CALENDAR OCTOBER

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; O, 710 Pacific, 9 pm–1 am. Tuesday: The 611, 611 Hyde Park, 4–8 pm; Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 8 pm–midnite. Wednesday: Mary's, 1100 Westheimer, 4–8 pm; Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 9 pm–1 am; EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am;  Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am. Thursday: All-Star News, 3415 Katy Frwy, 4–8 pm; BRB, 2400 Brazos, 8 pm–midnite; Cousins, 817 Fairview, 8 pm–midnite. Friday: EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am; The Meatrack, 2915 San Jacinto, 10 pm–2 am; Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto, 10 pm–1 am. The clinic offers classes for those newly diagnosed with HIV or Hepatitis C. For more info: 713/830-3000.

4–November 16

Ren Fest. The 29th annual Texas Annual Renaissance Festival is a celebrated way to enjoy turkey legs and sausage-on-a-stick, drink pricey domestic beer, ogle explosive cleavage, and learn a smidgeon about life during the Age of Enlightenment. $21 for adults, $10 for children, free for children 4 and under. Tickets and more information: 1-800-458-3435 or www.texrenfest.com.

9 (Thurs.)

Menopause. Such a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be. Nellie Grose, MD, teaches how to move through menopause and maintain a healthy meaningful life. $40. 6–9 pm, with registration at 5:30 pm at T-Salta…At Last An Urban Spa at 34 S. Wynden Ln. For more information: 713/660-6620.

10 (Fri.)

Great Caesar’s Ghost! The 19th annual Caesar salad competition promises to bring elation to lettuce-lovers far and wide. With four categories (Best Classic Caesar, Most Creative Caesar, Consumer’s Choice, and Best Presentation), the salad we all know and love is sure to reach crazy-delicious new heights. $25 (includes food and wine). 5–8 pm at Doubletree Hotel Allen Center, 400 Dallas St.

10 & 11 (Fri. & Sat.)

The Beach Is Alive with The Sound of Music. The beloved musical with its famed melodies “Do Re Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and others hit the Gulf Coast for two days only. 8 pm Friday and Saturday and 3 pm Saturday matinee at the Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston, 2020 Postoffice St. For tickets: 409/763-7173 or 1-800-821-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

11 (Sat.)

Symphonic Spooktacular II. Costumes are encouraged at this pre-Hallowed Eve event. Other musical characters join in the masquerade madness. 10 am and 11:30 am at Jones Hall. For tickets: 713/224-7575 or www.houstonsymphony.org.

11 (Sat.)

Mark Johnson Memorial Scholarship Benefit Concert. This benefit includes members of the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet Orchestra, the Moores School of Music Brass Quintet, and Ambient Brass Quintet. 7 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman St. at Main St. For more information: 713/528-4100, ext. 17.

11 & 12 (Sat. & Sun.)

Art Attack. The Bayou City Art Festival Downtown brings 300 artists comprising 17 categories of artwork to the public. Starving artists—and festival goers in general—will be happy to find restaurants, beer taverns, and wine cafés represented alongside the Creative Zone for kids. All proceeds benefit local Houston charities. $7, free for children 12 and under. 10 am–6 pm at Tranquility Park and Hermann Square in front of City Hall downtown. Info: 713/521-0133 or www.bayoucityartfestival.com.

12 (Sun.)

Blue Ball. DJ Alyson Calagna celebrates the release of her new CD, The Blue Ball (Centaur). Insert dirty joke here. At South Beach, 810 Pacific St. For more information: 713/529-7623 or www.southbeachthenightclub.com.

12 (Sun.)

All My Friends, They are Low Riders. The Classic Car Club meets at South Beach with all the tasty rides a car lover could ask to see. 1–6 pm at South Beach, 810 Pacific St. Info: 713/529-7623 or www.southbeachthenightclub.com.

15 (Wed.)

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. In 2001, over 150,000 Latino AIDS cases were reported, accounting for 20% of people living with the disease. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, AIDS Clinical Trials Unit sponsors a health screening, an exhibit of the AIDS quilt, food, refreshments, and music as Mayor Roger Quiroga proclaims the day as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. 10 am–2 pm at St. Vincent’s House, 2817 Post Office, Galveston.

16, 20, 22, 27 (Thu., Mon., Wed., Mon.)

