Tom McGlauchlin's "A Man Arguing With Himself" can be viewed at Malton Gallery through Thursday.

You'll have to look twice when you enter CLOSSON'S PHYLLIS J. WESTON GALLERY (2643 Erie Ave., Hyde Park) this month, to ensure you haven't stepped into the pages of National Geographic. Artist JEFF GANDERT's wildlife paintings are so lifelike, they appear to be photos. One of America's most respected wildlife artists, Gandert paints an array of animals, including tigers, lions, foxes, a variety of fowl, including ducks and swans, and many species of birds. His exhibit also includes several landscapes in traditional misty, unfocused beauty. Each depiction of an animal is done with such skill and precision, it's hard to believe Gandert captured the essence with paint and not film. Individual wing feathers are visible on his birds, and the fuzzy tufts of mane on his young lion were practically palpable. He aptly captures the majesty and power of wildlife, yet his pieces don't immediately inspire: They require closer inspection. Don't miss this exhibit of exceptional talent. Through Oct. 9. ...

MALTON GALLERY's (2703 Observatory Ave, Hyde Park) current exhibition, Flying Colors, certainly warrants a second look. Artists JUDY HINTZ COX and TOM MCGLAUCHLIN provide the perfect setting for each other's pieces, both of which offer bold colors and smart imagery. Cox's mixed-media pieces are an appealing mix of neutral and bold acrylic color, with tinges of other media such as sheet metal and Asian-inspired writings that complete the image. At once inspiring and cryptic, Cox's texture and style are delightful to behold. McGlauchlin's blown glass pieces beckon with precise line detail and blooming color: Each piece features a distinct head and facial features in exacting geographic balance. They resemble textured sculptures more than glass pieces, as the paint belies evidence of glass beneath. The artists' pieces complement each other effortlessly: Cox's outspoken wall pieces provide the perfect surrounding to McGlaughlin's glass figures. Don't miss this smart and stylish exhibit: through Sept. 30. ...

When you stop by MEDIA BRIDGES (Race St. and Central Pkwy., Downtown) this weekend for AUTUMEDIA, don't forget to check out Pop and Circumstance, the newest exhibition presented by this organization, which offers media assistance to the community through education, equipment and environment. The exhibit features work by artists BRADLEY DAY, MICHAEL HURST, KEVIN T. KELLY and MARJIE NOLL-MCCANN. All native to the area, these artists provide pieces in a variety of media, including Kelly's pop culture inspired pieces. Through November. ...

While you're looking around downtown for more art, don't forget to stop by the CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER (44 E. 6th St., Downtown) for Nothing Compared to This: ambient, incidental and new minimal tendencies in current art, the latest exhibition seeking to embrace peripheral and subliminal works. Artists of this style occupy and control space in subtle and indirect ways, infusing space as much as they occupy it. In fact, you might not be able to contemplate these pieces, because they might not even be readily visible. Are you intrigued? Mystified? Either way, now you'll have to check it out. With over 15 artists vying for you not to look, don't miss it. Through Nov. 28.

Mini Reviews
You still have a chance to see the provocative, over-the-top installations and drawings by Kendell Geers at the Contemporary Arts Center. His black-and-white imagery, heavily textual, looks like ink splashes from a Rorschach test. Forceful language, intense sexual imagery and harsh ink literally explodes off its allotted space, covering the walls and floor of the CAC gallery with slashes and splotches. Teasing the viewer by utilizing the architecture to partially obscure his work, Geers delights his viewers with double entendres. Does "Here Lies Truth" mean truth has died? Or does it mean that here, in this gallery space, exists the real truth? Through Nov. 7. (Stacey Recht) Grade: B+