The American Federation of Arts (AFA) is pleased to announce that artist Fred Tomaselli is the next featured speaker in its 2009/10 ArtTalks series. Following the lecture, audience members are invited to participate in a question-and-answer session and a wine reception. About Fred Tomaselli: Fred Tomaselli is internationally recognized for highly textured paintings in which printed materials culled from a variety of sources are layered with leaves and pharmaceuticals and encased in a thick layer of clear resin. The dazzling images and patterns that result explore visions of utopia and dystopia—a transformation of the familiar world into images of great beauty. The influence of chemical substances has been a recurring theme in Tomaselli’s work, and his baroque collages have incorporated a wide range of prescription and non-prescription pills, hallucinogenic plants, and even nicotine patches—devices that enable him to comment on the role of perception in art. In-kind support for ArtTalks is provided by Christie’s. When: Tuesday, April 13, 6:30–8 p.m. Where: Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, 49th Street between 5th and 6th avenues Tickets: $15; $10 for AFA members and students with valid ID. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For reservations, please call 212.988.7700 ext. 210, e-mail arttalks@afaweb.org, or visit www.nycharities.org.