'Ordinarily Here'

Before it closes its doors for a yearlong Frank Gehry-directed expansion, the Weisman Art Museum will train its spotlight on 10 local artists. Jenny Jenkins' graffiti-inspired embroidery should offer a striking juxtaposition, as should Vince Leo's installations based on actual typographical errors he makes while doing office work. Other pieces are crafted from such decidedly un-artlike materials as tape and paper clips (see Elizabeth Simonson's large wall drawings) and cardboard and Styrofoam (David Lefkowitz's sculptural installations). Multimedia artist Diane Willow's contribution culls its material from the museum itself, incorporating the sounds of the Weisman building into a site-specific, interactive installation. True to its local theme, the preview party includes locally sourced food, local music spun by former Babe in Toyland Lori Barbero and decor by local designer Adam Brackney. Preview party 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday 6/11, free. More event details.

• Jahna Peloquin

'The Shape of Nature'/'An Archive, a Forest'

Conventional wildlife art has a bad rep in art schools, where it is presumed to be clichéd and lowbrow. The University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History is the antidote to such prejudices, especially its splendid dioramas by Minnesota's own Frances Lee Jaques who was one of the country's premier wildlife painters and a legendary naturalist. Eighty of Jaques' paintings, sketches and sculptures are featured in "The Shape of Nature." Three recent graduates of Minneapolis College of Art and Design -- John Bell, Ginny Maki and Branden Martz -- weigh in with their own interpretations of the museum's dioramas and collections. Called "An Archive, a Forest," the MCAD show includes paintings, photos, drawings, installations and sculptures inspired by the Bell's resources. More event details.

• Mary Abbe