A Taste of Tosca with a side of Caesar. Maybe you’re curious about Puccini and Handel’s operas opening at the Houston Grand Opera but cannot commit. Ann Thompson previews them both with Let’s Go to the Opera. 7 pm at Freeman Library, Spring Branch/Memorial Library and Kingwood Library. Information: 713/465-0755 or awthompson@mindspring.com.

17 (Fri.)

Life and Rhythm: From Mozart to Matisse. Da Camera presents a rare performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring in its two-piano version paired with Stravinsky’s favorite composer, Mozart. Featured violists Hsin-Yun Huang and Nokuthula Ngwenyama perform Mozart’s String Quartet in C Major, K. 515 with Matisse’s famed mural Dance projected on stage. $20–$35. 8 pm at Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith St. For tickets, call 713/524-5050 or log on to www.dacamera.com.

18 (Sat.)

Whole Health Expo. A wide variety of alternative healthcare physicians and providers gather to provide live demonstrations, aromatherapy, aura photography, massage, snacks, and more. This is one of the few places where “Does my aura look fat in these pants?” will be answered without a snicker. $2. At CenterPoint, 1920 Hollister. For information: 713/932-7224.

20 (Mon.)

Monday Night Footfall. DiverseWorks begins a new series and returns to the old concept of serving as a lab to local artists and their works in progress. Each of these evenings offers three artists 20–30 minutes to work on their craft (dance, performance, theater, music) and benefit from audience feedback. $5. 8 pm at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy, off N. Main at Naylor. For more information, call 713/335-3445 or log on to www.diverseworks.org.

20 (Mon.)

Story Time. One of the most highly regarded literary programs in the country, Inprint brings two accomplished writers to the Alley to read from their latest works. Charles Baxter reads from Saul and Patsy, Jane Smiley reads from Good Faith. $5 (free for students and seniors). 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:45 pm) at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. For tickets: 713/521-2026 or www.input-inc.org.

25 (Sat.)

The Cosmic Cowboy, Michael Martin Murphey returns for the third consecutive year to Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House for A Cowboy West. Murphey is known for his ’70s tunes “Wildfire” and “Geronimo’s Cadillac” and is a Western historian who has dedicated his life to preserving the culture of the American West. $18.50–$63. 8 pm at the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post Office St., Galveston. For tickets: 409/765-1894, 1-800-821-1894, or www.thegrand.com.

25 & 26 (Sat. & Sun.)

Different Strokes Golf Association announces the first annual Texas Shootout, a two-day golf tournament. Watch those slices, birdies, and worm-burners; there are trophies at stake for every skill level. Polish up your game and bring your last five scorecards or USGA handicap. For information: www.dsgadallas.org.

25 & 31 (Sat. & Fri.)

Carnivale Street Festival kicks up the fun, Rio style. With guest DJ Monty Q from Miami Beach spinning his tropical tunes Saturday the 25th and Houston’s own DJ Michael Tank on All Hallowed Eve, the 31st. At South Beach, 810 Pacific St. For more information: 713/529-7623 or www.southbeachthenightclub.com.

28 (Tues.)

Opera Night Live. Learn about history and music simultaneously! Houston Grand Opera’s education/community outreach committee offers all you’d ever want to know about the opera Julius Caesar with a speaker from the production and live musical performances as well. Free. 7:30 pm at Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln. For tickets/info: 713/546-0269, d-mcdowell@msn.com or www.houstongrandopera.org.

28 (Tues.)

If It Ain’t Baroque. Da Camera presents Russian Spirituality: Chant, Baroque and Beyond, a performance of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir,  the music of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Russian Baroque, and more recent works in the tradition of Russian spiritual music. The a cappella performance is paired with projections of Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, whose work was intended to inspire a higher state of spiritual consciousness. His work can be found at the Menil Collection’s exhibition, Kazimir Malevich: Suprematism. For tickets, call 713/524-5050 or log on to www.dacamera.com.

28 (Tues.)

B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland perform their popular brands of the blues. There’s little that can be said about B.B. King that hasn’t already been said a zillion times. Bobby Bland is considered by many to be America’s greatest blues singers and blues ballad interpreters. Blues shows like this only come around once every blue moon. $39–$93. 7:30 pm at the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post Office St., Galveston. For tickets: 409/765-1894, 1-800-821-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

31 (Fri.)

