La Jolla’s Best bets for Events Dec. 8

Three Art Shows

Distinguished South Korean artist Jaehyo Lee takes center stage at the Madison Gallery for a solo exhibition, “The Principles of Nature,” Dec. 10 through Feb. 5 at 1055 Wall St. Known for his creative process, Lee’s large-scale sculptural works reveal a subtly humorous and unsentimental attitude toward nature. Free. (858) 459-0836. madisongalleries.com

Master photographer Jim Richter spent two years traveling the United States, recording his sights on his camera. See some of his favorites at the La Jolla Phototravelers Club meeting, “From Sea to Shining Sea,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring St. Free. Christam10@icloud.com

Featuring more than 20 large and small pieces in a variety of media, “Connecting/Disconnecting: The Impact of Social Media” by Swedish-born artist Asa Kvissberg is on display through Jan. 15 at the Monarch Arredon Contemporary gallery, 7629 Girard Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, by appointment Sunday, Monday. (858) 454-1231. monarchfineart.com

At The Playhouse

A benefit concert with Tony Award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell, titled “Simply Broadway,” is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 in the La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD campus. Tickets from $75. Proceeds will support the Education & Outreach and New Play Development programs, along with The Actors Fund, a national human service organization that helps everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

“The Wholehearted,” a one-woman show written and co-directed by UCSD Department of Theatre & Dance professor Deborah Stein, performed and co-directed by Suli Holum, Dec. 14-18 in The Playhouse’s Potiker Theatre. It’s the unflinching portrait of a female boxer who survives a brutal attack by her husband. Tickets $35. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

‘Owl’ I want for Christmas

Join the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library Night Owls for an evening filled with Christmas kitsch, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1008 Wall St. Put on your favorite ugly holiday sweater and enjoy friends, art, activities, music and beer. Tickets $10, $5 for members. (858) 454-5872. ljathenaeum.org/the-night-owls

‘Interview’ with Anne Rice

The bestselling author of “Interview with the Vampire,” will speak and sign her latest gothic, “Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis,” 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at Warwick’s books, 7812 Girard Ave. Tickets, $31.27, admits two and includes one copy of the book. (858) 454-0347. warwicks.com

Two Concerts

Pianist Jeeyoon Kim will celebrate the release of her latest CD “10 More Minutes,” a collection of classic-inspired originals, with a concert and celebration, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Auditorium at TSRI, 10620 John J. Hopkins Drive. Tickets $30. jeeyoonkim.com

Recognized as one of the world’s great ensembles, the Takács Quartet returns to La Jolla Music Society to present an all-Beethoven program featuring three quartets from different decades in chronological order, 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at MCASD Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St. Tickets from $30. (858) 459-3728. ljms.org