By Miller Gallery

Ron Johnson's "Breezy" is one of 45 images on display to celebrate Miller Gallery's 45th anniversary.

With the visual arts scene in constant flux, a gallery's anniversary is always a reason for celebration. And MILLER GALLERY (2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park) certainly has something to celebrate: for 45 years, it has consistently provided Cincinnati with a spectacular range of local, national and international artists. While most galleries struggle to hit the five-year mark and to consistently offer quality exhibitions, only a few, locally or nationally, can match Miller Gallery's longevity and excellence. The gallery has become a premiere Midwestern gallery with a national reputation, continually adding superior artists to their "family." They've called upon 45 of those artists to create pieces for this special exhibition, simply entitled, The Anniversary Show. Each artist has created one piece, in his or her own style, specifically to mark this occasion. The artists were given no specifications from which to create their piece -- only that it be "spectacular." My brief glimpse at some pieces confirms that is the case. Make sure to see RON MONSMA's "Transcendency," a truly striking study of texture and light in a seemingly simple image. Painter JAMES O'NEIL offers a soothing beach scene, but uses hundreds of tiny flecks of paint to create a distinctive pointillist look. Other artists include internationally-known DANIEL E. GREENE, JEAN RICHARDSON, CAROL SHIKANY and many more. Carol Thoman, gallery staff, says Miller's national reputation speaks not just for the gallery itself, but for Cincinnati as well. I couldn't agree more, and although the visual arts opportunities are boundless on any given night, I hope you'll help them celebrate their success on this one night. Opening reception: 6-9 p.m. Friday. Through Oct. 8. ...

After congratulating Miller Gallery, stop down at PUBLICO (1308 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine) to soak up wall paintings by RYAN MCGINNESS. An internationally acclaimed artist, McGinness's exhibition offers large-scale, graphic murals painted directly on nine different walls throughout the gallery which present his social commentary on iconography and contemporary symbolism. He will also showcase a series of individualized, hand-painted posters of the same nature. You won't be disappointed. Opening reception: 7-11 p.m. Through Oct. 29. ...

Cincinnati favorite KEVIN T. KELLEY opens the second season at MANIFEST GALLERY (2727 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills) with an exhibition entitled simply, Drawings. If you've had the pleasure of seeing his work in previous exhibitions (he's exhibited all over Cincinnati, as well as New York City, Detroit and Columbus) you know that Kelley's larger-than-life paintings almost leap of the walls, laden with "pop culture" references, social satire and color -- lots and lots of color. The term "Post-Pop" has been used to describe his work, but no matter what it's called, it will be intriguing, complex and fun. Another native Cincinnatian, artist ROBERT SPAHR will share Manifest's air space with Kelley. Spahr collects images from the Internet as his source material, then creates automated scripts and algorithms he calls "crufts." Cruft merges fine art, software programming and digital design, offering 15 lavish inkjet prints. Spahr's digital work will offer a remarkable contrast with Kelley's hand-crafted pieces. This is an exhibition not to be missed. Opening reception is Sept. 30, 6-10 pm. Through Oct. 28.

MINIREVIEWS
Currently on view at YORK STREET CAFE GALLERY (738 York St., Newport) are works by local artists DAVE LANGE and GILDA HORN. Lange focuses on capturing the essence of his subject matter. His paintings feature groups of people engaging in a variety of social situations. The work is fun, fresh and expressive. His impressionistic overtones make it easy to become invested in the work. Horn's approach is far more subjective. Each of her paintings looks as though it's slightly out of focus. She captures the softness typical of the American countryside -- expect flowers, farm boys, roosters and families. Unlike Lange's whimsical approach, Horn's work feels far more institutional. Through Oct. 9. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) Grade: C+