Presence of Presents

Three times this year it has happened to me. I have thoughtfully picked out the perfect gift for someone. It matches their character, their interests and, on occasion, what they've actually listed as something they want. Then, before I ever had a chance to gift these ideal items, the recipients...

By Merritt Martin

December 6, 2007

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Three times this year it has happened to me. I have thoughtfully picked out the perfect gift for someone. It matches their character, their interests and, on occasion, what they've actually listed as something they want. Then, before I ever had a chance to gift these ideal items, the recipients went and bought the shit for themselves. Bitches. I hate that. Don't do that, people. Don't go out and buy anything I've already gotten for you prior to the holidays. Shit ain't right.

But there's an exception to every rule, and thus, I have a theory. I think that Kettle Art's Holiday Presence III exhibition is promoted as a gift-giving opportunity, but I feel that in this case, all of us who have been victims of the Pre-emptive Gift Self-Purchase Fiasco should hightail it into Kettle and buy ourselves some sweet local art. Screw everybody else. So giving is part of the holiday spirit? Well, when I buy I'll be giving to the artists and to myself. And I better not hear any complaints…I know I didn't put a Tyson Summers or a Jayme Nourallah on my Amazon wish list. And Broose Dickinson wasn't listed in the family gift swap options. So there. Holiday Presence III opens Saturday at 2714 Elm St. Gallery hours are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and the show hangs through December 22. Call 214-5737622 or visit kettleart.com.
Thursdays-Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Starts: Dec. 15. Continues through Dec. 22, 2007

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Merritt Martin has written for the Dallas Observer for over two decades. She has also contributed to Eater, DMN and USA Today. In addition to arts and culture writing, she spends entirely too much time extolling the virtues of pears, black clothing, and her cat Kenneth.

Contact: Merritt Martin

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