CALENDAR FOR APRIL 2003

Daily (Mon.–Fri.)

HIV Testing. HCHD Thomas Street Clinic is offering HIV testing free to the public, 9 am–1 pm. There is no need to establish eligibility ("gold-card"), no donation will be asked of the person seeking testing, and the test is free. Thomas Street Clinic, 2015 Thomas, 713/873-4157 or 713/873-4026.

Daily (Mon.–Sat.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing at these locations. Monday: Bricks, 617 Fairview, 4–8 pm; Keys West, 817 W. Dallas, 8 pm–midnite; Club Xcape, 2612 South Richey, 9 pm–midnite. Tuesday: The 611 Club, 611 Hyde Park, 4–8 pm; The Briar Patch, 2294 W. Holcombe, 8 pm–midnite; The Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 8 pm–midnite. Wednesday: Mary's, 1022 Westheimer, 4–8 pm; Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 6–9 pm; Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 9 pm–midnite; EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am. Thursday: The Outpost, 1419 Richmond, 4–8 pm; Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 8 pm–midnite; Cousins, 817 Fairview, 8 pm–midnite; Toyz Disco, 5322 Glenmont, 10 pm–1 am. Friday: Club Escandalo, 2053 Wirt, 8–10 pm; Viviana’s, 5219 Washington, 10 pm–midnite; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am; Club Kalipso, 6806 Longpoint, midnite–2 am. Saturday: Club Inergy, 5750 Chimney Rock, 9 pm–midnite. The clinic offers classes for those newly diagnosed with HIV or Hepatitis C. For more info: 713/830-3000.

4–13 (Fri.–Mon.)

The WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival is kicking off with the world premiere of Patrick Swayze’s new film, One Last Dance, which Swayze is expected to attend. More than 450 international filmmakers & thousands of film buffs will attend the 10-day event, which features other premieres, more than 100 new short films, 55 independent films, workshops, seminars, a regatta for the filmmakers, & Texas barbeque. Various locations and prices. Info: 713/965-9955 or www.worldfest.org.

6 (Sun.)

Women on War. Women are at once on all sides of every war, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church continues its series which examines the roots of war by exploring the reactions of women writers, teachers, & activists. Sissy Farenthold, a peace activist, politician, & champion of liberal causes, will be presenting her view of this era of world history. 6 pm @ St. Stephen’s, 1805 West Alabama. Followed by refreshments & an opportunity to continue the dialogue informally. For more info: 713/528-6665.

6 (Sun.)

Several Dancers Core and the Houston Community College-Central Dance Department present the Spring Fieldwork Showcase, which is a culmination of 10 weeks of training by dance artists, which gives them a chance to display the training they gained during the workshop. The showcase was organized by Toni Leago Valle, a choreographer who was named the 2000 Dancer of the Year, and includes time after the event for attendees to speak with the artists. 7 pm @ the HCC-Central campus Studio A, 3517 Austin. $5. Tickets available at the door. Info: 713/862-5530 or www.severaldancerscore.org.

7 & 8 (Mon. and Tues.)

Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio. Latin Grammy Award-winner, Cuban pianist, and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba combines elements of jazz, Cuban music, and classical music in his unique compositions. Presented by Da Camera of Houston @ 7:30 pm @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. $30. Tickets are available by contacting the Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, at 713/524-5050, or online at www.dacamera.com. Half-price discounts available for students & senior citizens with valid ID.

11 (Fri.)

Gay Signings. Dean James, gay store manager of Murder by the Book, will sign & discuss his 2nd novel, Faked to Death, which features gay American sleuth Simon Kirby-Jones. Greg Herren, gay New Orleans crime novelist, will sign & discuss his new gay mystery, Bourbon Street. Both at 6 pm @ Murder by the Book, 2342 Bissonnet, 713/524-8597.

11 & 12 (Fri. & Sat.)

Streb Go! Action Heroes. Take the most dangerous event you have ever witnessed, double the speed, cut the distance by half, multiply it by four, and you’ll have this act, which features dancers in a mid-air suspension and 20-foot swan dives. Think: “American de la Guarda.” 8 pm @ Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 510 Preston. Tickets ($29–$45) can be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by telephone at 713/227-4772, or at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana.

12 (Sat.)