Die Laughing at ComedySportz for their night of “Hysterical Horrors” improvisational comedy set to a Halloween theme. Arranged like a competitive game with two teams and a referee, ComedySportz players keep their comedy clean, so it’s safe to bring the kids without spooking parents’ sensibilities. Wear a costume and get in half price. $10. 8 pm at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. at 17th St. For tickets: 713/868-1444.

31, Nov. 1 & 2 (Fri.–Sun.)

Stayin’ Alive. The Broadway musical version of the ’77 film Saturday Night Fever features a dozen of the Top Ten hits from the original soundtrack. How deep is your love for the story of the Brooklyn dancer who wants to make it big as a dancer in Manhattan? If you really love the film and want to see it live, now’s the time for action, not jive talkin’. $18.50–$72. 8 pm with 3 pm Saturday matinee at the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post Office St., Galveston. For tickets: 409/765-1894, 1-800-821-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

31, Nov. 1 & 2 (Fri.–Sun.)

My Big Fat Greek Festival. The festival of all-things- Greek returns for the 21st time. More than just gyros and baklava, the Greek Festival also offers folk dancing from the Hellenic Dance Troupe and tours of the Greek Orthodox Church with discussions on the significance of iconography in the orthodox religion. $2 or $10 for dinner and admission. Friday: 11 am–3 pm, 5–11 pm; Saturday: 11 am–11 pm; Sunday: noon–7 pm at the Greek Community Center, 19th and Ball St., Galveston.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR NOVEMBER

November 4–16

I Believe in Miracles, where ya from ya sexy thing? Downtown’s theater district bears it all with the staged version of the record-breaking Academy Award-winning film, The Full Monty. Directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mithcell, the theatrical version features new music and lyrics by pop composer David Yazbek. Take it all off. November 4–16 @ The Hobby Center. For tickets, call Ticketmaster 713/629-3700 or www.ticketmaster.com.

November 7–9

The Triumph of Gilbert and Sullivan. Visit Round Top for a weekend of entertainment and illumination full of performance, discussion, film, and lecture, all exploring the rich theatrical world of W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan’s Victorian England. Tours, accommodations, and meals prepared by chef Gwen Barclay are included in the package. $90–290 (subject to change). For information: 979/249-3129 or e-mail at jolenew@festivalhill.org.

November 8

Joshua Redman Elastic Band. Da Camera kicks off its jazz series with saxophonist/composer Joshua Redman. Redman’s talents have been recognized with a variety of awards, including the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition and the DownBeat Critics Poll. Joining Redman are his band, Sam Yahel on keyboards and Jeff Ballard on the skins. $25–$40. 8 pm @ Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith St. For tickets: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

PERFORMING ARTS

) Ancestral Films. The Strand Theatre in Galveston presents its first annual Galveston Island International Film Festival, with a mix of international, independent, and classic films and videos. Additionally, seminars on funding independent films and acting for film and television are offered. October 30–November 2 @ The Strand Theatre, 2317 Ship’s Mechanic Row, Galveston. For more information: 409/763-4591 or www.ancestralfilms.org.

• Doc Moore and More. The comically unintelligible Doc Moore from Dumpster, Texas, emcees this evening of music, comedy, sketch, and improv. If you haven’t seen Radio Music Theatre’s Rich Mills, Vicki Farrell, and Steve Farrell switch back and forth flawlessly among countless characters, you’re missing out on some amazing comic talent. $18. Through November 22 @ Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. For tickets: 713/522-7722.

• Fully Committed. A play about restaurant culture for the fattest city in the country with the most restaurants in the country. It just makes sense. This Off Broadway comedy hit follows a day in the life of an out-of-work actor who answers the fiery reservation line at Mahattan’s number one eatery. Caller after caller stops at nothing—bribes, hysterics, threats—to get a reservation or a good table. October 17–November 16 at The Alley Theatre. Tickets and information: 713-228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.

• Itzhak Perlman. Fifteen-time Grammy Award- winner Itzhak Perlman returns to Houston, violin in one hand and his phenomenal ability to move and entertain in the other. The classical superstar began his career in the spotlight at age 13 on The Ed Sullivan Show and has continued with highlights such as violin soloist for the soundtrack to Schindler’s List. $20 and up. Saturday, October 18, 8 pm, at Jones Hall. For tickets: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

• It’s the Word. Teen idol/heartthrob Frankie Avalon steals the stage in Grease. Avalon reprises his original film role of Teen Angel in the now 30-year-old story. Blending the stage and film versions of the musical, the song list includes every tune used, from “You’re the One That I Want” to “Summer Lovin’” to the classic “Greased Lightnin’.” $25–$68. October 14–November 2 @ the Hobby Center. For tickets: 713/558-8887 or www.tuts.com.

