Clue

[fireflybob]

Present time (4) ?Y?S

Thanks for any help

[Captain2]

Xmas?

[fireflybob]

Captain2, I did wonder that but am sure of the 2nd letter Y

[Sam1960]

what's the clue bob that gives you the y ?

[factor-fiction]

Where was the Y from as Xmas looks good?

[fireflybob]

Y was from "Small, undersized" (3) - GRY - the theme of the crossword is Art

[factor-fiction]

is GRY a word?
Is the 'present time' clue also art related?

[Captain2]

Bibblebub answered and explained 'Gry'' on another thread. So am now stum-ed.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Gry

[fireflybob]

Must say XMAS sounds good to me.

The other clue "Small, undersized" is one of several taken from Philip Hooks A to Z of Art except I don't have one to hand!

[Mamyalynne]

Wonder if it could be 'DYES' alt of 'DIES' from the Latin for days often of festivals?

[Tilly2]

Ayes? As in Ayes and Nays. As in present at this time?

[Psybbo]

Good one Tilly

[Mamyalynne]

Trying hard to find a better art connection.

[fireflybob]

The art connection was only for the across clue GRY (printed on the crossword in italics!).

I think AYES could well be correct - many thanks everyone for helping

[Mamyalynne]

apologies, thought it was an art themed crossword.