Culture Shock

Painters, sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists: It's time to get your act together. Albuquerque Contemporary 2004, Magnífico's showcase of some of the best artists in the Albuquerque area, is right around the corner. If you live in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance, Socorro or Cibola counties, you may be eligible to participate. Artists who want to get in on the action should get their hands on an application by calling Magnífico at 242-8244 or logging onto www.magnifico.org to download a prospectus.

All media and styles will be considered. This year the guest juror is the legendary L.A. Chicano muralist Gronk. The show will open on July 25 at the Albuquerque Museum. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 17 (postmark or delivery).

Ah! Scary clown!

Ahhhhhhhhh! The clowns are coming! The clowns are coming! Scarier than The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. More terrifying than the combined imaginative output of Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley. Even more bone-chilling than the thought of a second term for George W. Bush.

Yes, my friends: The clowns are coming. This Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m. the World Clown Association International Gala Show will cart-wheel into the South Broadway Cultural Center, featuring clowns from Russia, Sweden, Japan, England and the United Sates. Tickets are $7. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid. Call 242-3232 for more information.