• Jerry’s World. Infernal Bridegroom Productions’ new associate artistic director Troy Schulze adapted radio programs from cult icon Joe Frank for this provocative new play. The story begins with phone conversations between Jerry and a cast of oddballs, including a lover who spends time in and out of halfway houses, a brother who may have cancer (he’s been ejaculating blood), and a control-freak father. It just gets stranger from there. $10 on Thursday, $12 on Friday, $15 on Saturday. Through October 18, 8 pm, at The Axiom, 2524 McKinney. Tickets/info: 713/522-8443 or www.infernalbridegroom.com.

• Julius Caesar. Handel’s rendition of this classic tale of love, lust, and deceit is performed by the stunning cast of Laura Claycomb as Cleopatra, Brian Asawa as Ptolemny, and David Daniels as the infamous Roman dictator. $9 and up. October 30–November 16 @ Cullen Theater. For tickets: 713/228-OPERA or www.houstongrandopera.org.

• Killer Karaoke and Marriage Can Be Murder. Mystery Café serves up dinner theater with a giggle. • Killer Karaoke: Who will win this karaoke competition of half-wits and crummy crooners? Moreover, who will survive the devious plots of the contest’s mysterious serial killer? • Marriage Can Be Murder: Millions of dollars in the legume industry are at stake as Phil Hocker and Stephanie Belcher (the children of two warring baked-bean magnates) await their wedding day, unless somebody kills them off to get the money. • Killer Karaoke plays Fridays; Marriage Can Be Murder plays Saturdays. Both shows presented at 8 pm at Marriott West Loop, 1750 West Loop South at San Felipe. Reservations required: call 713/944-2583 or visit  www.mysterycafehouston.com.

• The Miss Firecracker Contest. The Strand Theatre opens its 26th season with Beth Henley’s spoof of beauty pageants. In the small Mississippi town of Brookhaven, Carnelle Scott plans to win the Miss Firecracker Contest to salvage her tarnished reputation (she’s known as Miss Hot Tamale) and leave town in a blaze of glory. Through October 12 @ The Strand Theatre, 2317 Ship’s Mechanic Row, Galveston. For information: 409/763-8569, 1-877-STRAND9 or www.galveston-thestrand.org.

• Murder Most Fouled-Up. Theatre Suburbia presents the Houston premiere of this comic whodunit by Nikki Harmon. Will the heirs find their hidden fortune in the haunted mansion? Or will they find murder? $8–$10. Through October 11 @ Theatre Suburbia, 1410 W 43rd St. For tickets: 713/682-3525 or www.theatresuburbia.com.

• New York Values. Written and performed by performance artist Penny Arcade, this piece attacks the marketing and commodification—and therefore weakening—of rebellion and youth culture. The suburbanization of NYC, bourgeois bohos, post-modernism, and The Vagina Monologues all fall under Arcade’s disdainful microscope. October 21–26 @ Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo. For information: 713/868-7516.

• Paul Taylor Dance Company. Time magazine calls him “the reigning master of modern dance.” The San Francisco Examiner calls him “the greatest living American choreographer.” Houston dance lovers will call themselves fools if they miss this performance, which includes Airs, Dream Girls, and Promethean Fire. $15 and up. Friday, October 17, 8 pm, at Jones Hall. For tickets: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

• Recent Tragic Events. Craig Wright’s sublime and surprisingly funny play centers on a number of people—one of them represented by a sock puppet—in Minneapolis and their response to the 9/11 attacks. Both hilarious and unsettling, this is a one-of-a-kind performance. $20–$35. October 1–26 @ Stages, 3201 Allen Pkwy at Waugh Dr. For tickets: 713/527-0123 or www.stagestheatre.com.

• Relatively Speaking. By Alan Ayckbourn, this story combines one country house, six boxes of chocolates, sixteen floral bouquets, one pair of bedroom slippers and a thousand hilarious misunderstandings. October 10–November 15 @ The Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Sq. For tickets: 713/726-1219.

