Photo By Carl Solway Gallery

Rocio Rodriquez's "Night Garden" is part of his solo exhibition, Transgressions: New Paintings, at Carl Solway Gallery, opening Friday.

Look no further than the YWCA ART GALLERY (898 Walnut St., Downtown) for a chance to witness Real Beauty, the latest exhibition brought to this gallery, which seeks to provide a space for art exhibits by and about women in order to empower them and enhance their visibility and ability to succeed. During extensive travels, CLAUDIA DEMONTE has collected handmade dolls from all over the world. This multi-cultural exhibit features more than 130 dolls from 80 different countries, each with a distinctive idea of beauty based on the creator's culture. She views these dolls as icons that speak to women's lives and their connections to each other, made from common materials like buttons, wool and thread. Her collection includes dolls created by contemporary artists, as well as dolls she has found, their makers unknown; the dichotomy of the old and new offers a new take on the perceptions of cultural beauty. Don't miss a chance for a first look at "real beauty." Opening reception: 6-8 Friday. RSVP to 513-241-7090. Through Dec. 27. ...

Add a stop at the CARL SOLWAY GALLERY (424 Findlay St., West End) to your itinerary; the gallery opens two new solo exhibitions: Transgressions: New Paintings by ROCIO RODRIGUEZ, and a Print Retrospective (1965-2005) from JAMES ROSENQUIST. Rodriguez has exhibited her large-scale abstract paintings all over the United States. Using her computer to build new compositions from her initial drawings, she tests many possibilities before she puts a final work on canvas. The end result is dynamic, a complex, multi-layered network of lines and shapes that suggests a visual universe of information. In contrast, Rosenquist, a major figure in the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, offers an exhibition of prints that spans 40 years of innovative technique in the field. Beginning as a billboard painter, he began to integrate commercial painting methods and bits of advertising imagery into his creations, achieving international acclaim and subsequently influencing future artists. It promises to be a truly rewarding experience. Opening reception 5-8 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 23. ...

If you want an inside view of the music industry -- from the fantastic to the abysmal -- get to the SOUTHGATE HOUSE (24 E. Third St., Newport) for artist ARABELLA PROFFER's take on all of it. A Cleveland-based artist, Proffer is the co-owner of Elephant Stone Records, and her themes revolve around a fascination with Indie Rock scenesters and Punk fashion, among other interests. Her exhibition Better Living Thru Rock draws inspiration from, in her words, "the blood-sucking groupies, unemployed hipsters, fashion victims and ego-tastic musicians I came to know and love." If that doesn't pique your curiosity, I'm not sure what will. Opening reception: 7-10 p.m. Saturday. Through Sept. 29. ...

Do you simply adore art? Are you interested in sharing your devotion with others? Then consider becoming a docent at the Cincinnati Art Museum. A "docent" is a volunteer educator who communicates their knowledge of the museum and its collection to a broad range of visitors. Don't worry: No previous knowledge of art or art history is required. If interested, consider attending a training session to learn more. Two sessions are scheduled: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 and 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16. For additional information, contact Julia Vienhage at 513-639-2997 or jvienhage@cincyart.org.