The Dwell Guide to Events in Your City

Wednesday, May 7

Raymond Pettibon, Paul Frank, David Hockney and 70 other designers, artists, and activists turn vision aids into artwork. Through May 9. Zimmer Children's Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd.; (323) 761-8989; www.zimmershowandtell.org

The fusion of nature and technology in design is the theme of Ilan Dei Studio’s discussion series, which features boat-builder and oceanographer Mike Leneman today. 7 p.m.; A.N.T. Gallery, 2100 Zeno Pl., Venice; http://ilandeistudio.com/news.php

Shary Boyle illustrates musician Doug Paisley's melancholic tunes on an overhead projector, for an audio-visual experience that'll move you more than anything on MTV (yes, even The Hills). 7 p.m.; Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; (310) 443-7000; www.hammer.ucla.edu

At the Art Center College of Design's  three-day conference, an eclectic group of innovators, including Dutch designer Petra Blaisse, IDEO president Tim Brown, architect Elizabeth Diller, and Google user experience director Irene Au, interpret this year’s theme: play. Art Center College of Design, South Campus, 950 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena; (626) 396-4229; www2.artcenter.edu/designconference/about.php

Thursday, May 8

Performance and video artist Andrea Fraser, whose installations have been shown at the Whitney Biennial and Venice Biennale speaks tonight at UCLA. 7 p.m.; Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; (310) 443-7000; www.hammer.ucla.edu

Heather McHugh's books of poetry Eyeshot, The Father of Predicaments, and Hinge & Sign have been short-listed for the literary world's most prestigious prizes. Hear the poetess read from her work tonight. 7 p.m.; Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd.; (310) 443-7000; www.hammer.ucla.edu

Saturday, May 10

Santa Monica Festival brings the crowds to Clover Park for a day of art and performance, including a concert by Dengue Fever, a Cambodian psych-rock band. All waste from the festival will be recycled or composted. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd in Santa Monica; http://arts.santa-monica.org

Strap on some sturdy shoes and get ready for another art walk through downtown LA. www.downtownartwalk.com

Monday, May 12

Directors of top-rated shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The L Word, and Sex in the City have emerged from the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women. At the program's annual showcase tonight, you'll get a sneak peak of primetime's future talent. 7:30 p.m.; Harmony Gold Theatre, 7655 Sunset Blvd.; (323) 856-7600; www.afi.com/education/dww/showcase.aspx

• 
• 
•