The visual arts are great, don't get me wrong. We have memberships to the Metropolitan and Whitney and try to make it to other showings around town as much as possible. But, there is still something kind of wrong about the whole art gallery and museum thing that always leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe it's the severity of the whole experience. Maybe it's the starchy people that are all around you at these places. Maybe it's the high admission price or too-fancy-for-me hors d'oeuvres at openings. I like the art -- definitely. I could probably do without the environmental contaminants that come with it.

Ah, then there are public space art shows. We went to one tonight at a community clinic called the Ryan Chelsea-Clinton Clinic (no relation to THE Chelsea Clinton) on the westside of Midtown Manhattan. Very low key event, and very sweet since it all had to do with a well meaning and very worthwhile organization that exists primarily to help others. There was a cool little trio playing Beatles and Jimi Hendrix covers, not-too-fancy pupus and pretty good cheap wine (Smoking Loon Merlot). The atmosphere was warm and familiar (felt like I was at my aunty's house for New Years Eve) and the art, although it wasn't like a show at the Guggenheim, was pleasant to the eye. So, the next time you are invited to a public space art opening, make a point to go and support the cause.

D. Robert -- New York, NY