Pinboard: Art Gallery Special. And a Hunting Cabin in Camden, No Less

1. Local ‘Broken’ Artwork. Flaxon Ptootch, the infamous gallery-salon crossover, is currently exhibiting these intriguing works by North London-based musician and artist Lupen Crook. Crook has released five solo albums but also produces paintings from a shed in his back garden, which he refers to as ‘Broken Arts’. Traditional materials such as oils are used with a variety of mixed media, including puzzle pieces and newsprint. Like The Kentishtowner (we hope), they should make you look at the neighbourhood with fresh eyes.

2. Not Conceptual Enough? Head to DRAF. We raved about the new 12,000 sq foot DRAF Gallery in Camden over Xmas – and if you haven’t yet visited this ace former factory on Symes Mews, now could be the time. Today sees the launch of the ‘third movement’ of current exhibition House of Leaves, structured around Silent Score, a performance from 1997 by Pierre Huyghe, which explore rhythm, music and sequence. Includes works by Danai Anesiadou, Ida Applebroog, Jonathan Binet, Ryan Gander and many more. Free.

3. A Slew of Brainy Events At Zabludowicz. Meanwhile, over in Kentish Town’s iconic gallery there’s a feast of cultural goodies to keep you nourished. Tonight from 7pm sees the opening of the latest in their ‘Invites’ series, with sculptor Lucy Whitford presenting her exhibition (running until the 24th of February), as well as drinks, popcorn and electro types New Young Pony Club on hand. If you’re feeling cerebral, on Saturday two talks are being held: firstly, at 2pm, an interactive workshop by Ruth Beale on the linguistic and sociological ideas of Raymond Williams using Williams’ seminal work Keywords; the second, at 4pm, a discussion with curators to consider the ways in which artists misdirect and orchestrate the production and presentation of their works. And don’t forget their major new exhibition, Disappearing Into One, which we mentioned last week, is still on (until Jan 27). All events free.

4. Less Art, More Dance. Art galleries are all very well, but we bet some of you are trying to find something for the kids to do at the weekends, at least to keep them away from a screen. I’M ME Youth Dance Company is offering classes at Expressions Dance Studio on Highgate Road that might just hit the spot. All levels of experience welcome and open to anyone as young as six. Contact daniel.keating@im-me.co.uk for more information.

5.Dancing in the Industrial District. No, it’s not a new musical. Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas, the choreographers behind the Charleston routines seen on no less than Strictly Come Dancing, are bringing their club night, Club Savoy, to Studio 45 on Holmes Road. They’ll be teaching weekly Lindy Hop and the Charleston, followed by social dancing, every Tuesday. Intermediates at 8pm (£10), Beginners at 9pm (£8) and social dancing until 11pm (or £12 for both classes and social dancing). Complete beginner? Your first class is half price…so there’s no excuse to dust off the dancing shoes, right?

6. A Hunting Cabin in Camden. Yes, we’re all bored of pop-ups, but Parkway’s York & Albany has just opened a hunting cabin for six weeks only, furnished with traditional tartans, tweeds and animal skins, not to mention an antler or two. There’s an outdoor terrace with heaters, and tempting wintry treats like spiced boozy hot chocolate and toasted homemade marshmallows. Specially created cocktails the ‘Kentucky Winter Julep’ and ‘Blueberry and Butter’ are served in a copper tin, and snacks, created by Head Chef Kim Woodward, include duck rillette, game sausage rolls, and black pudding scotch eggs. We’re checking it asap and will report back. Closes 24th February. Open from 4pm – 11pm.

7. And Finally, a Reader Needs Your Help! Poor Pete contacted us as his bike – with huge sentimental value – was stolen from a shed in Highbury. Distinguishing features are said to be: new Shimano PD-M324 pedals, mis-matched gear levers, a loose bit of plastic on the underside of the saddle, an Airzound horn white clip on the handlebars and unworn tires. It was stolen along with a red Isla Beinn 24 kids bike and a green Raleigh Vixen women’s bike. If you’ve seen anything, there’s a reward for information leading to their return. Contact petesbike@gmail.com or @MyNickedBike.

How’s your week? Better than the last? Abstinence gone to pot or what? Well, if you’ve got a story for the Pinboard, or an event or opening or whatever, email info@kentishtowner.co.uk

Words: Conor Fisk and Stephen Emms