by Meg Shiffler

MUSEUMS AND ART CENTERS

BELLEVUE ART MUSEUM

301 Bellevue Square, Bellevue Mall, 425-454-3322.

*The Self, Absorbed

Curated by BAM director Brian Wallace, a simple self- portrait show this is not, as artists from across the country examine themselves with entirely new concepts in mind like cloning, medical imaging, and cosmetic surgery. Simple and captivating works like photographs and paintings incorporating DNA codes are contrasted with a video tape of an artist who drinks tequila until she passes out, while another artist documents in detail her many plastic surgeries. Way to shake up those Eastsiders, Brian. A few of the artists included are Chuck Close, Harriet Casdin-Silver, Denise Marika, and Do-Hoh Suh. Through Nov 9.

BAGLEY WRIGHT

407 Dexter Ave N, 264-8200.

The Wright Collection

Virginia and Bagley Wright have rehung their foundation's exhibit space, devoting one gallery entirely to their great collection of '60s and '70s color field paintings and introducing a large David Salle oil and the John Baldessari piece Two Onlookers and Tragedy to the mix. Other highlights of their collection include a Robert Longo, Eric Fischl, a huge Warhol Rorschach, and Jules Olitski's Thigh Smoke. Open-ended run.

CONSOLIDATED WORKS

410 Terry Ave N, 381-3218

Artificial Life

The visual arts component of this new multidisciplinary arts space opens with a group show exploring various definitions of the theme. A large installation by Sandy Skoglund is the show's centerpiece, with hundreds of fluttering butterflies the backdrop of a jellybean covered scene. Other highlights include an installation of cloned cast-resin sheep by Lauren Grossman, Shawn Wolfe's simultaneously technophobic and technophilic paintings and video, and Jim Rittimann's disturbing skeletons, which he conjures by mixing pieces of real insects, reptiles, and other animals. Through Nov 28.

HENRY ART GALLERY

15th Ave NE at NE 41st St, 543-2280.

Gilles Barbier

Clones is being presented as part of Cote Ouest, a series of exhibitions by contemporary French artists on view in venues along the West Coast this fall, and features lifelike wax self-portraits capturing various aspects of Barbier's persona. There are naughty, playful clones, resourceful clones, and clones that juggle the difficult job of daily living. To sum it all up, Trans-schizophrenic Anatomy is a wax cast of his bald head carved with a diagram of Barbier's divided consciousness. Through Jan 2.

What it Meant to be Modern, Seattle Art at Mid-Century

Over 100 works including sculpture, paintings, and works on paper exploring the art and influence of a specific group of regional artists tagged by Life Magazine in 1953 as the "Mystic Painters of the Northwest," which included Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves and Mark Tobey. The exhibition follows the evolution of the "Northwest School" of artists from 1932 to 1962 and contextualizes their work with other national and international movements. Through Jan 23.

Nordic Heritage Museum

3014 NW 67th, 789-5707.

Vebjorn Sand

This traveling exhibition of works by a prominent Norwegian contemporary artist includes paintings and renderings from major installations, a 16 foot steel replica of Leonardo da Vinci's Golden Horn Bridge, and a series of extraordinarily rich paintings. Through Nov 16.

SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

100 University St, 654-3100.

An American Century of Photography: From Drypoint to Digital

An important exhibition of works from the Hallmark Photographic Collection examining important artists from Edward Muybridge to Aaron Siskind to Sandy Skoglund, and the advancement of photographic techniques throughout this century. Through Jan 9.

Roy McMakin

In an installation dividing the gallery into the layout of a house -- bedroom, bathroom, living room, and dining room -- Seattle artist, furniture maker, and architect McMakin uses stacks upon stacks of generic, store-bought household items, including refrigerators, toilets, tables, and mattresses. Each item stands in for others: a line of toilets becomes a couch, several refrigerators on their backs become a bed. This unconventional stuffing of a traditional living situation creates an environment of carefully calculated manic obsession. Through Oct 31.

SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM

1400 E Prospect St, Volunteer Park, 654-3100.

Modern Masters of Kyoto

Works by late 19th- and early 20th-century artists from Kyoto round out the programming for SAAM's "Year of Japan." This collection is owned by Northwest residents Griffith and Patricia Way and contains more than 80 examples of Kyoto-school nihonga -- modern Japanese paintings executed in traditional media formats. Through Feb 13.

TACOMA ART MUSEUM

1123 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253-272-4258.

New Religion

A perfect show in anticipation of the end of the millennium. A look at works with religious allegory at their foundation, including everything from Donald Roller Wilson's hysterically irreverent, yet technically remarkable costumed animal paintings to the tattoo-style renderings of Don Ed Hardy. Other artists include Melissa Weinman, Kathleen Jesse, Kathleen Fruge-Brown, Jon Swihart, Mark Ryden, Tom Uttech, and more. Through Nov 7.

The End

Artists were challenged to create a portrait of the century as we look toward the new millennium, and the 94 selected works range from apocalyptic visions to depictions of cute newborn animals. The show was juried by New York-based sculptor, political activist, and installation artist Fred Wilson, who was also recently awarded the MacArthur Fellowship. Wilson is best known for his museum "interventions," including Mining the Museum, a celebrated and unusual collaboration between Wilson and the Maryland Historical Society. Through Oct 31.

WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM

407 Seventh Ave S, 623-5124.

A Different Battle

An exhibit that explores the stories of Asian Pacific American (APA) veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Grenada Invasion, and the Persian Gulf War. The stories are conveyed through written text, audio, and video components that are divided into two sections -- how the military and combat shaped the lives of these veterans, and how it has affected the lives of individuals, families, and communities of future generations. Through April 9, 2000.

OPENINGS

ART ABOUT MUSIC

Artwork with music as subject matter, featuring Weldon Butler, Joe Max Emminger, Mary Flynn-Gillies, Gene Gentry McMahon, Linda Okazaki, Lois Silver, and Chuck Smart. SAM Rental/Sales Gallery, 1334 First Ave, Suite 140, 654-3183. Wed Oct 27 through Nov 27.

*SIMON LARBALESTIER

88299 is the first U.S. retrospective exhibition of this British photographer known for his Pixies CD cover art. This is a multimedia exhibition of photographs from the last 12 years, a CD-ROM portfolio, and two websites. It is a unique opportunity to trace Larbalestier's work from lush, atmospheric narratives to his recent lonely, minimal landscapes. Houston, 907 E Pike St, 860-7820. Thurs Oct 21 through Nov 28.

CONTINUING EXHIBITS

A FRESH LOOK AT AN OLD WORLD

An exhibition of prints from students, former students, and faculty from the world renowned Academy of Fine Art in Wroclaw, Poland. It's an excellent opportunity to see what contemporary artists in Eastern Europe are up to. Techniques represented include mezzotint, drypoint, engraving, linocut, and etching with prints varying in size from postage-stamp to window-size. Fine Impressions Gallery, 7714 Green-wood Ave N, 784-5270. Through Nov 6.

A VISION HONORED

PCNW's fifth annual photographic competition exhibition was curated by Linda Connor, who chose 90 works by 90 individuals from over 1,700 submitted slides. Photographic Center Northwest, 900 12th Ave, 720-7222. Through Oct 31.

AIEEEEE! THE MONSTER SHOW

Monsters, monsters, monsters. Works by more than 25 artists in all media. Roq La Rue Gallery, 2224 Second Ave, 374-8977. Through Nov 2.

EFRAIN ALMEIDA

I wasn't expecting a show filled with delicate craft at James Harris, but the work is sublime. This is the first U.S. solo show by this internationally exhibiting Brazilian artist. A wall installation of 35 carved hummingbirds stands out as the centerpiece of the show. Francesca Pastine shows paintings in the project room. James Harris Gallery, 309A Third Ave S, 903-6220. Through Nov 6.

