Color Us Happy

The pallor of winter hangs over our fair city like a scratchy, wool blanket. Everywhere you turn, you’re forced to take in one shade of gray duller than the one before, from the colorless sky to the empty tree branches. It may seem like the only antidote to these lifeless surroundings is a tropical vacation (or rainbowing up those interior walls), but you don’t have to go to such extremes, because artist Charles Houska’s canvases have enough colorful cheer to brighten even the dreariest of winter days. To get a vivid shot of this painter’s style of vibrancy and liveliness, head to the phd gallery (2300 Cherokee Street; 314-664-6644 or www.phdstl.com) for Houska: Hi-Def. This solo show presents 22 new works by the artist, and it opens with a reception from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 10. The exhibition remains on view Thursday through Sunday through Saturday, February 21 — after which time, spring will hopefully feel like it’s right around the corner.
Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: Jan. 10. Continues through Feb. 21, 2009