Alaska Now
This exhibition, curated by Aleut artist John Hoover, presents some of the current trends in Alaskan Native art. Hopefully, said trends do not include debates on provincialism, the term "DIY," or assertions that the Alaska scene is "really on the tipping point of something huge." Quintana Galleries, 120 NW 9th, 503-223-1729, through Sept 30

I (Heart) Portland
Reading Frenzy's love letter to Portland includes PDX-themed works by artists like Cynthia Lahti, Justin "Scrappers" Morrison, Susan Beale, and Dan Ness. Maybe after this show's over we can go back to using the word "love" instead of the cloying "heart." I'd really heart that. Reading Frenzy, 921 SW Oak, 274-1449, through Sept

Peace at Home / The War Never Left
Here's the entirety of what Wikipedia has to say about Jessica Jackson Hutchins: "Jessica Jackson Hutchins (b. 1971) is an American artist. She is the partner of former Pavement band member and indie superstar Stephen Malkmus." To this I would add: "Her ceramics (steeped in California funk), papier-mâché sculptures, and collages share a crass aesthetic and a preoccupation with the thin line between disaster and success that disguise a genuine attempt to convey ideas about communion, fear, and loneliness." small A projects, 1430 SE 3rd, 234-7993, opens Fri, 6-9 pm, closes Oct 7

SmallWorks
This fundraiser for Portland Modern is made of works of art, each sized at about one square foot, made by artists whose work has appeared in Portland Modern. All the pieces are on sale for $100 each, and come from people like Marne Lucas, Malia Donovan, Shawn Records, Liz Haley, Holly Andres, and many more. Portland Modern Window Project, 1715 NW Lovejoy, through Sept 30

Sean Healy
Once, a bird built a small brown nest between the glass pane of our bathroom window and the ripped screen. Eggs were laid and chicks were hatched; from our shower, it was like an incredible nature show. We could watch the chicks eat and grow from inches away. The startling thing, though, was how fast the lizard-like chicks turned into tiny birds and how quickly they took flight. Watching Sean Healy's career has been a similar experience. Supernormal is his fourth solo show at Elizabeth Leach, and his creative and technical growth has been tremendous. Now he's gearing up for a solo show at the Contemporary Art Museum, Houston, and his work has never looked better. The new show promises more works in resin and photography, as well as cast rubber bands and mosaics made of chewing gum and cigarette butts. Elizabeth Leach Gallery, 417 NW 9th, 224-0521, through Sept 30

Supata Biswas artist talk
Biswas, whom Cooley Art Gallery Director Stephanie Snyder describes as "a female, Indian-born British artist appropriating American paintings," discusses Birdsong, her video-based reinterpretation of historical paintings. A reception for the artist follows; look for a full review of Birdsong in next week's Mercury. Cooley Gallery at Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock, 777-7790, Tues, Sept 12, 6:30 pm, free

Tad Savinar
The press release for City in a Box, Tad Savinar's first show at PDX Gallery, claims that the exhibition will touch upon the following themes: architects, the bird flu, angry urban men, retiring boomers, urban planning, and emails to God. Jeez­—sounds just like the conversations I have with Grammy every year when she calls me drunk on Valentine's Day. PDX, 925 NW Flanders, 222-0063, through Sept 30

TBA:06 Visual Art Program Opening Reception
For the first time, this year's Time-Based Art Festival comes equipped with a visual art component: Shows by artists such as Harrell Fletcher, Matthew Day Jackson, Marina Abramovic, and many more will be open to the public (free of charge) through Oct 7. It all kicks off this Saturday night, though, with a reception for the artists. For more info, see It's About Time, pg. 11. Corberry Press, Corner of NW 17th & Northrup, 242-1419, Sat, Sept 9, 4-6 pm, free