There are those who favor realism and there are those who favor the imaginative forays of expressionism and abstract. Then there are those unable to do more than look at either school and appreciate splayings of shape and color — who walk by each work with a pensive look while going mhmm to avoid being chastised for revealing any philistine ignorance. Thankfully, Ciel Gallery’s Second Annual Invitational Show spans the gamut of artistic styles and caters to all art enthusiasts. It opens with a reception on Aug. 6 during South End’s gallery crawl. Artists featured include Wan Marsh, Luis Ardila and Terry Thirion, among others; forms range from paintings to mixed media, glass and collage. Opening reception on Aug. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
— Bo McMillan