Yardfest 2006—For many people, it's the social event of the year. It's a chance to slip into your finest pair of overalls, chaw off a good healthy plug o' tabacky and hang out in some guy's yard with a bunch of the finest folksy artists in town—and a few guest artists thrown in for good measure.

Rick Phelps lives along the Turquoise Trail. His installations, constructed with paper and other recycled materials, tell a story. To see his latest story, you have to roll down Fourth Street 'til you arrive at the Donkey Gallery, where there will be a new show featuring his most recent installation, Follow the Yellow Brick Road Kill. In addition to live music and delicious grilled food, the opening reception this Friday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. will also feature an RV piñata and “parking lot leisure sports.” Can you ask for anything more? I thought not. The exhibit runs through May 28. For more information, call 242-7504.

A controversy has erupted over the lime green paint covering one portion of the 2,500-square-foot entry space that serves as a lobby, gathering place and, now, a brand new gallery. VSA New Mexico's executive director, Marjorie Neset, likes the bright neon hue. Jessica Barkl, codirector of VSA's brand new performance space, does not.