"A Christmas Art Show" 11.20

"Ovaltine" by Billy Nainiger 

One local artist has taken his "A Christmas Story" love to new heights. Billy Nainiger has created "A Christmas Art Show," a collection of works inspired by the film. The solo show will open at E11even 2 inside 78th Street Studios with a reception from 5 to 9PM on Friday, Nov. 20. There will be a closing reception on Friday, Dec. 18.

Nainiger, who is co-owner of E11even 2, has spent the last five years focused on artwork dealing with pop culture favorites such as the Beatles and "The Big Lebowski." He shifted his focus to the local movie classic last year, creating mixed-media pieces centered on the holiday favorite.

His ACS works include irreverent takes on beloved characters including Ralphie, the Old Man and Scut Farkus, brought to life through the use of spray paint, latex and found objects.

Nainiger also painted one of the most famous local characters in the movie, Patty Johnson LaFountaine, who plays the mean Higbee's elf.

"I will be there throughout the event chatting with folks, posing for pics, and signing poster replicas of my painting," says LaFountaine, who sounds a lot nicer than her character. "I think it will be a BLAST."

The gallery show will be set up in two sections, with half featuring Nainiger's works and a half featuring a re-creation of the "Christmas Story" house's interior. Ornaments, cards and limited-edition prints of Nainiger's works will be for sale.