Jessica Bechtel's "Uprooted" is currently on display at Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center in Walnut Hills.

If you missed the grand opening of MANIFEST CREATIVE RESEARCH GALLERY AND DRAWING CENTER (2727 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills) earlier this month, fear not: You still have time to see the inaugural exhibition. And you won't want to miss it. Manifest features the work of seven artists in a group show, Terrestrial Domains, which offers exploration of the body and how it relates to its own identity and to space. In the gallery's drawing room, Figures in Gray presents the graphite drawings of artist TAMIE BELDUE. Terrestrial Domains offers an eclectic mix of human figure pieces and landscapes that would seem disjointed: But the work flows together nicely. Artists KEVIN MUENTE, IVAN FORTUSHNIAK and COLE CAROTHERS investigate landscape in precise, stark detail, and also in soft, muted abstract -- and all are done with considerable skill. JESSICA BECHTEL, ANNA KIPERVASER, SOL KJOK and STEVE ZIEBARTH take a different tack, and show the human body in reaction to its landscape -- whether that is a body in confusion, relaxation, fear or any number of emotions. Each artist's distinctive and skillful depiction of his or her subject intrigued me. Beldue's soft drawings are subdued yet radiate a quiet energy. Her nude subjects, all women, possess clean lines and strong faces, accented by the artist's remarkable shading. My favorite was "Hesitation," a drawing of a young woman gazing soulfully out a window, covered only with the lines of the windowpane, physically naked as well as emotionally. Don't miss these talented artists in this thoughtful gallery. Through Feb. 11. ...

Make sure that STUDIO METROPOLITAN (1335 Main St.) is one of your stops on the Final Friday gallery walk this Friday. The gallery/vintage store will feature paintings by LOUISE AUG, whose work can also be seen at the Pendleton Art Center, where she maintains a studio. Women Rule is a series of paintings that celebrate women through the use of icons of feminine energy. The exhibition is described as, "free-spirited, free form body drawings on brilliant color abstracts. The female figures appear to dance and pose with exuberance." And in these bleak days of winter, a little exuberance will be uplifting. Through Feb. 28. ...

Don't think any help you can give to the victims of the tsunami is too small. Cincinnatian TAYLOR JAMESON, certainly doesn't think so: She's on a mission to put on the city's biggest fashion show, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross for Tsunami Relief. Although still in its beginning stages, the tentative venue will be the Contemporary Arts Center. She's looking for help in any number of ways: salon and fashion involvement, as well as sponsorship and marketing dollars. If you or someone you know is interested in helping out, contact Jameson at 513-541-1711 or tayjayca@aol.com. ...

THE MOCKBEE (2260 Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine) has begun planning for its annual spring SOS Art Show, and is accepting artists' applications for the exhibition. The SOS Art Show is a group art exhibition and event that focuses on sociopolitical expressions for peace and justice; it happens April 22-May 8, 2005. In addition to the exhibition, the event will feature poetry readings, performances, lectures and music. To submit artwork or suggest topics for discussion or performance, contact SAAD GHOSN at saad.ghosn@uc.edu by April 2.

Mini reviews
Now at MILTON'S PROSPECT HILL TAVERN (301 Milton St., Mount Auburn) is The Art of Darin Overholser: The Humor of Being Human. His work is a series of parodies focused on pop culture and political satire. The illustrations reach far beyond attracting viewers; they are a reinforcement of the artist's strong sense of humor and wit. Through Jan. 31. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) Grade: A

On view at the CHIDLAW GALLERY (951 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park) is the work of illustrator LOREN LONG. His work delivers an ingrained sense of familiarity by communicating a clear understanding of the "human condition." His illustrations focus on real events and allow the viewer to witness awe-inspiring work and to carry home a truly honest experience. Through Feb. 7. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) Grade: A