Free things to do this week ft. Brass Art, Simpsons Quiz + more

Gestured Launch at Chetham’s Library
Chetham’s Library’s latest free exhibition kicks off this Monday. Gestured features work by locally-based art collective Brass Art, and their site-specific sculptures will be dotted around all around the historic library. See our full preview for more details.
Mon 16 Oct – Fri 8 Dec, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB. 10am – 12.30pm, library.chethams.com

Simpsons Halloween Quiz at Common
Common are putting another of their Common Knowledge TV quizzes for this Wednesday, this time with a special spooky theme. The Northern Quarter venue has run quizzes about The Simpsons before, but this one focuses in on the Halloween specials – the so-called ‘Treehouse of Horror’ episodes. This is a quiz for hardcore Simpsons-heads only: Expect questions that go into microscopic detail over these episodes. However, if you’re one of those people who’s tuned in every evening at 6pm for the last 20 years, a raft of bar tab prizes could be well within your grasp.
Wed 18 Oct, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW. 7.30pm, www.facebook.com

Paul Smith at The Whitworth
Lauded fashion designer, and defining voice in British couture since the 1970s, Paul Smith comes to The Whitworth this Thursday for a free lunchtime talk. Paul will be talking through what inspires him as a designer, and talking about his journey from warehouse boy, to Savile Row tailor, through to head of an internationally-recognised fashion brand. Spaces for this talk are likely to dry up quickly, so we recommend booking early.
Thu 19 Oct, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. 12.30pm – 1.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.ukfr

Sophie Nixon Exhibition Preview at Lowry Hotel (pictured)
The Lowry Hotel – located near Spinningfields on the banks of the Irwell, on the very spot where The Dandy and Beano used to be published – is hosting a preview of their latest art exhibition featuring the work of local artist Sophie Nixon. Sophie works out of Levenshulme’s Bankley Studios and paints local street scenes that are deeply reminiscent of those of Edward Hopper. The preview is free to attend, but to guarantee entry you’ll need to RSVP to claire@commecaart.com. If you can’t get along this Thursday, Sophie’s work will be on display at the hotel until Tuesday 28 November.
Thu 19 Oct, The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Manchester, M3 5LH. 6pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com