I was excited about seeing the encaustic painting demo, an ancient artform that incorporates melted wax into the works. Although I've never seen a painting done by that method, I could imagine how luminous they might seem. So on Saturday, March 1, I drove out to The Art Stop in Webster. Someone arrived just prior to me and inquired about the demo. The shopkeeper told her the event was actually next Saturday, and the wrong date was a misprint. Where had she seen it advertised? In the Penny Saver. Hmm. I was next and told her it was in City

One of the things I enjoy about going out of town to see something is the opportunity to eat at different restaurants. The Brockport Diner was conveniently on the way to the Tower Fine Arts Center at SUNY Brockport, so we decided to stop there for dinner. While waiting in line to be seated, I scanned the specials board and saw macaroni and cheese. I'm not a huge mac ‘n cheese fan, but I just had a feeling that here it was going to be really good. And the fact that it was a special and already made sealed the

Ya know how those ads say if you can find the same model elsewhere for a lower price, they'll beat it? And, of course, you can't. That's because certain models are sold to certain places, so the chances of finding the exact same model in the exact same town are nil. Well, it's the same with designer sneakers. And that's partly why a huge designer sneaker demand began. That, and all the special and/or celebrity designs. Raymond Davis, of All In One 520 of Buffalo, told me a pair of Nike's honoring the Houston NBA all-star game hit the shelves

Arriving at The German House early on Friday night, in hopes of getting a meal before the Paula Poundstone show, I was surprised to see The Keg's dining area packed. Apparently, this is status quo before the larger shows. Informed of a 45-minute wait, we scooted across the street to Beale Street. There was a long wait there also, but the kind hostess directed us to a bar-side table that was just about to free up. We slipped in and were out in record time. Back at The German House, it was filled to capacity. Some extra chairs were brought

As I entered the Dome Arena for the Gardenscape preview party last night, the comfy smell of burning wood scented the air. That the lights were low added to the magical setting. This year's theme is "It's a Garden Life," and all of the displays involved living in one's garden, whether in the city or country, backyard, or rooftop. I loved Waterford Tilling's garden walls. Their stacked rock designs became "ground" for planters and grass walls; a very nice idea for small spaces. I felt like I was in "The Secret Garden" within them. Their use of empty beverage cans

Cheese Monkeys was one of those books I judged by the cover. Actually, the side. Printed on the pages side was "Good is Dead." It tickled my fancy. I found it at the library a few years ago, and even went on to buy a few copies as Christmas gifts. Not being a graphic novel reader, I had no idea that cover art was Chip Kidd's claim to fame.Series ticket holders for the Arts & Lectures are a protective bunch. As I began to take my seat in B602, B603 and B604 began to nicely interrogate me. Was I sure

If I were an art collector, I'd be slipping into the "Celtic Cross Exhibit" at Walker's Celtic Jewelry to scoop up some pieces before anyone else knew to look. I figured I'd see a bunch of photos and jewelry...to be truthful, what I thought I'd see was an advertising ploy. I thought it would be just the usual store inventory, with all the crosses gathered together to create a so-called exhibit. What I found were sculptures, prints, boxes, cups, wall hangings...all shipped in from around the country and from Scotland and Ireland. Some pieces are on loan from private collections,

It was indeed a Good Friday at the March 21 opening of new downtown bar, Abilene. The saffron yellow door opens into a space with burlap-textured walls painted olive green, and a gently curved bar. Behind the bar hang mirrors framed by tiles, and in the center is a brightly colored papier-mâché deer head. Fun and funny. At the far end of the bar is a large mirror that gives the illusion of more space, but also of more friends. It's welcoming.Past the bar on the left is a Cosmic Blast jukebox filled with owner Danny Deutsch's favorite tunes. Walk