“SMASH THE CEILING, FLOOR, AND WALLS” IS AT THE PITTSBURGH GLASS CENTER UNTIL JAN. 20. | PHOTO BY NATHAN J. SHAULIS

BEST BET

 “Smash the Ceiling, Floor, and Walls; Take the Broken Shards and Blow It Back”

Through Jan. 20 | Pittsburgh Glass Center

You’re led into a new exhibition at Pittsburgh Glass Center by a blinking, neon hand with pink nails clutching a rose.

“Smash the Ceiling, Floor, and Walls; Take the Broken Shards and Blow it Back” explores ongoing internalized and institutionalized gender-based oppression. The pieces were created by women, femmes and gender-nonconforming artists in a variety of mediums, and each carries a message.

The neon hand, “I am the Signal; You Are the Wave,” by Los Angeles visual artist Michelle Young Lee, references the 2021 killing of six Asian American women in a nail salon in Atlanta. “What Lies Beneath” by artist Gracia Nash lies on the floor in the middle of the gallery; a projection from the ceiling shows hands that seem to press against the rectangular panel, made up of thousands of glass beads.

“There’s so much poeticism in this space,” says curator Alyssa Velazquez. “The work is beautiful, but it is also political, and it is also strong, and it also can be very caring … it can hold all of these things.” — Lauren Davidson

EXHIBIT

Garden Railroad: Movie Magic

Through March 9 | Phipps Conservatory

PHOTO BY PAUL G. WIEGMAN

Lights, Garden, Action! Movie lots are super fun because they can be transformed into just about anything. Garden Railroad: Movie Magic, running in conjunction with Phipps’ Fall Flower Show, has transformed Oakland’s glass house into Studio Phipps, a bustling miniature movie lot.

Among the various plants, you will find dramatic explosions, a ferocious Phippzilla, and the chance to see yourself on a drive-in movie theater screen.

MOVIES

Three Rivers Film Festival

Nov. 13-20 | Various Cinemas

Eight days of indie feature films mark the most wonderful time of the year for Pittsburgh film scene enthusiasts. The 43rd Three Rivers Film Festival has a few surprises this year, including sneak previews of locally shot feature films. It’s immediately followed by the four-day Pittsburgh Shorts & Script Competition.

MOVIES

An Evening with Amy Sedaris

Nov. 14 | Byham Theater

Amy Sedaris’ chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles has endeared her to generations of fans. During this special Evening with Amy Sedaris, the comedic actress will engage in a moderated conversation as we are treated to her real-life razor-sharp wit.

BOOKS

World Literature: Jamaica Kincaid

Nov. 17 | City of Asylum

Creating a flourishing garden takes skill and patience, so the process can sometimes seem daunting. Celebrated writer and gardener Jamaica Kincaid wants to help demystify the process.

In a conversation with Anderson Tepper, curator for world literature at City of Asylum, Kincaid will discuss her life and work, with a special focus on her latest book, “An Encyclopedia of Gardening for Colored Children,” which delves into what our gardens can reveal.

MUSICAL

“MJ the Musical”

Nov. 19-Dec. 1 | Benedum Center

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

“MJ the Musical,” centered around the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, will knock your sparkled socks off. After winning multiple Tony Awards, the celebration of Jackson’s creative mind makes its Pittsburgh premiere.

If you never got the chance to see the real MJ live in concert, this could be the next best thing. Imma say one more time, I’m not gonna stop!

COMEDY

An Evening with Chevy Chase

Nov. 29 | Rivers Casino

What better way to kick off the holiday season than to watch “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with Clark Griswold himself? Experience a special 35th anniversary screening of the holiday classic during An Evening with Chevy Chase. As a bonus, Chevy’s real-life wife, Jayni, will also be in attendance for a live Q&A after the film, as the couple spill the behind-the-scenes tea.

To be considered for coverage, send details to Events Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine, Washington’s Landing, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or email magevents@pittsburghmagazine.com.