* Artists in Residence Exhibition
OCAC has an unusually vital artist residency program, and if last year's show was any indication, this year's exhibition should be especially strong. Watch out for one of the Northwest's best photographers, Phil Harris, and Edie Tsong, whose memorable video from earlier this year showed the artist's face covered in neon green Avery labels. Oregon College of Art and Craft, 8245 SW Barnes Rd, 297-5544, Through October 26

For Lease
Photographer Jim Golden explores the soulless interiors of recently vacated office buildings, which makes for cool empty room shots as well as a reminder of how many Oregonians are out of work right now. The New Space Gallery & Studio, 1632 SE 10th, 963-1935, Through Oct. 31

* Japanese Photography 1970s - 1980s
In these two decades, Japan developed its own brand of postmodernism, which often blended erotic leanings, like the infamous Nopbuyoshi Araki, and meditative conceptual ruminations, as with Hiroshi Sugimoto. The recent explosion of interest in Japanese photography is not a fluke issue--this is a chance to see some truly amazing art. SK Josefsberg, 403 NW 11 Ave, 241-9112, Through Nov. 29

* Symbiont Synthetic
Local art dandy Jeff Jahn curated this show for Core Sample in the space that used to house the Margo Jacobsen Gallery. Understanding that the basic lure of Portland is its cosmopolitan vitality combined with easy access to Mother Nature, Jahn's show features artists who explore the centuries-old conflict of Man vs. Nature. Margo Jacobsen, 1039 NW Glisan St, 224-7287, Through Oct. 19

* Jungjin Lee
Korean photographer Jungjin Lee makes astonishingly beautiful desert photographs that she prints on handmade rice paper, and often washes watercolor over the printed image. The final results are incredibly lush and enticing. Blue Sky Photography Gallery, 1231 NW Hoyt St, 225-0210, Through November 1

Kim Hamblin and Lorna Nakell
Kim Hamblin presents her "How To" series: mixed media constructions about brushing your teeth properly, and other no-brainers. Rising painting star Lorna Nakell makes collage-and-vignette style paintings pasted on nostalgic illustrations, and incorporates imagery of Jell-O and mushroom clouds. Guardino Gallery, 2939 NE Alberta, 281-9048, Through Oct. 28

Nicky Kriara Peterson
Painting on huge swaths of flattened paper sacks, Peterson's geo-drippy paintings bring to mind those of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Eva Hesse. Steel Pond Gallery, 1905 NW 26th, 224-2582, Through October