Any Free Wine?

_{An anonymous summary of opening night at random art galleries from across Houston.}

My Gold Pocketbook

Maybe it isn't fair that Max and Michael's gallery, M2 on 19th Street, nestled away in the Heights gets two write-ups back-to-back in this column, but that is just the way it goes when one gets to write columns anonymously! Besides M2 deserves a special girlscout badge of honor (or SOMETHING) for giving original and creative art openings after this night's presentation.

Lets get right to the critical part of this review...wine. Hey! Who cares?! This night was a night of surprises with the primary libations being, of all things, chocolate-cherry flavored jello shots and a punch including Tang and Vodka! Accompanying those delightful beverages on the grazing tables were the most tempting range of munchies I have laid eyes on since, well, the seventies! There were little pimento-cheese sandwiches, a yummy FONDUE, even Jiffy Pop pop corn was out for the taking amongst all the edible goodies.

I liken "My Gold Pocketbook" to a classy flea-market on steroids with wonderful retro garments, jewelry, accessories, lingerie, all sorts of miscellaneous items, and of course traditional media art, all presented in a fun and focused manner. There is simply no way an art show can maintain typical pomp and circumstance when the vast majority of the attendees are rummaging through it's contents having a very tactile and full-participatory art experience.

Upon reaching the hat rack I was immediately transformed into the proper hat-whore that I am as I bounced from hat to hat trying each and every one of them on...I simply ADORE old hats! Don't you?!

Pam was present and doing her angel readings so I just had to do it! Waving my right hand over the box of prospective angels while I wrestled with my jello-shot in the left, I could hear a tiny voice beckon from the box Pam was holding out to me. "Pick me, pick me!" and so I did! As Pam assessed my angel I had to ponder if the punch was laced with something "retro," I mean, HOW on earth was it that I heard her tiny voice calling from within the box? Strange...

My angel's name is Grace... as in falling from grace. How appropriate! The rest of what Pam and Grace had to tell me, as I am sure you understand, is personal. Most importantly, I now have my hard-baked Elvis tortilla with Grace's best of wishes enshrined for eternity, or at least until Texas humidity has its way and consumes my souvenir in a garden of beautiful black and green shades of mold and mildew.

Whilst making my way over for yet another jello-shot I was side-swiped by a bevvy of gorgeous young women who were all sporting a range of retro outfits. To watch a parade of good-looking, hip-swiveling, foot-gliding, women swishing effortlessly through a crowd of onlookers is truly a sight to behold! I had to stop and watch as they grouped together for one of many photo-ops at the front of the gallery...WOW!

Did I mention that the night's festivities were all being serenaded by the light of the full moon? I probably need not say more!

Until next time we meet, I raise my jello-shot in a toast to you! Cheers!

Dec 2005 Column Nov 2005 Column