Events for the week

monday
january 12
Past, Present, Past: Why is it that ancient artifacts from other countries often have a strangely charged allure even if you have no idea what the hell they mean? Artist Jack W. Plummer has taken note of this and fashioned a whole show around fabricated archaeological forms. Past, Present, Past features wall reliefs and drawings, mostly made of various graphites and paper manipulated to look like stone, that were unearthed from a civilization that never was. Plummer combines shapes and symbols that have recurred throughout history with stuff he's invented himself to create "artifacts" that aim to excite a sense of mystery and timelessness. The show opens with a reception 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. January 10 and runs through January 31 at Handley-Hicks, 6515 E. Lancaster, Fort Worth. Call (817) 446-5004.

tuesday
january 13
Menahem Pressler: Internationally celebrated pianist Menahem Pressler has been shy for a very long time. For decades, he preferred to serve as one of a trio in performances around the world with the Beaux Arts Trio. He served twice behind the scenes as a juror for the Van Cliburn Competition. But at the age of 73, he was finally coaxed into taking center stage at Carnegie Hall, and the results were predictable: a flood of invitations for the underdog pianist everyone had loved for decades. Pressler returns to Cliburn Concerts for a show that includes works by Haydn, Schumann, and Chopin. The event happens at 7 p.m. in the Ed Landreth Auditorium of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Tickets are $12-$36. Call (817) 335-9000.

Is It a Spare Bedroom...Or The Headquarters of Your Corporate Empire? The truth of the matter is, many of those start-your-own-business schemes wind up failing not because they're inherently flawed enterprises, but because most of us lack the dogged work ethic and long-term dedication required to lift any small business off the ground. Employment Resource Group presents a guest lecture by Ira Nevelow, a certified public accountant from Weaver & Tidwell, entitled "Is It a Spare Bedroom...Or the Headquarters of Your Corporate Empire?" Nevelow doesn't offer easy solutions, but once you've made the commitment to turn your own skills and services into a small business, he offers basic guidelines about taxes, employees, and expenses. The talk happens 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Jewish Family Service, 13140 Coit Road. It's free. Call (972) 437-9950.

wednesday
january 14
Katya Kabanova: You say opera is an elitist, antiquated art form that can't possibly offer you anything in this era of satellite-dish and multiplex variety? Let us introduce you to a woman named Katya, a gal whose strong mind and good heart are overruled by her insatiable desire to be loved. Against her better instincts, she's led by her own lovesickness into a romance she knows is bad for her. Meanwhile, her backstabbing mother-in-law seizes the opportunity the old battle-ax has been waiting for--screw up the younger woman's life but good. Chances are you or somebody you know has had similar experiences, and thanks to Czech composer Leos Janacek and the Dallas Opera, Katya Kabanova can take the fall for your sins. Performances happen at 7:30 p.m. January 9, 2 p.m. January 11, and 7:30 p.m. January 14 and 17 at the Music Hall in Fair Park. Tickets are $29-$150. Call (214) 443-1043.