They're the kings of the barnyard, rulers of the roosts, clarions of dawn and a mighty fine artistic metaphor in virtually any medium. Just don't try to raise any roosters in Dallas. That's against the law, thanks to former Mayor Laura Miller. So, if you're missing the old family farm and feeling the need to reconnect with the noble bird, head instead to Norwood Flynn Gallery, 3318 Shorecrest Drive, for Emperors & Roosters, featuring the rooster-themed works of artist Ray-Mel Cornelius. The rooster is "a regional icon and powerful metaphor for energy and genesis," Cornelius says. They're also a good subject for a philosophical debate, as in which came first, Cornelius' brightly colored, proud birds or the eggs featured in the works of Austin artist Billie Giess, whose hand-painted and dyed Pysansky eggs--in the style of traditional Polish/Ukrainian art--will also appear alongside a different type of crowing: artist Christopher Bingham's paintings of glowing neon signs. The show runs through Saturday, October 10. Gallery hours are noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays or by appointment. Admission is free. Call 214-351-3318, or visit norwooodflynngallery.com for more information.
Mondays-Sundays. Starts: Sept. 12. Continues through Oct. 10, 2009