Summer has somehow become a cultural wasteland. This is now the season of the “beach read,” the “summer blockbuster” and the large nationally touring “fest” concerts. Luckily for all those culturally inclined, Labor Day Weekend is almost upon us, marking the end of this intellectually driest of periods. So then, on this second to last weekend of summer, what is there to do?

Fear not, some vestiges of culturally inclined activities are still available. The Conduit Gallery will host a benefit for the Austin-based Art House. The Art House Annual 5×7 Art Splurge & Exhibition will show hundreds of works by nationally recognized contemporary Texas artists. The paintings are all 5 x 7 in size and only $100. The catch is that all works will be shown anonymously, with the buyer finding out which artist’s work they bought after the fact. This is a steal, however, when you consider that you could be buying a John Pomara, Michael Roch or Gail Dawson piece for only $100!

This is a great show with proceeds going to a worthy cause (Art House is an organization whose mission it is to educate and excite people about contemporary Texas art). The preview reception will be held Friday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. with the sale following thereafter until 8 p.m. and continuing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Conduit Gallery (www.conduitgallery.com).

Now, if you just want to throw all caution to the wind and fully embrace the vapidity of summer, make sure to wake up early Saturday morning and watch the spectacle that is the 2005 National Chihuahua Races Time Trials. This is an actual event, sponsored by PetCo and being held simultaneously in three cities, Dallas, New York and Chicago. It’s a preliminary event for the National Championship event that dares to ask the question: Who is the fastest Chihuahua in America? Eight Chihuahuas will race at a time until only one remains. Races will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at Reverchon Park in Dallas. Reverchon Park is located at 3505 Maple Avenue (just south of Oak Lawn Blvd.). Visit www.Petco.com for more information.

Also, due to its overwhelming success, the 2005 KRLD Restaurant Week has been extended at many of the participating restaurants. This event, which gets you a three course meal for only $30, benefits the North Texas Food Bank and the Lena Pope House. Check www.guidelive.com for a complete listing of participating restaurants.

Finally, most of the area museums actually had very good exhibitions this summer, which are closing in the upcoming week. Take this weekend as an opportunity to catch a last glimpse at shows such Robert Bechtle: A Retrospective at The Modern Museum of Art in Fort Worth (closing Aug. 28), Palace and Mosque at the Kimbell Museum of Art in Fort Worth (closing Sept. 4), and Gordon Parks: Half Past Autumn at the Dallas Museum of Art (also closing Sept. 4).