THURSDAY
'Near and Far' & 'Attention'
Shana Kaplow explores the interconnectivity between ourselves and everyday objects. With a mix of ink paintings, which merge abstract imagery and photorealism, and projected video installations, her work is imbued with a sense of restraint and an interest in form. In her new solo show, "Near and Far," she utilizes a mix of video and drawings to depict contemporary furniture designs and question the effects of mass production on the global community. Opening in tandem in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' MAEP Galleries is "Attention," a new exhibition of photographs by Pao Her that focuses on the importance of military service to Hmong-American cultural identity. Thursday's opening receptions coincide with the MIA's Third Thursday, which takes inspiration from the museum's new "Nature of Nature" exhibit and features live music from Toki Wright and Big Cats. (Opening reception: 7-9 p.m. Thu., free. Ends June 7. Third Thursday: 6-9 p.m. Thu., free. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. www.artsmia.org.) Jahna Peloquin
SATURDAY
Lisa Grossman: 'River Miles'
Inspired by the wide skies of eastern Kansas and the undulating Kansas River, painter Lisa Grossman has produced a new series of moody paintings that hover between landscape and abstraction. Lilac shadows suffuse her aerial views of the river valley at twilight, the water a golden ribbon curling between low banks of muted purple. Elsewhere, streaks of green and brown, blue and peach suggest earth and sky, day and darkness without ever quite describing any place in particular. Sometimes painted on-site and other times from photos in the studio, her quiet images unspool memories to evoke a state of mind. (Opening party 5-8 p.m. Sat. Ends May 30. Circa Gallery, 210 N. 1st St., Mpls. 612-332-2386 or www.circagallery.org.) Mary Abbe
