Screen gems

Is James Polisky a manicurist’s nightmare? The artistic and graphic designer has said: “I leave my studio with so much ink crammed under my fingernails, but I would not want it any other way.’’ By day, the artist specializes in wall covering and gift wrap, but when he punches out, it’s all about his passion for hand silkscreen printing. At “The Bright Lights of Pop City,’’ Polisky’s 30 pieces feature pesky, colorful characters that are simple and complex, funny and dark. Today, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with an artist reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (through Dec. 10). Free. The Gallery on the Plaza, the New England Institute of Art, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline. 617-582-4617. www.artinstitutes.edu/boston