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MONDAY

When I first heard about “Magical Adventures: Fantasy Art From the Frank Collection” at the University of Maryland’s Art Gallery, I couldn’t stop thinking about the logistical problems the show’s curators must have faced. Certainly custom van art would be represented, but what would be done about the ensuing tire-tracks problem? Would the 30-year-old schwag dust sure to be lurking within the folds of Molly Hatchet’s Flirtin’ with Disaster—which uses Frank Frazetta’s legendary barbarian painting Dark Kingdom as its cover—bring the university unwanted attention from the authorities? Did they need me to donate my Elric of Melnibone paperbacks? Luckily, the staff anticipated these potential problems and decided to limit the art to more conventional forms, such as painting and sculpture. The exhibition features everything from early pulp-novel-cover paintings (Virgil Finlay’s Palos of the Dog Star Pack from 1941) to newer pulp-novel covers (Ken Kelly’s Conan the Formidable from 1990). Which more than makes up for not having a Red Sonja–airbushed Chevy van idling in the gallery. The show is on view from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (see City List for other dates) at the University of Maryland’s Art Gallery, University Blvd. and Adelphi Road, College Park. Free. (301) 405-2763. (DD)