In the galleries: Art picks for December

As the year comes to a close and you wade through all the year-end hoopla, take time to wind down at these all-new exhibits and installations. After all, you might have to entertain the family during the holidays, so show them how cultured you really are.

A show of sculpture from artists like Lorenzo Quinn, Larry Schueckler, Tolla and other up-and-coming sculptors will be on view at the Merritt Gallery (385 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford, Pa.) until Saturday, Dec. 20. Featuring works in bronze, glass and other media, "Objects of Desire" is available to view Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Now through Tuesday, Dec. 23, Locks Gallery (600 Washington Square South) will host a number of artists including Ann Agee, Polly Apfelbaum, Joy Feasley, Jane Irish, Robert Kulicke, Kurt Lightner, Sarah McEneaney, Elizabeth Osborne, Harry Soviak, Rob Wynne, and Robert Rahway Zakanitch for a group exhibition with work ranging from watercolors to still lifes. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Not only are Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Jerry Garcia exceptional musicians, but they've also dabbled in the art world as well. See and have the opportunity to purchase work from these legendary rockers and others at the 102.9 WMGK-FM Classic Rock Art Show and Sale. Held at the Montgomery Mall (230 Montgomery Mall, North Wales, Pa.) on the lower level next to Sears, the exhibit will also feature concert posters, photos and more from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday until Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Famous for designing album covers for Frank Zappa, Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart, Cal Schenkel creates large canvas and panel paintings. His recent works and odes to his famed album covers are on display until Saturday, Dec. 28 at iMPeRFeCT Gallery (5601 Greene St.). Another heads up: Don't miss an artist talk on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. See the exhibit any time between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Unable to be contained in one show, Muse Gallery's (52 N. 2nd St.) 37th Anniversary is broken down into two "acts." The first runs until Sunday, Dec. 28 and will spotlight works from ten of the gallery's artists from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

You previewed the work on First Friday, now put your money where your eyes are on Friday, Dec. 12 at Space 1026's (1026 Arch St.) 2014 Art Auction. Bid on pieces to help give back to the local art community — and help spice up your space. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction gets underway an hour later.

Fans of fairy tales can see visual representations of 20 Brothers Grimm stories — like Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin — from 20 artists at Arch Enemy Arts (109 Arch St.). "Wait For The Moon" opens with a reception on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fantastical show is on view through Sunday, Jan. 18 and the space is open from noon until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Twenty-Two Gallery (236 S. 22nd St.) premieres a new collection of work from artist Laura Ancona with an opening reception on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. "The Human Condition" runs through Sunday, Jan. 4 and consists of paintings and drawings of individuals from all walks of life — from celebrities to street walkers. The gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment.

Images of women from Greek mythology to modern-day popular culture are depicted in print, mixed media, paintings and sculptures, emphasizing violent and sexual symbolism in Stuart Netsky's "Sirens." Take a look at the sirens, goddesses and pop culture beauties at Bridgette Mayer Gallery (709 Walnut St.) until Friday, Jan. 30. Additionally, an opening reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.

Philadelphia-born Jennifer Allora and Havana, Cuba native Guillermo Calzadilla have been creating material with a historical, cultural and political focus since 1995. From Friday, Dec. 12 until Sunday, April 5 the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) and the Fabric Workshop and Museum (1214 Arch St.) present an exhibition featuring films, sculpture, sound pieces and performances from the artists at both museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art will present three films and a sound work, while the Fabric Workshop and Museum will host another sound work, sculpture and performance presentation and a video installation. Check it out Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. at the Fabric Workshop and Museum.