• Sherlock Holmes. Elementary, dear theater-goer. The only stage version of the famed detective/morphine addict authorized by his creator, Sherlock Holmes was first produced in 1899. This classic pits Holmes and Dr. Watson against their greatest adversary of all, Professor Moriarty. With sets designed by Vince Mountain (Jekyll & Hyde), there’s plenty of visual allure as well. October 10–November 2 (two Spanish-translated shows October 26 at 2:30 and 7:30 pm) at The Alley Theatre. Tickets and information: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.

• The Texas Renaissance Festival brings together families, history buffs, theater geeks, and lovers of turkey legs and sausages on sticks for outdoor revelry. If the chivalrous men with their spirited jousting or the unwieldly cleavage prove not to rouse ye well enough, keep thine eyes bare-strip’t for the occasional wandering Ren-Fest tranny. They’re an elusive lot. Free for children aged 4 and under, $10 for children 5–12, and $21 for everyone else. October 4–November 16, 9 am–dusk.  Six miles south of TX Hwy 105 on FM 1774 between Magnolia and Plantersville. 45 miles NW of Houston. Tickets and information: 1-800-458-3435 or www.texrenfest.com.

• Tosca. Kicking off its ’03-’04 season, Houston Grand Opera presents Puccini’s Tosca, the story of Floria Tosca who attempts to save her lover from execution by offering her affections to the police chief, then stabbing him to death the moment he succumbs. FLoria is played by renowned Russian soprano Maria Guleghina, police chief Scarpia by German baritone Franz Grundheber, and Floria’s lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi, by Mexican tenor Alfredo Portillo. $14 and up. October 24–November 9 @ Cullen Theater. For tickets, call 713/228-OPERA or log on to www.houstongrandopera.org.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• Charlotte’s Web is a classic that has brought generation after generation to laughter and tears. The story of Wilbur the humble pig and the nurturing spider Charlotte teaches us all the meaning of friendship. $7. Through November 8, 11 am and 1:30 pm on Saturdays at The Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square. For tickets: 713/726-1219.

• The Great Gilly Hopkins. The ’79 Newbery Honor Award-winning story focuses on Gilly, a fiery 11-year-old who’s spent much of her life in and out of foster homes. When she is sent to live with the Trotters, she schemes a reunion with her biological mother. After the plan fails, she realizes life with the Trotters is a good life after all. $8 for children, students, and seniors; $10 for adults. October 28–November 20 @ Main Street Theater, Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. For tickets: 713/524-6706 or www.mainstreet theater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

• The Purple Dinosaur Strikes Again! The dinosaur every kid loves and every parent loves to hate sings and prances his way into town with the live kids’ show Barney’s Colorful World. In Barney’s third stage show, Baby Bop and BJ join in with all the classic songs and an array of elaborate and colorful sets. The gang travel from the rainforest to the Arctic and everywhere in between. Be sure to have your blood-glucose level checked afterward. If you think the TV show is syrupy, sugary and sappy, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet. $11.25–$24.75. Friday, October 10–Sunday the 12th @ the Compaq Center. For tickets: 713/629-3700 or www.ticketmaster.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

• 34th Annual Watercolor Art Society-Houston Membership Show. This show features world-class water-media paintings and is juried by nationally known watercolor artist Doug Lew. October 13–31 during business hours (with reception October 16 from 6–8 pm) @ the Continental Airlines Center, 1600 Smith St. For more info: 713/942-9966 or www.watercolorhouston.org.

• CraftHouston 2003. The second in a series of juried exhibitions sponsored at the Craft Center, this exhibit showcases the best craftsfolk in North America and debuts in Houston. Through October 12, 10 am–5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and noon–5 pm on Sunday at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. More info: 713/529-4848.

• Eye on Third Ward: Yates High School Photography. This 9th annual exhibit features 25 photographs by student photographers from Yate’s Magnet School of Communication, many of which are accompanied by creative writings that reveal how the students developed their own sense of self in the process of discovering the Third Ward community. Through December 29 @ the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. For information: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org.

• Found Images. Featuring recent works by Travis Broesche, Found Images: A Personal Aesthetic explores the world with an open heart and a curious eye. Free. October 3–30 @ the Jung Center, 5200 Montrose Blvd. For information: 713/524-8253.