AN ALL METAL VENUE

Eight artists show work in metal, from Brandon Zebold's four-yard long sculpture to Jan Smith's miniature vignettes in brooch form. Madrona Automatic, 1435 34th Ave, 329-7869. Through Nov 14.

ARAB FESTIVAL ART EXHIBIT

Kanaan Kanaan, Ako Lindley, and Mamoun Sakkal show paintings and prints ranging from desert landscapes to calligraphic compositions, as part of Seattle Center's Arab Festival. Center Pavilion, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison. Through Oct 24.

ALFONSE BORYSEWICZ/MARC WENET

Large gestural abstract paintings that faintly allude to Christian iconography by New York artist Borysewicz alongside new mixed media sculptures by Seders' favorite, Wenet. Francine Seders Gallery, 6701 Greenwood Ave N, 782-0355. Through Oct 31.

KARA COSTA

Erotic Narratives is a solo show of 53 photographic works on three different themes in three different formats. Includes 40" x 40" color photographs of sexy housewife pinup girls, b&w girl on girl erotica, b&w and infrared photos of a 12 month calendar boy spoof, and work from the series, "Film Stills from the Porno: The Lady John." ARO.space, 925 E Pike, 320-0424. Through Nov 6.

LOU CUEVAS

Cuevas, a member of the FotoCircle Gallery for four years, celebrates its fifth anniversary with an exhibition entitled Portrait of a Gallery, featuring photographs of the artists who created and continue to sustain one of Seattle's most interesting and consistently strong alternative galleries. FotoCircle Gallery, 163 S Jackson St, Second Floor, 624-2645. Through Oct 30.

*GARY CURTIS

An extremely touching and beautiful show. Childlike figures made from eggshell-thin raku, charred gauze, and rebar stand beside glass heads and mixed media portraits. Like the works of Judy Hill and Terry Turrell, there is something hauntingly tender in the delicate lines and intentionally fragile and ephemeral media chosen to depict figures that so obviously need to be cared for. Eyre/Moore Gallery, 913 Western Ave, 624-5596. Through Oct 31.

PATTY DETZER

Detzer was recently awarded Best Artist in the Pound's juried exhibition, Mountains out of Molehills. This solo show includes ceramic and found object mosaic works. The Pound Gallery, 1216 10th Ave, 323-0557. Through Oct 31.

ELEMENTS OF A CULTURE: VISIONS BY DEAF ARTISTS

This touring exhibition features works by 16 American artists who are deaf. The works in the show celebrate a separate, distinct, and proud culture while also touching on more serious issues including communication barriers and societal hurdles. Bank of America Gallery, 701 Fifth Ave, Third Floor, 585-3200. Through Nov 5.

GREGORY GRENON

The press release for this show proclaims that Grenon "attracts, repels, offends, or seduces virtually everyone." It's true. His portraits of women are often ghoulish and rarely complimentary in any way, but his devotion to his subject is apparent and there is some garish magnetism in his palette of acid colors played off dense, black elements. All that said, the work is undeniably physically powerful and clearly created with a committed vision. William Traver Gallery, 110 Union St, Second Floor, 587-6501. Through Oct 31.

GLENDA GUILMET

Photographs printed on rock surfaces, evoking cave paintings and petroglyphs. Sacred Circle Gallery of American Indian Art, Daybreak Star Arts Center, Discovery Park, 285-4425. Through Oct 24.

STEPHEN HANNOCK

This New York artist creates deep, rich paintings: sweeping landscapes and nocturnes. Winston Wachter, 403 Dexter Ave N, 652-5855. Through Oct 23.

WILLIAM HERBERHOLZ

In his show Prints/Porno Herberholz mixes subject matter from Tijuana Bibles, beefcake photography, and George Grosz in a stew of high and low references. Two Bells Tavern, 2313 Fourth Ave, 441-3050. Through Dec 1.

