Everybody has them. Custom ones, in fact. So different that no other person could ever match them...unless, of course, one is a psychopathic killer who removes them for lack of evidence like in Se7en. But that's just creepy, so let's move on. The Kleberg-Rylie Library invites artists age 6 and older to participate in a session of fingerprint art. Kids can make creations that are truly original since they're made with such unique tools. Even better, the artsy tots can learn how important fingerprints really are and how detectives use them to catch the bad guys...unless, of course, one is a psychopathic killer who removes them for lack of evidence. Moving on. Head to the library, 1301 Edd Road, at 2 p.m. for a little artistic detection. To register for this and other activities, call 214-670-8471.
Friday, August 1
Landlocked for the summer? Take a short vacation to the Pan American Art Gallery and quench the thirst for island colors and culture. The gallery presents Jamaica: Color in Art, an exhibit that addresses not only the diverse landscape of the island but also topics such as politics and religion. It's Jamaican life on canvas, and that can be fashioned from turmoil and tension (as in the work of Omari Ra) or just simple hints of color and light (Hope Brooks). Milton George, an expressionist painter, uses both conflict and joy in his rendering of Jamaican life, soul searching and spirit. In a visit to the show, viewers can see the contrast of heated days and cool nights, light laughs and introspection, just as they would on the island. Additional featured artists include Eric Cadien, George Rodney and Petron Morrison. The gallery is located at 3303 Lee Parkway, Suite 11. The exhibit runs through August 30. Call 214-522-3303.
Saturday, August 2
We gotta admit that The Dragonslayers: A Musical Fairy Tale sounds a bit like a Triumph, or better yet, a Dio song. It is not, however, a fantasy-riddled power ballad, but rather a musical fairy tale. That's so completely different. But we're crossing our fingers that there's a power ballad or two in the show somewhere. As part of the Festival of Independent Theatres, Progrexssive Arts Productions presents the tune-filled tale for the whole family by Bruce Coville at noon Saturday. Admission is $5, and the performance commences at the Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive. For some reason, now we have a Styx-ish melody in our heads: Come slay away, come slay away, come slay away with me. Call 214-528-5576.
Sunday, August 3
From 1832 to 1834, artist Karl Bodmer and German naturalist Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neiweid traversed the upper-Missouri and subsequently published Travels in the Interior of North America, 1832-34. The prints in the book were transformed from sketches in the field and are now the feature of the Amon Carter Museum exhibit A Faithful and Vivid Picture: Karl Bodmer's North American Prints. The exhibit continues into September and is a representation the museum describes as "one of the most accurate and beautiful records of the native peoples and landscape of the upper-Missouri frontier." OK, so it may not be the modern word-peppered art of Ed Ruscha or Jenny Holzer or a flabbergasting watercolor exhibit of someone like Marilyn Manson (yes, he paints), but it's history for our perusal, and that's just as intriguing, or at least it should be. Visit the museum at 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Call 817-738-1933.
Monday, August 4
Mondays come with the knowledge that the weekend is over and there's still a whole day to wait until new music releases can legally be purchased. But the Good Records folk have decided that Tom Petty was wrong and maybe waiting isn't the hardest part. Hence, Good Music Monday, a little shindig (that's far from the usual midnight sale) set up by the Deep Ellum record store that takes place the first Monday of the month at Meridian Room. Fun begins at 8 p.m. with giveaways, prizes, music and, of course, Meridian's tasty treats and a great half-price draft beer special. Throughout the evening, attendees can sign up for the raffle of bigger and better goodies set to take place at midnight. The big night puts the spotlight on some choice releases for the week and shaves a few hours off that irritating wait for new tunes. Meridian Room is located at 3611 Parry Ave. Call 214-752-GOOD.
Tuesday, August 5
After work, some people participate in the historic social ritual called happy hour. After drinks, food, talk and maybe a game of some sort with friends, the world (and stack of invoices on the desk) seems less daunting. Who's to say that all those friends have to have two legs? Why not share the relaxing fun with a true best friend that just happens to have an extra set of gams...and a tail? The SPCA welcomes collared canines and their buds to its monthly Barkaritaville "Yappy Hour" at the Sweet Tomato in McKinney. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, the lower deck of the restaurant is doggy heaven with drinks and treats for both species. Plus, the winner of the Best Pet Trick contest wins a free eight-week training program at PETsMART. (We're inclined to think the loser of this contest might need it more.) Ten percent of the proceeds benefit the SPCA of Texas. Best friends should report to the Sweet Tomato at 107 S. Church. Call 1-888-ANIMALS, ext. 131.
Wednesday, August 6
By Wednesday we're all needing a bit of play, social interaction and, depending on the deadlines, alcohol. So what's a tiny (responsible) drive to and from Las Colinas when that one stone will take out three birds? The Dallas at Las Colinas Four Seasons Resort and Club, specifically Café on the Green, offers a tequila tasting at 7 p.m. Taste appetizers from sister resort the Four Seasons Punta Mita in Mexico, known for its Chino Latino cuisine. While looking out over the resort pool and chichi villas, tasters can sample premium tequilas and a premium social opportunity. We're just wondering exactly what is involved in tasting tequila. Somehow we're concerned our salt and lime won't be accompanying a throwback of the head and a gulp that singes our esophagus. Maybe we better start practicing delicate sips with our pinky out just in case. Admission to the spirited affair is $25. Café on the Green is located at the Four Seasons, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Call 972-717-2420.