• The Heroic Century. Houston is the exclusive town to exhibit 208 of the best examples of the giants of modern art, including works by Dali, Picasso, van Gogh, Lichtenstein, and Matisse. Normally, to see such an exhaustive collection you’d have to travel the globe. The MFA will even throw in some Warhol. Now how much would you pay? All the giants, one big collection, one great museum, all for under fifteen bucks. $12.50 ($7.50 for seniors, students with valid ID, and children 6–18; $5 for members). Through January 4 at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 1001 Bissonnet. For information: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org.

• Holy Mola. Every society strives to immortalize its heritage. For the Kuna Indians, this is done through the mola, a method of quilting that incorporates reverse appliqué technique. Often worn by the Kuna women as blouses, the vibrant panels display rich scenes of the animal and plant life of the Caribbean. Molas: Quilted Treasures of the Kuna Indians is of interest to those keen on quilting, fashion, art, and the Caribbean landscape. Through January 4 @ the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 0ne Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713-639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

• In Pursuit of the Absolute. Monochrome and non-objective works of greats such as Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Barnett Newman, and Mark Rothko are featured in this exploration of abstract art of the 20th century. The focus of these artists is on an art free from the constraints of narrative and recognizable imagery, or as the quote in Jackson Pollock’s biographical film goes, “Paint is paint and surface is surface.” Through February 29, 2004, @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For information: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• Kazimir Malevich: Suprematism. Long celebrated as one of the founders of non-objective art in the 20th century, Malevich developed a system of abstract painting called Suprematism, pure of form with the intention of crossing cultural and ethic boundaries. Comprised of 90 works, some have never been shown in the West. October 3, 2003–January 11, 2004 @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For information: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• The Paper Sculpture Show is an exceptionally unique and fun exploration of the nature of art, how it is envisioned, and how it is created. Each of the more than 30 contributing artists (including the Art Guys) lists the components of the sculpture, like a set of directions. With the help of a gallery assistant, you build the sculpture. How often do you get to go to a gallery and make the art yourself? Free. Through Nov. 15 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy off N. main at Naylor. Info: 713-223-8346 or www.diverseworks.org.

• Perspectives 139: Abraham Cruzvillegas. The first solo museum show for Mexican artist Abraham Cruz-villegas, Perspectives 139 looks at his three-dimensional, assemblage-based work. An active and influential member of a new generation of contemporary artists in Mexico City, his curious and playful compositions of found objects include items as unrelated as feathers, seashells, photography studio props, bowling balls, and otherwise. October 24, 2003–January 4, 2004, @ the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. For information: 713/284-8250 or www.camh.org.

• Points of Intervention, Collected Moments & Artifacts. Three exhibits, one location. In the Main Gallery, Jerry N. Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor’s manipulated imagery fills the walls with Points of Intervention. In Gallery X, Kiriko Shirobayashi’s visual diary, Collected Moments, demonstrates the Japanese philosophy of finding perfect existence though an imperfect existence. Gallery Y exhibits Burton Pritzker’s Artifacts supports his belief that “everything is something else.” Through October 26 @ Houston Center for Photography, 1441 West Alabama. Wednesday–Friday, 11 am–6 pm; Saturday–Sunday, noon–5 pm. For information: 713/529-4755 or www.hcponline.org.

• Shirin Neshat. With her first major solo exhibition in the U.S., Iranian-born video artist/photographer Shirin Neshat examines the woman’s experience in traditional Islamic society. Her poetic style offers an unsettling aesthetic journey into a world of divided social roles between men and women. Look for the video trilogy, Turbulent (1998), Rapture (1999), and Fervor (2000) which explore the difficulty of being a woman in Islam and the problems it brings to sexuality and desire. October 4–November 30 @ the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. For information: 713/284-8250 or www.camh.org.

• Tabletki: Russian Icons from the Menil Collection. Home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Byzantine and Midieval art, the Menil presents approximately 15 major examples of icon painting from the 13th through the 19th centuries. Among these are several “bilateral tabletki,” icons painted on both front and back, which were used in processionals and religious ceremony. October 3, 2003–January 25, 2004 @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For information: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• Trim. Native Texan Andy Coolquit begins DiverseWorks’ visual arts season with his exhibit, Trim, in conjunction with The Paper Sculpture Show. This notorious artist (his cool part house got him dismissed from his UT grad program) includes funky sculptural furniture, text paintings, and odd collections like a collection of found cigarette lighters. Through November 15 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy off N. main at Naylor. Info: 713-223-8346 or www.diverseworks.org.