Christopher Smock - Cafe Patachou (49th & Penn.) - March 3, 2004 - 3 1/2 stars

Acrylic and graphite on board paintings line the very poorly lit south wall - unfortunate for this good show. Nevertheless, red "sold" dots are affixed to the title labels, testament to the astute quality and reasonable prices of these pieces. Produced primarily from leftover theatrical set supplies, these works are polished and superior without a footprint of their workroom origination. Great artist's statement, too. Smock's art doesn't pretend to be anything it's not though it hardly lacks substance. Void of pretension or ulterior motives, a sincere interest in craft shines as this artist has seemingly freed his mind of sales, material cost and ego. Local street scenes, interiors and bustling spaces are laid out in washed layers of acrylic to compose accomplished representational images. Expressionistically sketchy, these paintings are inspired and aptly executed. More please. Through March 31, 2004; 317-925-2823. –Mary Lee Pappas