Hormone Therapy in Menopause. If you want to learn about menopause, the effect it has on a woman’s body, & alternative hormone therapies, be sure to attend this half-day event. The seminar, which will be held by a local doctor, Natalie Grose, M.D., will include special presentations on alternative therapies such as therapeutic stretching, herbology, and Chinese acupuncture & traditional medicine. 8:30 am–1 pm @ the Women’s Hospital of Texas, 7400 Fannin (at Old Spanish Trail). $45 w/a $5 discount for each guest. More info: Judy at 713/660-6620.

12 & 13 (Sat. & Sun.)

Giant Interiors Sale. Once a year, the American Society of Interior Designers’ Gulf Coast chapter and the interiors trade industry opens its doors to the public, and this is it. Enjoy bargains on thousands of antiques, contemporary furnishings, rugs, drapes, fabrics, accessories, & more. The Resource Center, 7026 Old Katy Road. Early-bird special from 9 am to noon on Sat. $15, good for both days. $10 after noon on Sat. and $7 on Sun. More info: 713/626-2743.

13 (Sun.)

The Passion Gospels. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church engages the question: Are the Passion Gospels, which detail the final days of Jesus Christ on Earth, decidedly anti-Jewish? The church has invited a fellow theologian, Rabbi David Whiman of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, to respond to interfaith questions raised by the text. 6 pm @ St. Stephen’s, 1805 West Alabama. Followed by refreshments and an opportunity to continue the dialogue informally. 713/528-6665.

16 (Wed.)

Grammy Times Two. Enjoy an extraordinary mix of talent when Grammy Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax joins fellow Grammy-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman for a joint program featuring works by Brahms, Schumann, Wyner, & more. 8 pm @ Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets ($15-$60) can be purchased in advance at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713/227-4772, or at the box office.

17–19 (Thu.–Sat.)

Dance Salad Festival. The 11th annual festival features an engaging mix of international dancers performing disciplines from Brazil, China, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the U.S. Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 510 Preston. For tickets ($15 to $39), call the Houston Ballet Box Office at 713/227-2787. More info: www.dancesalad.org or 713/621-1461.

19 (Sat.)

High Island Bird Watching. April is the best month to see North America’s most colorful migrating songbirds, and the Houston Outdoor Group has made plans to help you see them & socialize while you’re at it. Meet at the House of Pies at 3112 Kirby Drive for breakfast at 8:30 am, and carpool at 10 am. $5 donation to the Houston Audubon Society, plus cost of breakfast. For more info: 713/KAMPOUT (526-7688) or www.absentmind.net/hog.

20 (Sun.)

Islam: Friend or Foe? Margaret King, a social anthropologist with expertise in Middle East society, tries to encounter another religion that has been trivialized and vilified throughout history. 6 pm @ St. Stephen’s, 1805 West Alabama. Followed by refreshments and an opportunity to continue the dialogue informally. For more info: 713/528-6665.

25 (Fri.)

Houston Ballet Academy Spring Performance. The gifted young artists of the academy, the company’s professional training wing, cap their studies with a special one-night-only concert featuring works tailor-made to show them at their best. 7 p.m @ the Wortham Center, 510 Preston. Call 713/227-2787 for location, other info, & to purchase tickets.

25–27 (Fri.–Sun.)

Enchanted Rock Campout. The Houston Outdoor Group holds a monthly camping adventure; this month’s trip is to Texas Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country. Tents only; limited to 24 campers on a first-come basis, with a $10 reservation deposit for a campsite. Info: 713/526-7688 or www.absentmind.net/hog.

26 (Sat.)

The Rainbow Fishing Club has scheduled the first set of day-long, deep-sea fishing trips. Enjoy the fishing or just the view & the smell of salt air from the New Buccaneer, the group’s favorite boat. Boarding begins at Galveston’s Pier 19 at 6:30 am, the boat sails at 7:30 am, and returns at 7:30 pm. $75 for adults, $40 for children 12 & under, $30 for riders. Price includes rod, reel, & squid bait. Info: 713/523-6381.

28 (Mon.)

