WINDFALLS

DYNAMIC CERAMICS Look-then look again. A piece of Watteau landscape here, a slice of wickerbasket pattern there. A parade of minute Mona Lisas; streams of spidery calligraphy. Collage is a wonderfully ambiguous art form: it’s at once immediate-using day-to-day images every viewer can relate to-but, in its final metamorphosis, ultimately mysterious, for the elements we recognize must be redefined. Brian Overley, a 26-year-old artist, has redefined the technique by translating collage into ceramics. Citing his motivation to mix technology with handmade elements, his works juxtapose classical images with op art funk, resulting in glorious one-of-a-kind conglomerates of glaze, decals and clay (which are signed and dated). Those who may falter at the “imprac-ticality” of buying art during recession-tight times will be reassured by the functional forms Overley uses, as well as by his as-yet-undiscovered prices (pieces start at only $15). But start your collection now-once savvy souls in Dallas catch on, prices are sure to skyrocket. At Overley’s Bishop Street Studio, 407 1/2 N. Bishop. For an appointment, call 941-2330.

HI-TECH SHOWTIME

For the young-at-heart but work-weary folks who long to expand the sphere of Friday- and Saturday-night diversions to include more than the standard dinner out and movie, here’s an alternative that’s sure to spark your energy for the weekend ahead: a laser show. In the comfortable darkness of the Richland College Planetarium, you’ll be captive to an exhilirating barrage of sounds and sights as selected pieces of music are interpreted visually through the crystalline colors of laser technology. It’s an experience akin to sitting inside a giant kaleidoscope, as forms shift to the rhythmic notes of a sound system any stereophile would envy. But the real star of the show is Bruce Davis, the director of the planetarium. Davis, who calls himself a “laserist,” is the modern wizard behind the productions-and he performs each show live so they’re always different. There are four 45-minute laser programs to choose from: Laser Dreams, which incorporates progressive jazz and electronic music; Newave Laser, which offers New Wave selections; Rock N Roll Laser and Hard Rock Laser. Tickets cost $2-$3. Show-times are Fri and Sat at 7, 8:15, 9:30 and 11 p.m. Richland College Planetarium, 12800 Abrams. 238-6005.

FUN FLATS

In recent years, casual footwear has run the gamut from multicolored canvas “coolie” shoes to beribboned ballet slippers and the rediscovery of the classic Ked. But now, there’s a new alternative to summertime steppin’ out that combines the best elements of all of those: the canvas ballet shoe. Made in China, these fun little flats blend comfort with cachet. The springy rubber sole makes them perfect for poolside or picnics, and they’re fashionable enough (with long, long laces certain to flatter tan ankles) to make the transition to nighttime activities. They’re available in white, black, pink, red and mauve-and at this price ($10), you can pick up several pairs for what you’d be paying for only one set of a similar shoe made by a leading designer (we won’t mention any names). At Emeralds to Coconuts, 2730 N. Henderson. Mon-Sat 9:30-7. 823-3620.

CREATURE CONSTRUCTS

It’s August. Camp is over, vacations have already been taken and the swimming pool just doesn’t seem to thrill your kids the way it did earlier in the season. If you’re having trouble keeping child-size tempers at bay (and small hands occupied), why not give your kids an activity that promotes creativity and learning at the same time? Made by Discovery World, these insect-anatomy models will fascinate the youngster who’s been caught putting the real thing into recycled peanut-butter jars. Packaged in kits (choices also include a butterfly, a beetle and a praying mantis), the model parts are pre-cut in plywood and are easily assembled. And when the model is completed, your child will have learned about the skeletal structure of a particular insect and have an intriguing minisculpture to keep as is or to decorate (we painted our ant red). Kits are are $6.95 at Designs for Growing, 6721 Preston. Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30. 528-2230.

QUICK PRINTS

Picture this: a 10-inch, 2 1/2 -pound little black box that-within seconds- makes prints of your favorite slides. Made by Vivitar, the Instant Slide Printer recaptures the magic you felt when you took

your first Polaroid picture. It’s a snap: Insert the slide,

press a button, pull out the picture, wait for a beep, peel

off the protective covering and presto! You’re holding a

3 1/4-inch by 4 1/4-inch print. The Instant Slide Printer

runs on batteries or can be plugged into any standard

electrical outlet with an adapter. Cardboard, plastic or

glass-mount slides can be used, as well as conventional

2-by-2-inch colored filters for special effects. If you’re

familiar with the cost of printing from slides, you’ll know

that this nifty contraption will pay for itself after only a

few uses-and best of all, you don’t have to wait. It’s

about $115 at Barry’s Cameras, 11171 Harry Hines.

Mon-Wed & Fri 9-6, Thur 9-8:30, Sat 9-5. 241-0582.