Chinatown Boardroom gets a head start on both First Friday and the Halloween vibe with its opening of “;Monster Mash”; from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. The show highlights 13 artists' two-part renditions of monsters.

Two-part?

“;The 'mash' part is that each artist is doing two separate (pieces) of their monsters: head to waist and waist to feet,”; said gallery owner Jackie Walden. “;Then I mash it up.”;

The result will be mixed-up mayhem featuring the top half of one monster paired with the bottom of another.

The lineup of artists includes a couple from the mainland: Miss Mindy hails from Los Angeles, while Jeff Lamm is based on the East Coast. The rest of the monster makers are Ryan Higa, Pegge Hopper, May Izumi, Jeff Lamm, Miss Mindy, Otto, Kat Reeder, Rich Richardson, Cade Roster, Masako Schwalbentiz, Dave Tanji, Mike Watanabe and Robert Watanabe.

In the Walden tradition of social consciousness, a portion of proceeds from “;Monster Mash”; sales will benefit the Hawaiian Humane Society “;in honor of all the little monsters that enrich our lives.”;

Walden said the show, which resulted from a brainstorming session between herself and Roster, is rooted in her love of Halloween.

“;It's my favorite holiday. I love all of it: dressing up, the spookiness and comicalness, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating. It's the most festive holiday.”;

Walden is also excited about having a group show in the space again. “;It's been a while,”; she said. “;There are so many different personalities ... (that) we'll have a wide range of monsters. It'll be fun to see how all the pieces blend together.”;

Walden encourages attendees of the opening to come in costume. She will serve creepy Halloween snacks to round out the evening's mood.

Chinatown Boardroom is at 1160 Nuuanu Ave. Call 585-7200 or visit www.chinatownboardroom.com.

OTHER FIRST Friday highlights:

» The ARTS at Marks Garage (1159 Nuuanu Ave., 521-2903, www.artsatmarks.com): Slow News International comments on big-picture issues via snail mail on scrolls from communities around the world. Free bicycle valet service until 10 p.m. and bicycle maintenance demonstrations by the Kickstand of Kaimuki; belly-dancing by Willow Chang and friends at 8 p.m.

» Bethel Street Gallery (1140 Bethel St., 524-3552): The Second Annual Nude Show highlights work by Mark Kadota, Mary Mitsuda, Chris Campbell, Scottie Flamm, Snowden Hodges, Chuck Davis, Debbie Young, Sandra Blazel, Jo Rowley and Jane Raissle.

» The Cathedral Gallery (1184 Bishop St., 536-7036): Opening reception for exhibition of new works commemorating the canonization of Father Damien De Veuster, 5 to 9 p.m.

» Peggy Chun Gallery (1161 Nuuanu Ave., 545-4810, www.peggychun.com): “;Two Oceans”; features the work of Russell Lowrey and Fabienne Blanc; opening reception from 5 to 10 p.m. today with complimentary wine sampling from Wine, the Experience, at Kilohana Square.

» Hawaii State Art Museum (250 Hotel St. 586-0900): HiSAM presents “;Ho'oulu: The Inspiration of Hula,”; hula-inspired work from the Art in Public Places Collection, along with hula implements and objects from the Bishop Museum and the Hula Preservation Society. “;Live from the Lawn”; will also take place from 6 to 9 p.m.

» Pegge Hopper Gallery (1164 Nuuanu Ave., 524-1160): The latest paintings by Timothy P. Ojile center on the theme “;Hot or Not.”;

» Ong King Arts Center (184 N. King St.): “;Art of Healing”; opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Cover: $10, all ages welcome.

» Louis Pohl Gallery (1111 Nuuanu Ave., 521-1812): “;No Plan B,”; featuring the work of legendary isle artists Harry Tsuchidana, Satoru Abe and Warren Stenberg.

» Mendonca Building Courtyard (1126 Smith St., 262-5930): Works by Robert Cabbat, Nick Black, Paul Staub and Shayne Turner; plus music by Fred Gayagas and box dinners from Kate Wagner.