Any Free Wine?

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

Starting with Lawndale Art Center's "Dias de los Muertos" extravaganza.

November 2005

It was Thursday, November 3rd and artists, art-fans, art-collectors, art-groupies, and art-wannabes were running amuck in the hallowed halls of the Lawndale Art Center. Why? Because it was the 18th annual Dias de los Muertos Gala and Silent Auction of course!

First things first, the wine! Unfortunately, I had already "damaged" my pallet by becoming slightly inebriated on a lovely-yet-affordable Pinot Grigio I had earlier at the house. Although rendered unable to discern the type of wine I was partaking in at the show, I can assure you that the red wine I had was a delightful, slightly-dry-yet-not-too-pretentious wine with what seemed an after taste I could live with for the duration of the evening.

The hundreds of retablos on display ranged from traditional styles to the occasional "Oh my goodness! - I think I can see the original tin plate in there... sort of" contemporary creations one might expect. I spotted one very strong and gripping retablo by a Yale Street Artist, Michelle Macy, entitled "Justice for Juarez's Murdered Women Now" which seemed to be attracting a nice bit of attention from members of the acceptably-excited crowd.

A Mariachi band was present, and their lively music bounced me gaily from one piece of art to the next. Look this one is blue! Wow! Hey! That one is wild! I think this one could actually be on fire! Oh dear! Here's one that is still alive! Here's one that simply says "Peace." Ahhhhhh.

Then, out of the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of one of the "collectors." You know, the bona fide big-timers - the collectors who most artists love to hate UNTIL one of the collectors happens to notice their own artwork. For the sake of protecting the innocent, I will call this particular collector, "Vindemitor" after the grape-gathering fellow.

I was simply captivated watching Vindemitor buzz from retablo to retablo like a bumble bee sucking nectar from each wild morning glory in a giant patch. Vindemitor knows what he likes and there is no mistaking good from, well let's face it, bad. I loved watching Vindemitor, it seemed as if every piece he encountered he held up his memorized checklist, checking off this and that with the speed and precision of a fine sewing machine. Just as entertaining as observing Vindimetor was watching the watchers who watched Vindemitor watch the works...and then, as Vindemitor departed each retablo, the watchers would discreetly check out the works too!

I think when the day comes that I secretly watch Vindemitor scrutinize one of my works I will involuntarily pee on myself.I just hope I am wearing Depends that night. Until next time, cheers!