'An Archeology of Color'

Abstract painters Shawn McNulty and Silvana LaCreta Ravena join forces in a show that examines the foundations of color, form and composition. McNulty uses commercial-grade palette knives to create his signature layers and textures, and the results are as raw and gritty as they are meticulous and graphic. The Brazil-born Ravena combines beeswax, resin and dried pigment to create colorful, complex, free-form works that reflect both her cultural heritage and her background as a psychologist. These eye-popping paintings sound like a perfect respite for the bleak winter months. (Free opening reception 6-8 p.m. Fri. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 1-10 p.m. Sun. Artists' talk 7 p.m. Jan. 24. Ends Feb. 15. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington. 952-563-8575 or www.bloomingtonartcenter.com.) JAHNA PELOQUIN