The Artful Two-Step

Good art can either slap you in the face or seduce you. It's been long debated that one of those experiences is better than the other (with rallied arguments for both sides), but I tend to be sort of bicameral in my art appreciation. It depends on my mood, and I'm not into the blanket statements like, "If it's bold, I love it." So I'm headed to 500X this weekend for a taster's choice of powerful art from two local gals. Veronica Tosten's dark humor and penchant for food-related art comes through in her aggressive mixed-media works and paintings. Diane Sikes literally reinvents and recreates as she takes ephemera and gives it fantastic new value in her objects. Sikes' works are strong messages thoughtfully, sensually conveyed. The two share a joint exhibition at 500X, 500 Exposition Ave., through September 30. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. weekends. Call 214-828-1111 or visit 500X.org.
Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Starts: Sept. 22. Continues through Sept. 30, 2007