HEREAFTER

A spooky show of works by four new Soil members dealing with the idea of a presence beyond the grave, just in time for Halloween. Participating artists are John Feodorov, Scott Mansfield, Tim Marsden, and Mariam Stephan. Soil, 310 First Ave S, 264-8061. Through Oct 31.

JACKIE HUNSAKER

A solo exhibition of expressive, colorful narrative paintings. In From My Window Hunsaker paints characters that are both active and still. There is often a pull between compositional elements as areas are defined by borders or outlines. Even though the overriding effect is whimsical, there is always a deeper spiritual thread running through the work. Ballard Fetherston Gallery, 818 E Pike St, 322-9440. Through Oct 30.

*DAVID KANE

Veteran Seattle painter Kane takes over both exhibition spaces at his new gallery. In the front is a body entitled Suburban Souls, a series of acrylic on burlap works depicting golfing, barbecuing, and other middle class pastimes. Holidays in Paint is a series of small works that range in subject matter from mythological to futuristic -- all with Kane's dry wit front and center. Esther Claypool Gallery, 617 Western Ave, 624-1586. Through Oct 30.

DAVE KNOTT

Musician and instrument builder Knott shows an interactive installation of handmade stringed soundmakers at Belltown's finest (and oddest) music store. Wall of Sound, 2237 Second Ave, 441-9880.

DAVID KROLL/JUDY HILL

There's nobody around who paints a still life with such precision and sensitivity as Chicago artist David Kroll. Tiny birds land on piles of fruit and ceramic bowls in elegant compositions. Warm tones of paint are applied in thin layers providing a luminous glow. On the mezzanine level are new etchings and monoprints by Oregon artist Judy Hill, generally known for her raku and mixed media figurative sculptures. Grover Thurston Gallery, 309 Occidental Ave S, 223-0816. Through Oct 30.

JOEL LEE

Small works with a large presence. Layered with various media, depicting objects and animals, figures and text, still lifes and active narratives, these hand-sized triptychs are rich in image and concept. Lee is a wonderful painter and storyteller. King County Art Gallery, 506 Second Ave, Room 200, 296-7580. Through Oct 29.

*ADRIENNE SHERMAN

Taking painting cues from masters like Holbein, van der Weyden, and van Eyck, this San Francisco artist twists traditional compositions by substituting her greyhound dog and other animals in for the human figures. The work is technically slick and amazing, and tremendously witty. Davidson Gallery, 313 Occidental Ave S, 624-7684. Through Oct 30.

TIMOTHY SICILIANO

Inspired by a trip to Mexico City in 1997, Siciliano's solo show, The Mamacitas, contains large-scale ink drawings and a few smaller pieces. The narratives explore religion, tradition, and class structure, and a number of pieces focus on young brides. LEAD Gallery, 1022 First Ave, 623-6240. Through Oct 29.

*JEFFREY SIMMONS

Simmons has for many years been one of the brightest emerging artists in Seattle, and with this show he takes a leap into impressive new territory, showing examples from three recent bodies of work. See Bio Box.Greg Kucera Gallery, 212 Third Ave S, 624-0770. Through Oct 30.

ROBERT SPERRY

A beautiful show celebrating the life and works of an influential Northwest master. Robert Sperry (1927-1998) was known to be an artistic innovator and a respected teacher. The show features ceramic platters and sculptural works from the 1980s to early 1990s and a selection of dense and magical abstract iris prints. Howard House, 2017 Second Ave, 256-6399. Through Oct 30.

TRUE LIES

A group show of local photographers whose images blend fact and fiction -- constructed environments for human models by Benjamin Wilkins, a disguised self- portrait by Kara Costa, carefully posed snapshots by Todd Kephart, and documentary landscape photographs with the compositional properties of modern paintings by Mark Abrahamson. The Little Theatre, 608-19th Ave E, 329-2629, through Dec 5

*WHAT'S IN YOUR KIT?

Curated by Audrey Marrs, over 25 artists were asked to create a kit to describe themselves and their present state of mind. Milky World Gallery, 111 Battery, 374-0933. Through Nov 2.