Illustration, animation and comics don't typically grace the walls of the high-art-leaning Franklin Art Works. But with independent exhibitions from three national, illustration-based artists opening this weekend, it's another sign that the high-vs.-low distinction between fine art and comic art has become increasingly irrelevant. The main gallery will host "Wonder and Woe," the latest from Shawn Cheng of Brooklyn-based collective Partyka. Filled with sprawling scenes of knights, locusts and dragons, the collection of large-scale paintings has a bit of an epic-poem quality. Over in the side gallery, illustrator and printmaker Matt Wiegle of Philadelphia will show "Blood Meteor" -- selected drawings from his "Blood Meridian" series and silk-screened prints from his "Pink Meteor" comic, which uses clear overlays to hide and reveal parts of the story. Canadian animator Amy Lockhart rounds the show out with a screening of her new animated movie, "The Collagist." Free opening reception 6-8:30 p.m. Fri. 2/17.
- Through April 28
- Franklin Art Works
