While Tift Merritt may have moved to NYC last year, she’s still an active person locally. David Menconi wrote an article about her busy day on October 7. She’ll be here as the host of the Arts Commission’s 24th annual Medal of Arts Ceremony at Fletcher Opera Theater.

Merritt will also be doing a concert with Teddy Thompson at the NC Museum of Art on August 23. Prior to the concert, Merritt and Paul Friedrich will present a painting exhibition featuring North Carolina’s LowDefPop Artists. “Paintings Under the Stars” showcases the work of Paul Friedrich, Casey Porn, Jodi Hoover, David Eichenberger and Greg Clayton. The Paintings will be on display by the main stage of the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Theater in the Museum Park.

Friedrich is widely known for his cartoon series “Onion Head Monster” and his book “Onion Head Monster Attacks” was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Humor. His paintings are characterized by his use of bright colors and bold lines. Casey Porn is the 2008 Emerging Artist at ArtSpace in Downtown Raleigh. The LowDefPop Art Movement is defined by the use of pop culture, inviting colors, bold images, humor and outlines.