Art Galleris X 3.

After few art shows during the holidays, gallery openings picked up dramatically this past weekend. From the inexpensive to the pricey, these three openings spanned all media and styles.First stop was 33 Old Orchard Gallery, www.myslart.org , run by Don Erickson. Don has been showcasing St Louis artists for years with a free website boasting: "Find all St Louis artists, art venues, and art events". The opening had food and drinks by Crab Cakes Creative and included a gooey butter cake to celebrate Don's birthday. The works of 33 artists, all affordably priced, competed for space on the walls. The iPhonetography of Nic Tullis, 17 years old, stand out; his cell phone pictures of the Mississippi River and her bridges are incredible. Catch this show at 33 Old Orchard, Webster Groves, before it closes at 5:00p.m. on 2/4/2013.The second opening was at the St Louis Artists Guild, www.stlouisartistsguild.org , and was packed with interesting stuff. Each floor contained artists' work which was noteworthy. However on the second floor, "Photo Op", curated by Professor of Photography, Daniel Farnum, at Mizzou was superlative. In his notes, Mr Farnum says that we spend an average of 10 seconds looking at a work of art. These photographs caused persons to linger so long that the second floor was elbow-to-elbow with art gawkers. Some of my old favorites were there like Aunia Kahn, Greg Kluempers, and Karen Glines. The Italian tourist photo by Carl Safe, the too cute "How Many" by Naomi Runtz, and work by Laura Bailey all deserve mentions, if not awards. Prices ranged from $50.00-900.00.The last gallery opening celebrated the move of Atrium Gallery from 47xx McPherson St to 4814 Washington Ave, 63108. Carolyn Miles, gallery director, featured South American artists in "Latin Beat". Some phenomenal works included a few sketches of animals from Claudio Bravo's Bestiary, "The White Horse" and "A Family of Geese"; Sophia Vari's 1994 "Figurations", canvas, paper, and charcoal collage; and three pieces by Adrian Luchini, from Argentina and now teaching at Washington University in St Louis. Prices at this show ranged from $3,000-30,000.00. However, a glass or two of champaigne at the opening made all of the works seem affordable.