Culture
 

READING
   Richard Speer
   Local art critic and bon vivant Richard Speer never even tried to remain impartial about the talents of artist Matt Lamb, a successful Chicago businessman who taught himself to paint when he was nearly 50. Lamb has practically conquered the world with his vivid, freewheeling blasts of color, and Speer has written all about it in his new book, “Matt Lamb: The Art of Success.”
   The radiantly self-absorbed Speer, who writes for Willamette Week, will read and sign before appearing at a reception at the nearby Mark Woolley Gallery, where Lamb’s work will be shown.
   — Eric Bartels
   7:30 FRIDAY, May 6, Powell’s City of Books, Pearl Room, 1005 W. Burnside St., 503-228-4651, free