Art beat: March gallery + exhibit openings

Art exhibits on display in March around San Diego include Women of the Southwest, Artivismo Loko and San Diego Surreal.

3.2-30: Fifth Annual Crow Show

Sometimes crows are a symbol of coming tragedy, other times it’s good news. Either way, this intelligent bird is the inspiration for fantastical and realistic interpretations of it in these works of art.

The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.255.2867, thestudiodoor.com

3.2-8.25: Women of the Southwest

A number of female artists were drawn to the American Southwest during the 20th century, looking to connect with the people, environment and indigenous traditions of the area and bring those connections into their work.

The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931, sdmart.org

3.6-9.22: Defining Place/Space: Contemporary Photography from Australia

Thirteen artists were selected by Australian curators of photography for their perspectives on creativity in their home country, the relationship the country has with indigenous people, and Australia’s creative place in the world

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559, mopa.org

3.9-4.7: A.H. Romero

Artist A.H. Romero uses the memories from his childhood, his Chicano culture and his post-traumatic stress to explore the emotions involved in one’s personal life, which will show up in his latest exhibition, Spectre.

Thumbprint Gallery, 920 Kline St., La Jolla, 858.354.6294, thumbprintgallerysd.com

3.31-7.7: James Hubbell: The Space Between

Using natural materials to create “living” pieces and committed to expressing an inspired vision of nature, artist James Hubbell presents his work in sculpture, drawings, paintings and mixed media in this new show.

Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.696.1416, sparksgallery.com

Through 3.21: Mario Torero: Artivismo Loko

You may recognize the work of activist and artist Mario Torero: one of his murals is on display at San Diego Mesa College and he’s a founder of Chicano Park and Centro Cultural de la Raza. The exhibition is a reflection of his art and life, which are about awareness of oppression, the selfishness of capitalism and the destruction of the environment.

San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery, 7250 Mesa College Drive, D-101, Clairemont Mesa , 619.388.2829, sdmesa.edu

Through 5.19: ManRabbit / A Solo Show: Sweating Glitter ::: Honoring Grandpa Joe

This collaboration by local artists Lee Selman and Carla Naden features work they’ve created together by layering fabric, paper, paint, jewels and other materials — topped with a thick resin coating that leaves a glamorous shine in “exploring the contemporary feminine with extravagantly adorned women.”

Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.696.1416, sparksgallery.com

Through 6.16: San Diego Surreal

More than 50 works of art, from contemporary and earlier 20th-century artists, explore the ways surrealism has grown into Southern California culture and its impact on local artists.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720, oma-online.org

Through 8.25: Spectacle & Satire

Pairing their wit with artistic skill, artists found inspiration for their work from the stars and spectators of sideshows and circuses, using that material for social commentary and expression in their art.

The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931, sdmart.org