Tommy Tune Taps into Houston. Developed by Theater Under The Stars (TUTS), the first annual Tommy Tune Awards will honor musical theater excellence at the high-school level. Houston native, Lamar High School alumnus, and event namesake Tommy Tune will be participating in this inaugural event. The openly gay performer, director, and choreographer has received nine Tony Awards. • The awards are designed to acknowledge remarkable artists and encourage their future in the profession. Drawn from 13 categories, 19 participating schools and their productions will be honored. • In addition to the Tony Awards-type ceremony, the evening will feature performances from nominees in the Best Musical category, a musical medley with this year’s Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, and a finale including two students from each participating school. • A special honorary award will be presented to Ruth Denney, a legendary figure and teacher in the theater world. Denney began her career in Houston, where she taught at Lamar High School for many years as Tune’s drama teacher. In 1971, she founded Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. • TUTS’ Tommy Tune Awards take place at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets are available at 713/558-8887, the box office, or www.tuts.com.

28 (Mon.)

Listen Up. Influential, award-winning & outspoken writer Ann Beattie reads from her works & answers questions about her 30-plus years as an American mainstay as part of Inprint’s 2003 Margarett Root Brown Houston Reading Series. Followed by book sale & signing by Brazos Bookstore. 7:30 pm (no late seating) at the Alley Theatre, 615 Louisiana. $5 suggested donation (students/senior citizens with ID attend for free). More info: 713/521-2026 or www.inprint-inc.org.

29 (Tue.)

GLBT night at HGO. The Houston Grand Opera features a Special Night Out for its gay friends. The evening starts with cocktails & light hors d’oeuvres at Keys West, followed by a limousine ride to see the classic opera La Traviata with Renee Fleming, at or-chestra level. Afterward, top off the night with another ride back to Keys West, where the party continues. Starts at 5:30 pm at Keys West, 817 Dallas. Limousine leaves at 6:30 pm. $100. For more info: Peter at HGO at 713/546-0248.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR MAY

May 1 (Thu.)

Asian Art. The Museum of Fine Arts welcomes the 10th annual Asia Society Lecture on Asian Art, Potters and Painters of Korea, at 6 pm in Brown Auditorium Theater of the Caroline Weiss Bldg., 1001 Bissonnet. A reception to meet the speaker follows the lecture, which is free & open to the public. Seating limited & available on a first-come, first-served basis. Info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org.

May 3 (Sat.)

Season Finale: A Spring Sonata. A rousing finale to Da Camera of Houston’s concert season is its salute to spring, featuring works by Schumann, Beethoven, & Schubert. 8 pm @ Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas. Tickets ($20–$35) available by contacting the Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, at 713/524-5050, or online at www.dacamera.com.

May 5 (Mon.)

Cinco de Mayo—The OrchestraX Social Club is presented in collaboration with the regional office of the Anti-Defamation League. Conducted by John Axelrod, with guest concertmaster & soloist Robert Kabara. 7:30 pm @ T-Town, 6400 Richmond. Tickets/info: 713/225-6729 or www.orchestrax.org .

May 7–11 (Wed.–Sun.)

Gay Men’s Health Summit. This third annual summit—to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina—is part of a nationwide effort to create a strong, visible grassroots movement among diverse gay men focused on a wide range of sexual, mental and community health concerns that need to be addressed. This is no ordinary health conference. The four-day summit will feature more than 100 activities and interactive workshops, debates, and videos. The event is built by the participants, who contribute program proposals to a committee that reviews them and selects outstanding proposals that meet the objective of creating a strong and comprehensive program around gay, bisexual, and queer health. Concerns to be addressed include, but are not limited to, major illnesses such as hepatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and prostate cancer, as well as mental health issues, same-sex domestic violence, and the relationship between spirituality and health. For more info: www.GMHS2003.org.

PERFORMING ARTS

• The Altruists, by Nicky Silver, revolves around a dedicated, if disorganized and demented, group of young radicals whose extreme and politically incorrect views are suddenly put to the test: How should the group respond to Sydney, a shallow and anorexic soap opera actress who shoots her sleeping boyfriend and runs to the group for help? • New York Newsday: “. . . [T]he extravagantly amusing Nicky Silver has written one of his most consistent explosions of dark yet good-natured satire. . . .” Variety: “Exhilarating! Exceedingly funny! . . . [W]ritten with the florid theatricality and seething emotional adrenaline that are the hallmarks of Silver’s unique voice. . . .” The New York Daily News: “Hysterical. . . . The Altruists revels in political incorrectness.” • Joe Angel Babb, education and community outreach coordinator with The Alley Theatre, directs a cast of five. • April 16–May 24 (previews April 16 & 17; Fri. & Sat. evenings April 18–May 24; Sat. matinees May 10 & 24) @ Theatre New West, 1415 California. Tickets: Previews $10, Sat. matinees $15, Fri. & Sat. evenings $20. Reservations: 713/522-2204.

