Tim Rollins is the conceptual artist who had this concept: Through art, kids who were totally marginalized in the South Bronx would gain not only a place in the world but knowledge, too—and it worked. He started teaching art in a public junior high there in 1981, the kids eventually named themselves Kids of Survival, and they took the art world by storm in the late-'80s and early '90s. This survey—16 paintings and two sculptures; I only wish there were more—is a chance to see why. Their art is not heartwarming and it is not kidsy. It is proud, elegant, defiant, and literary. (Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave, 622-9250. 10 am–5 pm, free.)