SAT 9/25
We take it for granted. We scoff at its importance. And after the last presidential election was hijacked by a cabal of Bush family cronies, it's not too far-fetched to wonder if democracy even exists anymore. So while there's still time -- and a glimmer of hope -- activists, artists, and plain ol' ordinary folks are right to discuss the issue, participating in events like the "Got Democracy?" exhibit and celebration at Red Pearl Yoga (918 NE 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale).
Studio owner Karen Gavrilov organized the exhibit to initiate dialogue -- and to remind voters not to squander their constitutional right during this crucial election year. Featuring mixed-media works by artists like Hegina Rodrigues and Roland Ruocco (pictured), the exhibit blends the political with the aesthetic. "Some of the artists I spoke with were feeling they had nothing to say politically, which is not true," she says. "Who better than visual artists to put those questions, concerns, and desires into a form that others can experience?" Adding an audio backdrop to the exhibit is a set by Dinosaur Construction Unit. Plus, you can register to vote, right there at the studio. Oh, and you might want to learn a little yoga too; it could help ease the pain if Dubya gets another term in office. The event starts at 6 p.m. Call 954-828-1651. --Jason Budjinski
See Span
Politics on the big screen
TUE 9/28
Democrats consider Tanner on Tanner a comedy, but Republicans might think of it as a horror flick. The plot line centers on a presidential candidate whose daughter makes a film about his run for office, and it features a parade of liberals and progressives -- including Michael Dukakis, Al Franken, Alexandra Kerry, Janeane Garofalo, and Ron Reagan -- who make cameos as themselves. Such visions could have conservatives fleeing theatres while screaming louder than Howard Dean. The mock documentary was directed by Robert Altman and written by Doonesbury mastermind Garry Trudeau; it's a follow-up to the pair's 1988 mock documentary, Tanner '88. The film will air as a TV mini-series in October, but you can down the whole thing in one sitting at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $6. Call 954-525-FILM or visit www.cinemaparadiso.org. --Deirdra Funcheon
