Fri, Dec 23, 2005 (7:35 a.m.)

The black Christmas tree with blinking skeleton lights and broken-toy ornaments is the first indication that the holiday art exhibit at MTZC in the Commerce Street Studios is not so jolly.

Then there's the painted fireplace with sweatsocks lined in a row, each marked with an artist's name and filled with coal.

The ho, ho, woe continues as you work your way through "Unhappy Hellidays," an unmerry exhibit of works by 23 artists on display through the end of the year.

The "depressional invitational" includes "Candy Carnage," an acrylic-on-canvas painting of a voodoo doll Santa Claus being poked by a sharpened candy cane, and "Cross Kringle," a stuffed Santa on a cross.

Lorraine Leslie's oil on canvas painting, framed by shiny green garland and candy canes, juxtaposes suicide with the giddiness of Christmas on a backdrop of candy and pills.

"We're not trying to shock anyone," said Cybele, a Las Vegas artist and co-owner of MTZC, who goes only by her first name. "I've always had a real problem with the holidays, and I wanted to delve into that because I knew I wasn't the only one.

"All the forced gaiety, crass consumerism, it's overwhelming. Put this up and it's 'Ahh, I feel a little better.' "

Depression can be huge for some people among the holiday season, said artist Mark T. Zeilman, who opened MTZC in February and happens to be a big fan of Christmas.

Regarding the exhibit, which features some of his own work, Zeilman said, "I didn't want to say I wasn't behind it because I was. It's a cool idea. But if it was just me (at the gallery), it wouldn't have happened."

Earlier this month Zeilman and Cybele hosted "Santa's Sweatshop," which invited artists to come in and work out their angst.

While elves from the "Sweatshop" were breaking toys and painting blood, an a capella choir was singing Christmas carols from Archinofsky Gallery below.

"If you didn't know what it was about, it was just another holiday party," Zeilman said. "The people up here, they weren't into that, but it reinforced the sweatshop."

Although Cybele and Zeilman seem lighthearted when discussing the show, both agree that they're addressing a serious issue that surrounds the holidays.

Both artists delve into their inner demons through their art, and both are fond of gore. Zeilman's work portrays anger, loss, loneliness and grim prospects. Cybele's signature piece is a sculpture of a heart pierced by knives. Her 2004 self-portrait, "Last Bath," shows a woman in a tub of red water.

"Our slogan is 'The Edge of Sin City,' " Cybele said. "We're not about pastoral landscapes or a bowl of fruit. If there is a piece of fruit, there should be a worm coming out of it."

Looking at "Last Bath," she said, "I pretty much want to die during the holidays. They're especially sucky for me."

Cybele, who lived in Portland, Ore., arrived in Las Vegas last spring following the death of her brother. She saw Zeilman's work and was "just blown away."

The two became kindred spirits. Zeilman also lost a sibling. They are now co-owners and co-curators of MTZC. They also collaborate on works. Their logo, tattooed on Cybele's arm, is an amalgamation of their styles.

Other artists featured in "Unhappy Hellidays" include Kate Jackson, Jorge Catoni, Iceberg Slick, KD Matheson and Dirk Vermin. Zeilman and Cybele will hold an open Christmas Day for artists and patrons to sip a little eggnog and commiserate.

"Maybe on Christmas we'll get to hear all of the stories," Cybele said.

MTZC, at 1551 S. Commerce St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. The Christmas Day open house will be 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call 610-5718.

Away in a manger

Those looking for a more traditional Christmas celebration might be interested in "Living Nativity" at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Henderson Pavilion at Green Valley Parkway and Paseo Verde Drive. The event will be presented by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church parishioners, dressed as Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and angels. There will be readings from scripture and Christmas hymns.

Kristen Peterson can be reached at 259-2317 or at kristen@lasvegassun.com.

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