BY JASON BUDJINSKI
THU 9/9
The four new exhibits on display at the Boca Raton Museum of Art (Mizner Park, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton) are equal parts multicultural and multimedia explorations. From Haiti come the exhibits "Sequined Surfaces: Haitian Vodou Flags" and "Haitian Painting from the Candice Russell Collection." More than just assembled patterns of colored cloth, the Haitian vodou flags (yes, that's voodoo) shine and shimmer with elaborate, beaded designs. The flags -- used in religious ceremonies to honor guests and contact spirits -- were brought in by Russell, a local artist who displays her own paintings here as well. Like Iturria, Russell paints everyday scenes of Haitian life and those of the dream world. According to artist Ignacio Iturria, "Everything Has a Face," as his vividly imaginative paintings and mixed-media constructions illustrate. Though on the surface, Iturria's pieces portray mundane scenes of South American life, his subtle tweaks in perspective and proportion give the illusion of greater depth. Iturria adds levity to his compositions, such as Playing in the Pool, which depicts tiny figures swimming in a bathroom sink.
Like the Haitian vodou flags, "In Praise of Hands: Southwest American Indian Tribal Crafts" includes its share of beadwork but also rugs, blankets, jewelry, and other artifacts of Native American culture. You won't see work like this at the Swap Shop. The exhibits run through November 7. Call 561-392-2500.
The fall collection
BY JASON BUDJINSKI
FRI 9/10
Now that summer's almost over, legions of snowbirds will soon descend upon us like a swarm of hungry... ah, who are we kidding? We love our snowbird economy! It gives us stuff to look forward to in the fall, like the four exhibitions opening tonight at the Coral Springs Museum of Art (2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs). You want cubism? Try Yuroz's Narrative Culture of Cubism. Photography? Check out Burt Hesselson's Through My Lens. For mixed media, check out Leo Kaplan's Echoes of the Past or Len Janklow's kinetic art exhibit, Illusions with Color. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m., and the exhibits run through November 20. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and free for members and children under 18. Call 954-340-5000.
