Images of slavery by Chet Sterling's are currently on view at Deogracias Lerma Photography in Over-the-Rhine.

The winds of spring bring more than a new season -- allow new art to waft your way. ... After a brief hiatus, MANUAL PRODUCTIONS at THE MOCKBEE (2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton) is back in full force with Manifold Abetment. Curator ANNA KIPERVASER, pushes boundaries by uniting artists from coast to coast. Manual Productions is known for bringing together artists of different backgrounds and at varied points in their career. Given the size of the space, you'll want to arrive early and stay late, allowing yourself plenty of time to peruse the seven artists experimenting with mixed media. Opening reception: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday. Through April 23. ...

Scratch the surface next week with Surface Features, the latest exhibition opening at THE FOUNDATION GALLERY in the Greater Cincinnati Foundation building (200 W. Fourth St., Downtown). Amid the offices, this classy gallery promises an appealing mix of photographs by MARTIN MEERSMAN and prints on fabric by SARA MULHAUSER. It's a treat to see Mulhauser, director of student activities at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, reveal this side of her canvas -- more often, she's presenting her students. Graceful photos by Meersman assure a delight all their own. Opening reception is April 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Through June. ...

Swing down to DEOGRACIAS LERMA PHOTOGRAPHY (1319 Main St., Over-the-Rhine) and see Psalm 1619 by CHET STERLING. The exhibition comprises sepia-toned photographs that address the spiritual journey of African-American slaves, told from the slaves' perspective. Aptly complementing most of the photographs are lyrics from spirituals, as well as items referencing slaves' daily activities. Sterling spent five years putting together this exhibition, traveling throughout Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina for material. "Funny story," he says. "I just went on vacation and got inspired." The work is stunning and delivers a well-crafted balance between the stories he wants to tell and the subject matter he addresses. Through April 30 ...

Contemplate the abstract at ANNIE BOLLING GALLERY (3235 Madison Rd., Oakley), currently featuring oil and acrylic by local artist KIM KRAUSE. Although two recent independent collections, Found Credo and Spirals, contribute to this exhibit, a seamless motif unites the pieces into a stunning depiction of the human journey. Many pieces contain spiral forms, but sheer variety of shape, size and placement hold you enraptured. Mood shifts are swift and fierce: Anger and despair give way to introspection and passion, then quickly move to fear and betrayal. His soft, subtle colors draw you in: Shades of blues and greens mix with sunset hues of pink, yellow and orange. Given the intensity of his work, the absence of red is conspicuous and obviously symbolic, yet he uses black liberally to convey darker moods. Krause's work will provoke a response: Don't miss it. Through April 25.

Mini Reviews
ARTWORKS TIME WARNER CABLE GALLERY (811 Race St., Downtown) pulls you in with Animal Magnetism, an exhibit inspired by the environment and objects of rural Indiana. The skills of COREY and MEGAN JEFFERSON are far from rustic: Her lush landscapes and animals hold a surprising allure, while his mixed-media pieces, including a series of glazed clay cabbages, are weirdly likable if only for their reassuring familiarity. Don't resist. Through April 30. (JULIE BERNZOTT) Grade: B+

HABAÑERO (358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton) currently features mixed-media artist CHRISTOPHER C. HARRIS, who uses not only a variety of media but also a range of surfaces and application techniques. Sure, some of the work hangs crooked and appears to be overshadowed by the looming orange wall behind it. However, the pieces are energetic and emotionally driven with a peculiar allure, leaving you unable to stop staring while you chew. Through April 30. (JACQUELYN VAUGHN) Grade: B+