The Contemporary Museum's annual Contempo 2006 fundraiser doesn't happen until April 22, but prepare your bids for the silent auction by previewing online the works by local and internationally renowned artists such as Richard Misrach, Tom Otterness and Laurie Anderson.

Think you can't afford art? Sure, Jun Kaneko's giant ceramic head is priced at $88,000, but you can also pick up a Sally French work for just $1,000.

Make your picks at www.tcmhi.org or in person on the first floor of Neiman Marcus. Collectors can download a registration form or call 237-5232.

— Advertiser staff

AFGHAN STORIES AND STONES

Gary W. Bowersox, aka The Gem Hunter, is known as a dealer in precious stones, but his adventures in Afghanistan in pursuit of hot rocks have made him a sought-after source of information about the country (he was a U.S. Department of Defense consultant shortly after Sept. 11, 2001).

Now Bowersox is putting down roots in Hawai'i — he's opened a Gem Hunters showroom at the Waikiki Galleria Office Tower, and today through tomorrow, he will give the free lecture "Afghanistan: The Country, the Culture and Its Gems." At 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Information: 277-2543.

— Advertiser staff

FINAL WORD

"It's weird to act when you're naked."

T.R. Knight | who plays George O'Malley in "Grey's Anatomy," in TV Guide