You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy the vibrant steel, copper, brass and fused glass sculptures of Gary Rosenthal, but it helps. His blending of the ancient and the contemporary in such Judaic artifacts as menorahs, dreidels and kiddush cups makes for the perfect holiday gift (Hanukkah, that is), and yet his art has been warmly received by such Gentile notables as Presidents Carter and Clinton and actor John Travolta. In this spirit of diversity, the Temple Emanu-el Sisterhood is hosting a Wine, Cheese and Dessert Art Show on November 22 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Rosenthal's collection. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Sisterhood, which in turn benefits a variety of community outreach projects that offer care for the elderly, the homeless and the poor. Rosenthal will be at Temple Emanu-el from November 22 through November 24 as part of his own outreach project, which he calls Hiddur Mitzvah, meaning the "beautification of the commandments." Under his direction, participants will have the opportunity to create ritual art for the cost of the materials. Reservations for the art show are still being accepted at a cost of $18 per person. Call 214-739-5776 for further details.--Mark Donald
At Home
VAD plants roots
11/21
The Video Association of Dallas has been homeless for too long. Despite the great programming and quality guests, the annual Dallas Video Festivals have been a gypsy caravan traveling from venue to venue--some great, some not--each year. But all that comes to an end now that the VAD has acquired the use of the historic Magnolia Lounge in Fair Park. Built in 1936, the lounge's Margo Jones Theater had its heyday in the late 1940s and early 1950s when namesake Ms. Jones presented 85 plays on the stage. In its new incarnation, the theater will host independent movies year-round ranging from documentaries to Japanese anime. The venue-opening fund-raiser features cocktails, a dinner buffet and a presentation by Dallas Morning News TV critic Ed Bark. It happens Friday at 7:30 p.m. at 1121 First Ave. Tickets are $65. Call 214-428-8700 or visit www.dallasvideo.org.--Jay
Webb
Do Drink and Dine
11/20
Want to eat, drink and be merry for charity? It's not too good to be true. The 2003 Bon Appétit Wine and Spirits Focus features Dallas' best-reviewed restaurants and a staggering selection of wine and spirits all under one very classy roof. Proceeds benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Chefs from restaurants such as Jeroboam and Abacus will set up shop at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for tastings and demonstrations. More than 125 wines, spirits and microbrews were chosen for the event, which takes place Thursday at the Meyerson, 2301 Flora St. The Grand Tasting is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. VIPs will be admitted at 6 p.m. Tickets are $115 to $175. Call 1-888-34-FOCUS. --Stephanie Durham
