Where to Go and What to See

We know you're all a little tired of hearing about the New York gallery scene, so this week's list is rich with listings from all the other art meccas that so often are unfairly overshadowed by the Big Apple.

This also seems to be the week of the concept exhibition. From predicting photography's movers and shakers for the next three decades to taking multi-faceted looks at war or the impact of a century of photography books, these shows remind us there are always infinite perspectives from which to view any topic—especially photography itself.

One of the most intriguing and inventive of these openings is an exhibition at the Photographic Resource Center at Boston University titled "PRC/POV: Photography Now and the Next 30 Years." To celebrate PRC's founding 30 years ago, the center solicited nominations and compiled a show of photography insiders who are likely to "make a significant contribution to the field of photographic arts in the next 30 years." And if you can't make it to Boston before Jan. 28, the online gallery is extensive and informative, with photos and explanations of nominees' impacts.

Opening Reception Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30
"PRC/POV: Photography Now and the Next 30 Years"
Photographic Resource Center at Boston University
832 Commonwealth Ave., Boston

The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia University in Chicago examines the way images of war impact public opinions of current conflicts in the Middle East. Pieces by Sean Snyder, Martha Rosler, Sarah Pickering, Sean Hemmerle, and Ashley Gilbertson that discuss the artifice and artistry of war, complement two series by An-My Lê, who "photographs places where war is psychologically anticipated, processed, and relived": weekend reenactments of Vietnam battles and a military base in the California desert.

On display until Jan. 6
"War Fare" and "An-My Lê: Small Wars"
MoCP, Columbia College
600 S. Michigan, Chicago

Also in Chicago, at the Stephen Daiter Gallery, an exhibition examining the many ways photographs are used in books and how they differ in that medium from prints on a wall. With a catalog of 216 (often rare) books and more than 40 prints, the show should provide an interesting commentary on the ever-important art book.

Reception Nov. 3, 5-8
"From Fair to Fine: 20th Century Photography Books That Matter"
Stephen Daiter Gallery
311 W. Superior, Suite 404/408, Chicago

And don't miss these shows either....

On display through Jan. 7 (check site for special events)
"A Century of Great Photography from The Virginian-Pilot"
Chrysler Museum of Art
245 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk, Virginia

Opening Reception Nov. 3, 6-8
"Angela West: Little Deaths" and "William Christenberry: Trips and Recent Sculpture"
Jackson Fine Art
3115 E. Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta, Georgia

Opening Reception with the Artist Nov. 3, 5-7
"Julie Blackmon: Domestic Vacations"
Catherine Edelman Gallery
300 W. Superior St., Chicago

Opening Reception Nov. 3, 5:30-8
"Jules Aarons: Public Spaces/Private Moments"
Gallery Kayafas
61 Thayer (@ 450 Harrison Ave.), Boston

PLUS: Mois de la Photo (The Month of Photography) is all this month in Paris, with exhibitions and presentations across the city and Europe. See the site for details.

But of course, New York refuses to be left out altogether. Here are the events that have conveniently skirted Photo Plus Expo or are taking them on directly.

Nov. 2, 6-7:30
Presentation and Panel Discussion on War Photography
New York University School of Journalism
Silver Center for Arts and Science, Room 703 (at Washington Square East)

Opening Nov. 2
"Albers and Moholy-Nagy: From the Bauhaus to the New World"
Whitney Museum of American Art
945 Madison Ave. (at 75th)

Opening Reception Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30
"Iraq" (with photos by Farah Nosh, Tyler Hicks, and Yuri Kozyrev)
Pomegranate Gallery
133 Greene St.

Reception Nov. 7, 6-8
Susan Bowen, Joan Lebold Cohen, Allice M. Hughey, Yaqui Yamdrock, Anya Petrova, Rosalia Filippetti
SOHO Photo
15 White St.

(Photo: © Chehalis Hegner, Trophy, From the series "John," 2006; Courtesy PRC)