Comment: I got nowhere fast tonight. First up, Juice Design showing "Time to Play B Sides," new works by Philadelphia artist Thom Lessner who, judging from his art, embraces eighties music large. I'm there early; a few people mill about, none near the art. It's one of those shows where I'm on the fence-- should I engage the camera or let it go? The art's decent enough, certainly affordable; that's about it. I'll compromise, find the artist, and take a picture or two of him next to his art. I ask where he is; he's not there, he'll be back soon. Oh well.

Next up, RX Gallery for "Interlaced," paintings by Chinese artist Alan Caomin Xie made to look like fuzzy pictures on old TV's or early computer monitors. The artist achieves this effect by painting really skinny stripes, hundreds of them, over blurry painted backgrounds. There's maybe 15 people in the gallery, none near the art; not much in the way of atmosphere to catch on camera. The art's good enough, but pricey, so I'm on the fence here too. I'll compromise, find the artist, and take a picture or two of him next to his art. I ask where he is; he's not there, he's in China. Oh well.

So it's down Eddy and up Market to California Modern Gallery for their group show "Canvas & Steel." But the doors are locked and the show's over. It's 9:05 and the invitation says the show goes 'til 9:30. Lame.