A Little Artistic Updating

When Dave Williams took over as general manager of the venerable Vickman’s restaurant downtown not long ago, he said he wanted to make the place a little more contemporary without messing too much with tradition.

So in addition to pastrami sandwiches, he’s also offering osso buco.

And, like so many hip coffeehouses, there is now art on the walls. But not art done by Angst -ridden artists who wear black leather jackets and live in converted lofts.

These are works by residents of the Camarillo State Hospital and Developmental Center.

“Personal Discoveries” features the works of artists ranging in age from 10 to senior citizens. All pieces are for sale, with proceeds being split between the artists and the arts programs at the center.

“It’s kind of a subject close to my heart,” Williams said. “I was familiar with the program at Camarillo, but I had no idea they did this kind of art. Some of it is done by kids who can only communicate this way, through art. It’s very uplifting.”

The exhibition will be up through the end of November.

Vote for the Bribes

Still not sure you can pull yourself out of your apathetic slump to go down to the polls Nov. 3?

Here’s some incentive:

Get half-price tickets to the musical “Forever Plaid” Nov. 2-7 by bringing your voting stub to the Canon Theatre box office on the night of the performance (tickets are subject to availability).

Do some of you lazy voting snobs need more encouragement?

Bring your stub to Mani’s Bakery (either the one in Los Angeles on Fairfax or the one in Santa Monica on Main Street) and get a free cup of tea or coffee.

There. Now you have no excuse.