The Brandt Gallery
The Wilma Smith Project. From his 1980s childhood in Medina to this evening's broadcast, artist Dana Depew has followed Cleveland newscaster Wilma Smith. This exhibition, consisting of printed screen captures, deconstructed paintings, and found-item sculptural objects pays homage to the 10-time local Emmy award-winning anchor. Depew says he is now living the "if you build it, they will come" dream: The Saturday, September 8, opening reception will be attended by the woman herself. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. at 1028 Kenilworth Ave. in Tremont. The exhibit continues through October 6. Call 216-621-1610 or go to brandtgallery.org to learn more.
Cleveland Artists Foundation:Not Pulp Fiction. In collaboration with Octavofest, a regional organization dedicated to advancing printed and book art, Tom Balbo presents a retrospective of more than 30 years of cast paper and pulp paintings. An opening reception will be held Friday, September 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Through November 17 at 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Call 216-521-2540 or go to clevelandartists.org.
Cleveland Museum of Art:Staff Art Show. Some 50 works — painting, photography, sculpture, and drawing — by an equal number of employees at every level in the museum's staff make up this annual show. Participants include both unknowns and the renowned, including artists like Dexter Davis, Philip Brutz, and Achala Wali. Through October 28 in the museum's Susan M. Kaesgen Education Gallery and Lobby, 11150 East Blvd. Call 216-421-7350 or go to clevelandart.org for more information.
Galeria Quetzal:Theatrics. Born in Philadelphia to a Puerto Rican family, Javier Hernandez likens his mask-like glass sculpture to "theatrics," meant to both startle the viewer and elicit their recognition and affection. An opening reception will be held Friday, September 7, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Through September 30 at 12400 Mayfield Rd. Call 216-421-8223 or go to galeriaquetzal.com.
The Galleries at Cleveland State University: The First Exhibition. See recent works by CSU studio art faculty and teaching staff. Also: Jennie Jones: A Photographic Legacy for Cleveland State University features selected works by this celebrated Cleveland photographer. A reception to mark the new galleries' opening will be held Friday, September 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1307 Euclid Ave. Call 216-687-2103 or visit csuohio.edu/artgallery for more info.
Harris Stanton Gallery:25th Anniversary International Exhibition. After a year of focus on American artists as part of their anniversary jubilee, Harris Stanton gives a platform to European creators. Pierre Boncompain channels Matisse in heavily saturated figurative paintings. Lynn Shaler transports viewers to scenes in Paris via aquatint. An opening reception will be held Friday, September 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Through October 6 at 2301 West Market St. Call 330-867-7600 or go to harrisstantongallery.com for more information.
Loren Naji Studio Gallery: Space Odysseys. Curated by Doug Utter, this show features intuitive works by Utter, Erik Neff, Tom Yody, and Chapelle Letman as they search for and establish an unusual sense of place. The artists build semi-abstract forms and landscapes that reenact energies of change and invent models for new identities. An opening celebration will be held Friday, September 7, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight at 2138 West 25th St. Learn more at 216-621-6644 or lorennaji.com.
Proximity:It's Only a Paper Moon. Nine artists demonstrate the creative possibilities of paper, making use of techniques as varied as mâché, origami, cutting, and even sculpting raw pulp. An opening reception will be held Friday, September 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. The exhibit continues through October 6 at 1667 East 40th St. Call 216-262-8903 or go to proximitycleveland.com.
Rotten Meat Gallery:Utter Madness. This mad cow exhibition is totally unjuried, allowing more than 50 regional artists to display work in all media. An opening reception will be held September 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. Through September 29 at 1814 East 40th St., Suite 4B. For more information, call 216-469-4896 or visit facebook.com/RottenMeatGalleryCLE.
William Busta Gallery: Personal Matters. Dexter Davis' mixed-media works channel the energy and visual vocabularies of the urban neighborhoods in which he has lived. Davis confronts the viewer with images of violence, human fetuses, haunted adult faces, and money — all juxtaposed in evocative arrangements. An opening reception will be held September 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. The exhibit continues through October 13 at 2731 Prospect Ave. Call 216-298-9071 or go to williambustagallery.com. for more information.
