Marker Head Marker : Head piece for emitting recording energy in one line, 2012, plaster, wood, performance (at Texas Draws II, below).

Current 2012 CAM preview

In the last few years, both Los Angeles and San Diego have begun official arts month programs, and in Denver they celebrate arts week, but SA beat the recent trend in municipal arts calendars with its own Contemporary Art Month, a rather different affair that depends on volunteer efforts. CAM's grassroots history began with a DIY local art show held in 1986 in an old tire warehouse in what would become the Blue Star Arts Complex. Over the years, CAM moved from July to March, but it still brings an outpouring of activity in the galleries and art spaces that work hard all year long — and a special outcropping of shows and performances in venues that you might not expect, like at an architect's office and an antiques store. We've mentioned a few of our favorites within, but make sure to check the CAM calendar insert for the complete list of events. Last year the CAM logo placed a safety helmet on the tractor driver, a tribute to local artist Chuck Ramirez who was lost to the community after a fatal bicycle accident. This year the driver wears a crown, a visual clue to the new Miss CAM contest, open to everyone living in SA, male or female, young or old. Check contemporaryartmonth.com for more info.