• The Big Voice: God or Merman? The Los Angeles Times declared it “Priceless! Inspiring! Witty! Indelible!” The Big Voice: God or Merman?, nominated for Best Score by the L.A. Drama Critics Circle and for a GLAAD Media Award, is a two-man musical sensation that asks the question: “What if you went looking for God in a church and found God in a theater instead?” Featuring creators Steve Schalchlin and Jim Brochu, the team behind the award-winning hit The Last Session, it is the autobiographical story of two gay men: Jim, a Brooklyn-born Catholic, and Steve, a Southern Baptist from Texas. How they find their way from church to the stage is only the beginning of this intense celebration of the power of musical theater. Their life together is presented through a series of stories and songs that chronicle their marriage, home life, successes, struggles with illness, “divorce,” and reunion. “Our original concept was to write a play about God, but we found we were writing a play about each other,” says Brochu. “We change the course of each other’s lives all the time, and we never know it—that’s what the play is about.” • A portion of the proceeds will benefit PFLAG–Houston and the PFLAG/HATCH Youth Scholarship Foundation. • April 4–19 (post-performance discussions with the cast at 5:30 p.m. following the matinees on April 6 & 19) @ Stages, 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets ($30) are available at the box office, at 713/527-0123, or at www.stagestheatre.com.

• Dirty Blonde. What makes a legend? What makes a romance? A healthy dose of obsession never hurts … and actually helps Charlie, a film archivist, and Jo, an aspiring actress, to fulfill & embrace their destiny. These two loners meet at Mae West’s grave in Queens. When Charlie reveals how he was befriended by West, he takes Jo on a wild reminiscence of 1930s Hollywood, sequined gowns, & the making of an icon. Through April 13 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets ($32–$42) are available by calling 713/527-0123 or by visiting www.stagestheatre.com.

• Einstein and the Polar Bear. A young woman is stranded in a snowstorm and seeks shelter in the home of a popular, highly regarded, reclusive writer. The writer’s father once met Einstein, a polar bear is loose in the village, & the young lady is both attractive & mysterious. 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays through May 3 at The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. Tickets are $12. Info/reservations: 713/726-1219.

• Harlem After Hours. This classy & entertaining world premiere musical transforms the stage into a vintage Harlem after-hours club, where a calvacade of singers & showstoppers razzle & dazzle us with their late-night jams & reveries of the heart. Through April 13 at the Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main Street, 713/520-0055.

• Houston Grand Opera. La Traviata: Champagne, elegant courtesans, & true love sacrificed for a family’s honor—Houston Grand Opera stages one of Verdi’s most famous operas, La Traviata, starring American soprano superstar Renée Fleming. Apr. 17–May 4. • Manon: From the grave halls of an abbey to the glitter of illegal gambling rooms, the bewitching soprano Elizabeth Futral takes on 18th-century France as the irresistible coquette in Massenet’s Manon. Apr. 25–May 11. • Both @ the Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, Texas at Smith. Tickets are available at 713/228-OPERA, at www.houstongrandopera.org, and at the box office (in the lobby of the Wortham Center).

• Killer Karaoke and Come Up and Slay Me Sometime are presented by Mystery Café, home of Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. • Killer Karaoke: The Gulf Coast Regional Semi-Final Three Steps Before National Silver Microphone Karaoke Competition will continue, despite an “accidental” fire and a crazed karaoke serial killer stalking the contestants. Anybody who’s actually listened to karaoke will probably side with the killer, if they can figure his or her identity. • Come Up and Slay Me Sometime: Bathtub gin isn’t the only illegal thing going on in this 1920s floating speakeasy—there’s a dead body lying around, and nobody can call the cops. Featuring special appearances by Mae West, Charles Lindbergh, and Abraham Lincoln. • Killer Karaoke plays Fridays; Come Up and Slay Me Sometime plays Saturdays. Both shows presented at 8 pm at Marriott West Loop, 1750 West Loop South at San Felipe. Reservations required: 713/944-2583 or www.mysterycafehouston.com.

• The Little Foxes is the story of three siblings who allow hatred & greed to destroy their family. Through Apr. 13 at Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Tickets are $20–$30. For more info: www.mainstreettheater.com or 713/524-6706.

