The Oyster Fest and the rest of our picks of this week's events in San Diego

A DIFFERENT REALITY

If artist and designer John Antoski were God, people would have fish swimming out of their ears and square heads with two hands coming out one side. Antoski likes to study and illustrate daily life and normal people, but once his nearly flawless line work is done, his figures are a lot more fun and entertaining. And when the San Diego artist takes his ideas and turns them into three-dimensional sculptures, the interesting factor of his work shoots through the roof. See Antoski’s work in a solo show, Each to Their Own, opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 18, at Subtext, 2479 Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy. subtextgallery.com

Sights and tastes from Baja: El Take it Easy, North Park’s newest eatery, opened to the public just last week, and its proprietors (who brought us The Linkery) are wasting no time hosting events. From 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, June 17, you can sample complimentary tastes from the gastro-cantina’s Baja-inspired menu and knock back a couple of adult beverages, but, more importantly, you can also view Enrique Ciapara: Art Show, an exhibition of the Tijuana artist’s work, in which paint and text are combined to create provocative abstract pieces. Full dinner seating will be available if you’re really hungry (the pork-belly tacos are super-tasty). El Take it Easy is located at 3926 30th St., where Apertivo used to be. eltakeiteasy.com

One year, party here: ManRabbit, this week’s CityBeat cover artist, will be one of 30 artists whose work will be showcased in 619, a party and exhibition marking the first anniversary of Gallery aka (it stands not for “also known as” but, rather, “art kills artists”). The show, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at Disconnected Salon (3830 30th Street in North Park), will also feature fashion from Fuck Fame Bang Bang, guest bartending from Beat Panther’s JP and a ton of giveaways. Sponsored, in part, by Stone Brewing, a percentage of the proceeds will go to Classics 4 Kids, a nonprofit that fosters classical-music appreciation in students. artkillsartists.com

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD

It’s been more than 10 years since the artists of the Art Union Building (2323 Broadway in Golden Hill) got together to host an event. Resident artist Dennis Covey decided that a reunion was long past due. From 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 19, the entire building will open its doors to the public for Art ReUnion, a night of eclectic music and art experiences. What do transformable multi-sculptures, spray-paint and plant mandalas and fat-free / gluten-free art look like? Have you looked through the Californiascope, a giant kaleidoscope-telescope previously situated in the San Diego Harbor? Live bands and DJs will perform at different stages throughout the night, and there will be a vintage-clothing fashion show, a culinary artist and a brainwave demonstration. denniscoveyfineart.com

... AND EVERYWHERE

Visual art isn’t the only genre of creative expression featured in Here Not There, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s current exhibition of works by San Diego artists. From 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 19, the museum presents Here Not There: Performance Evening at MCASD’s La Jolla location (700 Prospect St.). Artists who’ll be performing throughout the museum that night (some simultaneously for those of you with short attention spans) include musician Tristan Shone, who builds and operates highly interactive soundscape-generating instruments; Brian Black and Ryan Bulis, known for their performance-art-meets-sports bent; and Micha Cardenas and Elle Mehrmand, who use new technology to explore human sexuality and physicality. $7. mcasd.org

FOREVER YOUNG

Let’s face it: No one wants to grow old. But, to what lengths would you go to preserve your youth? In the film City of Lost Children, created by French filmmakers Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie) and Marc Caro, a mad scientist harvests dreams from kidnapped children in an attempt to stay youthful. One of those misfortunate children happens to be the kid brother of a former whale hunter with super strength, and the film turns into a dystopian adventurerescue flick in no time. As for the look of the movie, think creepy sci-fi carnival brought to life by an art-museum curator. It’s fantastical, dark and perfectly weird, and it screens at midnight on Saturday, June 19, as part of the Ken Cinema’s midnight-movie series (4061 Adams Ave.). landmarktheatres.com

COVER GIRL

RuPaul was born in San Diego, which might be why the larger-than-life, drag-queen supermodel has chosen our little corner of the world to sign and talk about her new book, Workin’ It!: RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style. Beyond the bright pink cover are fabulous photos of the icon and a sort of autobiography-meets-self-help guide on how to become fabulous yourself. From the advice given in the introduction—“Don’t take life too seriously”—to the stay-positive messages strewn throughout, RuPaul’s Guide isn’t going to win any literary awards, but who the hell cares? RuPaul will be at Obelisk (1029 University Ave. in Hillcrest) at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17. Sadly, RuPaul won’t appear in drag. Call 619-297-4171 for tickets. obeliskbookstore.com

PEDALS OF POWER

Halfway between the bike and moped, the motorized bicycle is the missing link on the evolutionary scale of personal transportation. It’s a bicycle with an engine strapped to it and, like the first fish born with legs, it’s among the easiest prey in traffic. For the first time ever, San Diego’s contingent is seeking strength in numbers with its Summer Celebration Ride. Riders will meet at Ocean Beach Pier Parking Lot (Abbott Street and Newport Avenue) at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 20, for a 20-mile scenic ride. If you don’t have a moped, you should wave as the school passes by Sunset Cliffs and the Point Loma Lighthouse and cruises through Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. For details and route map, go to http://bit.ly/bbjrRZ.

SLIMY AND DELICIOUS

Our editor remains mystified as to why on Earth human beings began gulping down oysters in the first place. They’re such slimy little beasties; those folks must’ve been awfully hungry. Still, our editor knows he’s in the minority, which is why we’re recommending the firstever San Diego Oyster Fest, starting at noon (gates open at 11 a.m.) on Saturday, June 19, at Marina Embarcadero North (behind Seaport Village). There will be cooking demos, a pairing room, a history expo and a “Shuck and Suck Competition,” plus sets by half a dozen bands, including Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Tickets ($20) are available at snagtickets.com. Kids younger than 14 get in free. Proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. oysterfestsd.com