Henry Reisiger's "Harbor Whites" is currently on display at Phyliss J. Weston-Annie Bolling Galleries.

For a bright and refreshing exhibition, perfectly suited to the current spring/summer tug-of-war, stop by the PHYLLIS J. WESTON-ANNIE BOLLING GALLERIES (3235 Madison Road, Oakley) for New Improvisations by HARRY REISIGER. In his latest installment of work, self-described as "post-modernist with strong expressionist influences," Reisiger simplifies each work until it speaks personally to the viewer. He works in acrylic on panel, featuring mostly abstract interpretations of natural scenes. Using soft, sometimes wistful hues of green, blue, yellow and orange, his work is anything but muted. In "A Sparkling Evening," swirls of greens and pinks are punctuated with piercing black strokes for a distinctive and bold image. "White Surf" features the beautiful deep aqua and turquoise of the ocean, complemented by sweeping, chunky strokes of white as the waves crash and foam at the shore. Despite the soft lines and dreamy images, there is a barely contained energy present in Reisiger's work that makes it captivating to behold -- and easy to understand the influence that Jazz plays in his inspiration. You won't want to miss his work. Through May 21 ...

Try something different and use a few minutes of your lunch break to make time for an "arts break." That's easy to do if you stop by CINCINNATI ART GALLERIES (225 E. Sixth St., Downtown) for the current exhibition by artist STEWART GOLDMAN. Chambers and Cherubs documents his personal meditation on the Holocaust, using oil paint on different media, including cotton and linen. The work appears to skirt a fine line between objective and abstract subject matter, and although I haven't had the pleasure of viewing it, I believe it will offer a worthy midday break. Stop by before May 28. ...

Make your first trip (or a return trip) to the BEHRINGER-CRAWFORD MUSEUM (1600 Montague Road, Devou Park, Covington) this weekend for the Kentucky Heritage Sculpture Project Opening, featuring the museum's newest outdoor sculpture. Students from Bellevue and Scott high schools worked with local and regional artists, including KURT NICAISE and JENI ENGEL-CONLEY to create and install an outdoor sculpture that thematically reflects the performing arts heritage in Northern Kentucky. Working through the museum's educational program, students spent the last semester pulling together all aspects of this project, including developing, designing and building the sculpture which consists of steel, copper, glass, even musical chairs. Join the celebration and congratulate the student artists. Opening reception on Sunday at 3 p.m. Info: 859-491-4003 ...

Don't forget to stop by the CARNEGIE CENTER OF COLUMBIA TUSCULUM (3738 Eastern Ave., Columbia-Tusculum) for their newest exhibition this weekend, Resume Speed: A Photographic Vision of an American Byway. Featuring the photographic imagery of JOHN B. CHEWNING, this showcase of traditional silver print photography documents his ruminations on the life and scenery along Route 50. Described as "thoughtful roadside illuminations" and "sensitive pictures" Chewning's work promises time (and thoughts) well-spent. Opening reception Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Through June 30.

MINI REVIEWS
Now at DEOGRACIAS LERMA GALLERY (1319 Main St., Over-the-Rhine) is JOHN COHEN: Now Hear These Pictures. The work possesses an inherent beauty. Cohen's photographs have a documentary style, but he does much more than merely record a moment in time. He has, in fact, created a universal experience. Cohen's compilation CD, There is No Eye: Music for Photographs Various Artists, is played throughout the gallery, giving visitors a realistic interpretation of Cohen's work. The work channels an era that transcends the 1950s and '60s. The need for such work was as relevant then as it is today. Through May 28. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) Grade: A