CAM 2012 preview: 'Franco and Friends'

"This show is a hybrid," Franco Mondini-Ruiz told the Current. "I usually consider it a no-no for an artist to put himself in a group show, but my friends are letting me get away with this creative indulgence. And I'll be selling their art, too." No doubt. Wheeling and dealing is as much a part of Mondini-Ruiz's art practice as are the found objects that he incorporates in his resin sculptures and mixed-media tableaux. For one week this month, "Franco and Friends" will turn Robert Barrett's antiques shop on Hildebrand into a collection of vignettes, a high-low blend of used furniture, peculiar objects, and art works by two dozen artists including Andy Benavides, Rolando Briseño, Alejandro Diaz, Ben Judson, Tracey Moffatt, Justin Parr, and Ed Saavedra.

"My first public-shown artwork was made with pieces he found," Mondini-Ruiz says of Barrett, who makes plaster replicas of architectural details, in addition to managing antiques sales. The two have known each other for over two decades. "Indicative of Mexican Americans at that time, he finds treasure in the trash — as we were regarded then, and still are, to some degree," says Mondini-Ruiz. Beer, buns, and variety of sausages will be served at the opening. Show up for brunch, and bring your favorite mustard. Free; 2-8pm Sun, March 11; Antiques on Hildebrand, 521 W. Hildebrand, (210) 734-9337. On view to March 18.