Theater Oobleck's Natural History

Theater Oobleck's Dave Buchen and Argentinean puppeteer/musician Sebastian Paz team up for Natural History in which they "compress 37 volumes of Pliny the Elder's manuscripts on the working of the universe into a box of interactive scrolls and songs." Featuring eleven original songs in bolero, flamenco and other styles. 8pm at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield; $12 if you can pay it, free if you can't. Call 773-347-1041 for more information.

Urban Design Group

Debuting original work this weekend, the Urban Design Group show features the work of local artists Susan Fong, Cindy Germata, Kristi Jones and Drema Widener. With jewelry, watercolor, quilting and paper art between them, a portion of the proceeds will go to the non-profit group Women Everywhere. The show will run through the weekend, starting with a 6-10pm wine and cheese reception on Friday; Saturday hours are 11am-5pm and Sunday hours are 12pm-3pm. Come to Studio 207 at 2418 W. Bloomingdale, 2nd floor.

All the Tea in Chicago Book Signing

If you've ever wondered where you can get the best cup of tea in the city, All the Tea in Chicago has got you covered. The book is the first guide to drinking tea in Chicago and author Susan Blumberg speaks this afternoon at Argo Tea, discussing the places she visited and a variety of information on tea. 3-5pm at 16 W. Randolph St. Books will be available for $10 at the free signing. Email info[at]desvoeuxpress[dot]com for more information.

Hyde Park Art Center 36-Hour Grand Opening

The new Hyde Park Art Center opens today with a 36-hour celebration featuring demonstrations from the Center's teachers, the opportunity to make your own art and the chance to learn more about what the Center has to offer. Attendees will also be the first to view Takeover, the premiere exhibition in the new space. Go here for a full schedule of events. And guess what? None of it costs even a dime. Starts Saturday, 9am, and runs through Sunday, 9pm, at 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Call Colleen Coyne at 773-324-5520 for more information.

Nova Art Fair

The Nova Art Fair focuses on new and emerging art in all media, including prints, installation, film, fashion design and much more. The goal of the fair is to provide an international showcase to established and emerging artists alike. The fair is organized by Bridge NFP, a non-profit organization that includes the publication of Bridge Magazine and provides cost-effective gallery space to new artists.

Today's your last chance to view the show, with hours from 12-6pm; tickets are $10 and can be bought online. 933 W. Belmont. Call 312-421-2227 for more information.

Jay McInerney @ Lookingglass

As part of WFMT's Writers on the Record series, Victoria Lautman interviews McInerney before a live audience at 11:45 AM. Free, but reservations are required: call 312-832-6788 or fill out this form. 821 N Michigan Ave. For more information, visit the website.

Version >06: Conference

Version is an annual festival focusing on emerging art, technology and social activism, running through May 7. Admission to events is accepted at the door, but you can also purchase a $25 event pass that covers entry fees to all screening and events or a $50 Version pass that allows you entrances to all events and programs, as well as food and various goodies. Call 773-837-0145 for more information.

In a series of talks, presentation and workshops, the Version Conference explores ideas and projects that inspire further actions for the festival's cause. The two-day conference is part of Version's Free University program and takes place in the Urban Gardening Lounge, 4th floor, or the Kunsthalle Dock, 1st floor, of 3636 S. Iron St. Schedule subject to change.

Screening Disability: Chicago's International Deaf and Disability Film Festival

As part of Bodies of Work: The Chicago Festival of Disability Arts and Culture, the Chicago Cultural Center hosts a free series of programs of films about or created by deaf and disabled people. All films screen in the Claudia Cassidy Theater from 11 AM to 5 PM and are captioned and audio described. Today’s program includes the award-winning documentary, Murderball, starting at 1:30 PM, for which reservations are required: call 312-742-4716. 78 E. Washington St. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.