Sam Gilliam's paint-stained canvas is just one example of 30 Ways to Make a Painting, an exhibition currently on display a Carl Solway Gallery.

For a stimulating (visually-speaking, that is) introduction to spring, you'll want to make a visit to CARL SOLWAY GALLERY (424 Findlay St., Over-the-Rhine) for the latest exhibition, 30 Ways to Make a Painting. True to its title, it showcases myriad ways to create a painting. The diversity of the show is impressive, featuring "radically new" ways to make art using unconventional materials and content. I wish I could detail each piece, because each is extraordinary in its own way. But I don't have the space. CARLOS VILLA's mixed-media piece is vibrant and inviting, layering brightly-colored feathers over canvas and acrylic, providing remarkable texture and effect. JOEL OTTERSON uses waste paper, nylon cord, copper staples and copper pipe, woven together for a quilt-like effect. The pieces of waste paper are arranged in color and design patterns with amazing intricacy. Artist FRANK FARMER creates his "paintings" using enamel paint on aluminum for an appealing effect. Individual strips of aluminum are arranged in a pattern of flowers, each strip contributing to the overall effect of a flower opening. Other "sprays" of aluminum feature leaves framing the flowers. You can also see pieces using playing cards, puzzle pieces, rope and even plastic sheeting. Yes, it is as interesting as it sounds, so don't miss out. Through April 23. ...

It sounds like you can see a little bit of everything on Saturday at "Gloss, Glitz & Grime", the latest arty party at THE MOCKBEE (2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton). The party features music from eight musical groups, a fashion show, an interior design show and a visual arts exhibition offering work from over 80 artists. Of course, no party would be complete without food ("food from around Ohio," no less) and a cash bar. It's no surprise that with all this, the party keeps rocking until 3 a.m. Sponsored by the Fashion Mafia, the Organization of Student Interior Designers, the DAAP Union and the Fine Arts Association, this sounds like one killer soirée. Saturday, 7 p.m-3 a.m. Free admission. ...

Catch a breath of spring air as you head to the MIAMI UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM (801 South Patterson Ave., Oxford) on Tuesday for their newest exhibition, Recent Paintings and Works on Paper by nationally recognized artist JEFFREY BISHOP. His work, found in many corporate and private collections, is a variety of techniques and media. His most recent pieces blend digital images into abstract oil, ink and acrylic paintings. If this sounds strange yet intriguing, you'll just have to get to Oxford and check it out. Opens April 12, with a 4 p.m. gallery talk and reception. ...

If you're an artist and you can think small (or create small), you're in luck: MANIFEST CREATIVE RESEARCH GALLERY AND DRAWING CENTER (2727 Woodburn Ave., Walnut Hills) is seeking submissions for their upcoming exhibition, Magnitude SEVEN. Works submitted may be no larger than 7 inches in any dimension; they do not have to be square. Any media can be used to create, and the exhibition is open to all artists, including students. Submission deadline is April 30. Questions about the exhibition and criteria can be directed to seven@manifestgallery.org

MINI REVIEWS
MEDIA BRIDGES (1100 Race St., Over-the-Rhine) is exhibiting Intuition, featuring artists Susan Dygert and Susan Schuler. These talented conceptual artists have created stunning works, but many here appear to be premeditated and not completely in line with the conceptual theme. Intuition has the ability to inspire debates surrounding the nature of conceptual art. Through May 8. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) GRADE: B-