• Mamma Mia! When the Broadway production of Mamma Mia! opened on October 18, 2001, the response from New York audiences and theater critics alike was as invigorating as the production itself. Enthused Clive Barnes of The New York Post: “A pop solid sensation! Mamma Mia! is genius! Just sit back and let the joy sweep over you!” • A delightfully poignant tale essentially about true love, Mamma Mia! explores the fabric of family and friendship through the relationship between a mother and her soon-to-be-wed daughter. Through the story-telling magic of the songs of ABBA, we meet Donna, a feisty forty-something single mom, who recalls distant memories of carefree days and careless nights, while her daughter Sophie dreams of tradition, romance, and a big white wedding. Mamma Mia! transports us to a tiny mythical Greek island to share two unforgettable days in the lives of our heroines surrounded by crystal blue seas beneath a beating Grecian sun. • Mamma Mia!’s songbook of 22 unforgettable ABBA hits includes “The Winner Takes It All,” “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take A Chance On Me,” “Super Trouper,” and “Mamma Mia.” • For more information on the Mamma Mia! national tour, visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. • April 15–27 (8 pm, Tues.–Fri.; 2 & 8 pm on Sat.; and 2 & 7:30 pm on Sun.) @ Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets: ($37.25–$77.25) are available at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 713/629-3700, or online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

• The Noblest of Drugs was inspired by the life and art of a little-known mad (art) genius, Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy to friends). While his deviances were varied & many, in the end it was his art, that “noblest” of drugs, which proved his undoing. Fridays & Saturdays through Apr. 12 @ the Axiom, 2524 McKinney. Tickets $12–$16. Info: www.infernalbridegroom.com or 713/522-8443.

• Pinocchio is a world premiere musical. Geppetto’s dream of having a son comes true when magic turns one of his own creations into a singing, talking, & loving little boy. Apr. 25–May 11 @ Galveston’s Strand Theatre, 2317 Ship’s Mechanic Row. Tickets $20 ($15 students/seniors, $13 balcony seating). Info/reservations: toll-free at 1-877-STRAND-9.

• Speaking in Tongues. One random night of flirtation changes forever the lives of two couples and sets in motion the surprising stories of nine disparate people. Apr. 30–May 25 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets ($32–$42; previews are $22–$25) are available by calling 713/527-0123 or by visiting www.stagestheatre.com.

• The Trip to Bountiful tells the story of Carrie Watts (Jean Stapleton), an elderly woman who makes a pilgrimage from Houston to her hometown of Bountiful, Texas. Apr. 11–May 10 @ the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets available at www.alleytheatre.org, at the Alley box office, or by calling 713/228-8421.

• Young and Fertle features the ever-popular Fertle Family of Dumpster, Texas. A class reunion has everybody flashing back to their favorite moments from the 1970s. Champagnes, wines, beers, cappuccino, & munchies are available throughout the show. Admission is $18. Through May 3 at Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Reservations/info: 713/522-7722.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. Imagine a cave full of gleaming treasure, a mysterious storyteller, an evil magician, a beautiful princess, an all-powerful genie, & a magic lamp. Follow Aladdin & his friend the camel on an exciting adventure. Saturdays, 11 am & 1:30 pm, through Apr. 26, at the Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. Tickets $6. Info: 713/726-1219.

• Main Street Theater Kids on Stage Summer Performing Arts Camp. Young performers will turn into shining stars as they experience the excitement of a summer filled with theatrical activities and dance. Under the direction of professional actors, dancers, and educators, campers will learn all aspects of theater production, including acting, movement, directing, costume and set design, and makeup. Dance classes will teach campers to let loose and have fun with creative movement as well as teaching popular dance styles such as jazz, modern, hip-hop, and swing. At the end of each session, campers in each age group will produce and rehearse an eye-popping, high-energy production including a play and a choreographed dance spectacular for family and friends. For ages 4–14, June 9–Aug. 8. Prices range from $215–$465. For more info: Angela Harris, director of education, 713/524-9196, or e-mail at aharris@mainstreettheater.com.

