Former master plumber Barney Smith had to sell his Winnebago to make room in his garage for his toilet seat art display (411 of 'em at last count). Neatly covering the walls from floor to ceiling, you can appreciate the sweep of Mr. Smith's oeuvre. From the early days of simply decorating the discarded seats with little antlers and a few turkey feathers, to full-scale tableau inspired by his travels, like a recent trip to the Dead Sea, or even one to his dentist. The carefully constructed pieces often use applied bits of oil paintings (his own), and dip into his inventory of finds like boy scout badges, false teeth, sea corals, perhaps a portion of a bowling ball, and, more often than not, motel keysÑanother collecting passion of the eclectic Mr. Smith.

239 Abiso
San Antonio, TX 78209

On the north side of town, in the Alamo Heights section. It's 2 blocks off Broadway, inside the I-410 Loop. Go around to the rear of the house, the collection's in his garage and the entrance is on Arbutus St. He's retired and it's open "whenever he's around." He keeps the garage door open, and you can just stop in. FREE.