is turning 100, having opened with a trumpet flourish and speeches on Jan. 7, 1915. Instead of trumpets and talk, the modern MIA is touting special brunches (Thu.-Sun., $20), a free display of glorious art-inspired cakes from eight local bakeries, pop-up performances by the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus and theater troupe Savage Umbrella, birthday-themed gallery tours, discounts at the shop, do-it-yourself New Year's resolution fun, and a surprise exhibition of all-American treasures. The four-day festivities are a sweet beginning to a year of celebrations. (10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thu., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free unless noted. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Av. S., 612-870-3000 or www.artsmia.org). Mary Abbe

SATURDAY

'Sticky Valentines'

For some of us, January is a time to go into hibernation and hide out until the snow melts. Others, such as Minneapolis painter Mark Ostapchuk, choose to live in blissful, colorful ignorance. The oil painter debuts his solo exhibition "Sticky Valentines," a new collection of small, abstract works filled with big brush strokes, repetition of quirky shapes and patterns, rich texture and vibrant colors, riffing off the tackiness of fresh paint and the sticky sweetness of sentimentality. In addition to drawing on the work of artists including Philip Guston and Henri Matisse, Ostapchuk speaks of his paintings in musical terms — and indeed, the staccato patterns in his work are reminiscent of the sounds of a freewheeling jazz trio. (Free opening reception 6-8 p.m. Sat. Ends Feb. 21. Form+Content Gallery, 210 N. 2nd St., Suite 104, Mpls. www.formandcontent.org.)Jahna Peloquin

CLOSING SUNDAY

'Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945'

With handsome tailoring, gorgeous gowns and stylish sportswear, Italy reclaimed its position as a luxury leader after World War II. This ravishing show tells how good design and smart marketing propelled the economic revival of a war-devastated country. There's glamour galore in more than 100 garments spanning 70 years. They range from gowns worn by Audrey Hepburn in "War and Peace" to fresh-off-the-runway clothes by contemporary designers Armani, Prada, Valentino, Miu Miu and younger trendsetters. Mural-sized photos of period fashion shows enhance the mood of stylish luxury, while film clips and video interviews animate the displays. The show's hours have been extended to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Closes at 5 p.m. Sun., $20. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. 612-870-3000 or www.artsmia.org) M.A.