BY KATE BRAUER

These moccasins, worn by a member of the Huron Tribe (around 1800), are on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

The weather is getting cooler, meaning more of us are looking for indoor activities to occupy ourselves and our families. Why not stop by CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM (953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park)? Last Saturday marked the opening of Uncommon Legacies: Native American Art from the Peabody Essex Museum at the CAM. The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass., boasts the oldest known collection of Native American art in the country. What might have been called "craft" until the 1930s -- embroidered moccasins, carefully constructed headdresses, hand-carved pipes -- have been elevated to the status of "art" in this collection, in recognition of the excellent design and creative expression of the individual pieces. Of course, don't underestimate the value of the history lessons to be learned through this exhibition -- for children, yes, but for the rest of us as well. The entire exhibition dates from the 17th century through the mid-19th century. I was particularly struck by the marked increase in the use of European materials (beads, for instance, and tools such as scissors) in the later pieces. This Thanksgiving, don't just give the obligatory nod to pilgrims and Indians when you can take the opportunity to learn something substantive, instead. This fine pair of exhibitions is on view in Cincinnati through Jan. 5, 2003. It's $8 to get in, which includes general museum admission, the special exhibition and an accompanying exhibition, A Window on the Past: Early Native American Dress from the John Painter Collection. Together the two exhibitions provide an interesting look into Native American history. This is a terrifically family-friendly event, with lots for everyone to enjoy, satisfying art lovers, history buffs and curious imaginations alike. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. ...

Quick! Name three good reasons to get to WESTON ART GALLERY (650 Walnut St., Downtown) by Nov. 10. For starters, there are the multimedia installations of Beauty and the Beholder, an exhibition that gives more than a passing look at issues of privacy and voyeurism, secrecy and exposure. The installations fill the upper level and entry areas into the lower gallery. Even restroom spaces are used. "The Projects," created by DAVID MICHAELS with LESTER DANIELS is a thought-provoking interactive piece in which cameras snap at you from every window, triggered by motion sensors built into the sculpture. On the entry wall to the lower gallery, you'll see one of RACHEL RAMPLEMAN's signature installations -- a collection of digitally enhanced photographs of dolls available on eBay, chillingly evoking images of child sexual abuse. The exhibition offers much to enjoy. All in all, Beauty and the Beholder gives an interesting look at the juxtaposition of secrecy and exposure. The second reason to head to Weston Art Gallery is to see the second exhibition on view, "I Morti," a multi-channel video installation by CHARLES WOODMAN. In it, Woodman explores issues of memory and mortality. The effect is beautiful and somewhat sad. The third reason, the exhibition titled "Desire, Tunnel & Wheelchair" by GAGIK AROUTIUNIAN, offers three distinct installations. I was entirely captivated by "Wheelchair Barbie," a three-dimensional installation that projects a looped image of a young nude woman onto an antiquated wheelchair, eliciting thoughts of the transience of youth and physical beauty. But, like beauty itself, these exhibitions will soon pass. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Info: 513-977-4182. ...

I like the stark, lonely feeling of JOSEPH WINTERHALTER's work. I'm drawn to his work the way some people are drawn to sad movies. Viewing a Winterhalter canvas is a little like the feeling following a satisfyingly melancholic film. The experience is somehow intensely personal and wholly universal at the same time. I can't explain why, exactly. It's just the effect his work has on me. I stepped into SUZANNA TERRILL GALLERY (1315 Main St., Downtown) out of the rain last Saturday and into the new Winterhalter exhibit. I found it the perfect complement to the calming quiet of the autumn shower. The next time you find yourself stuck in the rain with no particular obligations, I suggest stopping by the gallery for a chat with Suzanna and a look at the wonderful work of Joseph Winterhalter. It might not chase away those blues, but it just may make them that much more enjoyable. The exhibit runs through Nov. 9. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday noon-6 p.m.

E-mail Kate Brauer

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