• Pinocchio 3.5 puts a high-tech spin on a classic tale. This contemporary version takes a step beyond the original to remind children of all ages that they are responsible to one another & the world around them. Computer mogul Gill Bates builds a mechanical heir to inherit his vast fortune. His robotic son helps him understand the meaning of truth, family, & what it means to be human. Recommended for kindergarten & up. Apr. 5–May 3 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets ($8) available at 713/527-0123, online at www.stagestheatre.com, or at the box office.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Wayside School is sideways. That’s how the builder built it. Instead of making 30 classrooms side by side, he built them one on top of the other, which is why all kinds of crazy things happen there—especially to Myron, Bebe, Leslie, Rondi, & Dameon, who attend class on the 30th floor. Apr. 22–May 23 @ Main Street Theater in Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose. Public performances: May 3, 10, 17; school performances: Apr. 22–May 23. Tickets for public performances are $8 for children/students/seniors, $10 for adults; for school performance rates, call 713/524-7998 or e-mail vstjohn@mainstreettheater.com. For more info: 713/524-6706 or www. mainstreet theater. com.

RADIO

• After Hours. Saturdays, midnight to 3 am. Featuring the QMZ (Queer Music Zone) with Jimmy Carper. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-5738.

• Queer Voices. Mondays, 8-10 pm. Features, news, music, interviews, reviews, and commentary. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000.

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

• Architecture Matters. The American Institute of Architects of Houston will honor Architecture Month with a showing of significant architecture projects from 50 local firms. April 4–May 15 at Memorial City Mall’s Lord and Taylor and Foley’s wings. Mon.–Sat., 10 am–9 pm. Free. More info: 713/520-0155.

• Fundraiser. Meteor will hold a fundraiser featuring abstract artist Joe Culotta and local artist John Painter. All proceeds from sale of artwork will benefit the Montrose Clinic, which provides health services to the community. April 6, 3–5 pm @ Meteor, 2306 Genesse at Fairview. Info: 713/830-3015.

• Exhibition. Magnolia Ballroom will feature artists John Painter and Rodrigo Zuniga, whose works range from figurative to abstract. Opening reception on April 15 at 6 pm. Show runs through April 17 at the Magnolia Ballroom, 715 Franklin. Info: 713/528-3449.

• Jasper Johns: Drawings brings together some 35 objects selected from Johns’s own holdings as well as private collections. The exhibition reviews the broad career of this singularly American artist through his works on paper, beginning with his early iconic images of targets, beer cans, flagstones & flags—and continues into the present day with his more complex works that often find the artist quoting as much from the history of art as from his own oeuvre. Through May 4 at the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, 713/525-9400, www.menil.org.

• The Photographic Eye. This exhibit, part of the FotoFest events beginning this month, features three talented photographers from Prague: Igor Majilewsky, Vojtech Slama, and Aleksandra Vajd. Approximately 60 black & white prints will show the photographers’ use of the contrast between shadow & light, form & movement. April 10–May 18 at the Vine Street Studios, 1113 Vine Street, #101. Opening reception on April 10 may be attended by one or two of the artists. Info: 713/223-5522, ext. 19 or www.fotofest.org.

• Poetics of Clay: An International Perspective is an exhibition of selected ceramic works by world-renowned artists drawn from numerous private & public collections. Includes vessels, domestic ware, sculpture, & an architectural installation by artists from approximately 17 countries. Through May 3 at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street, 713/529-4848, www.crafthouston.org.

• The Sound We Make Together. Harrell Fletcher consistently derives inspiration for his community-based, conceptual art projects by observing & interacting with the communities in which his work is shown. Using this approach, Fletcher shapes relationships with strangers that develop into focal points for the work. The Sound We Make Together provides a portrait of the community of Houston & the nature of communities themselves—how we find, build, & maintain them. Through April 19 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway, 713/335-3445, www.diverseworks.org.

• Splat Boom Pow! The Influence of Cartoons in Contemporary Art will showcase over 60 works of art in a variety of media by emerging & established artists. The exhibition chronicles three generations of contemporary visual artists who have used the images & techniques of cartoons to explore the challenging issues of our time. Beginning in the 1960s, Pop artists sought to show the banality & commercialism of Ameri-can culture through techniques lifted from the mass media. By the ’70s, artists were using these icons from the cartoons to communicate political & artistic per-spectives on more visceral social issues such as the war in Vietnam, race relations, & poverty. In the subse-quent decades, artists utilized the techniques, myth, & imagery of cartoons to discuss the marginalization of their communities & to advocate their positions during a time of radical social, political, & cultural change. Apr. 12–Jun. 29 @ Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose, 713/284-8250, www.camh.org.

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