Department of ART

Neiman Marcus exhibits the artwork of contemporary artists from across the country

There are just a couple of more days to view -- and perhaps purchase -- the artwork at the Contemporary Museum's annual exhibition and sale, ConTempoRARITIES, on display at Neiman Marcus through tomorrow.

This year's collection features more than 40 pieces by contemporary artists from across the country. Luminaries such as Jun Kaneko, Satoru Abe, Sean Browne, Jerry Okimoto, Deborah Butterfield, Steve Martin, Alison Moritsugu, May Izumi, Robert Hudson and David Gilhooly are participating this year.

One particularly eye-catching piece is a sculpture by Kaneko, who, in a departure from ceramics, has created five colorful, kiln-formed glass columns. The piece goes for $140,000. Another is the towering, pencil-shaped sculpture of plywood and laminated white pine by the late Jerry Okimoto ($25,000).

Timothy P. Ojile, known for his abstract works, contributes a vivid tree painting from his new series ($8,000), and Izumi is as impressive as ever with her intricately detailed giraffe sculptures ($1,200).

Thomas Kellner's photographic masterpiece of the Rotunda in Washington, D.C., comprising hundreds of reassembled prints ($2,500), surely has sparked many a conversation among the exhibit's viewers.

ConTempoRARITIES, now in its 13th year, benefits the museum's public programs and its participating artists. It is a highlight of the museum's ConTempo black-tie gala, slated for Saturday evening at Neiman Marcus.

Call 526-1322 or visit tcmi.org.