The current show (0n view ‘til June 1) is a tour de force by Laura James. A self-taught painter living here in Brooklyn, she was commissioned to produce the illustrations for The Book of the Gospels.  She has often depicted biblical themes using iconography typical of Ethiopian Christian art.
281 Stuyvesant Ave.  Sat. 11-6, Sun 1:30 - 6, weekdays by appt. 718.602-4041.

RUSH ARTS will present “Silence” featuring the works of Bradley McCallum and Jacqueline Tarry  April 12 - May 18.
526 W.26  St. Rm 311    (212) 691-9552 Tues.-Sat. 1-6pm

FIRE PATROL #5 set the night on fire with the opening reception on March 9. “In the Spirit of Yemaya”, the mythical spiritual goddess known as the Great Mother, celebrated the creativity of women. The works of over a dozen contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures were represented. The full house brought together many of the old “downtown” crowd to mingle with Christine’s new uptown constituency. The performance piece, “All the Things We Are” was a big hit, and despite all the socializing, several items were sold. Small in scale, they were very accessible to comparable spaces and budgets. Carol Blank produced an image for the gallery’s mailing card that was a clever play on “one picture is worth a thousand words”: from her fertile imagination, layered words created the picture.
307 W. 121 St..

Now - New sculpture by Elizabeth Catlett will be on display from April 4- May 5. A recent public commission for Catlett was the 15x10-foot bronze memorial of writer Ralph Ellison, to be installed later this year, near his former home at Riverside Drive & 150 St. A ceremony was held last November for the unveiling of the plans for the project, which was a city community collaboration. It was noted that Ellison was once a sculptor. Catlett’s design was inspired by his best-known work, “Invisible Man”.
591 Broadway, near. Houston St. Tues-Sat 11-6.

In reading about “25 Who Made A Difference” (and the editors are not suggesting that the list isn’t at least twice that length) I was especially impressed by the story behind Kenkeleba Gallery, over at 214 E. 2 St. Owners Corinne Jennings and Joe Overstreet are due a huge helping of  R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Read the details on page 39.

D.C. Moore Gallery - “Embers: the Art of Whitefield Lovell - Thru May 4. Working from anonymous portrait photos of African -Americans from the late 19th century, the artist has used charcoal to draw life-size likenesses on old wall and floorboards. To these he has added a variety of appropriate artifacts to create a series of historical tableaux. These images will resonate with viewers who will surely recall their own family photos and keepsakes from that era. There is a beautifully done catalog available at D.C. Moore.
724 Fifth Ave. (bet. 56 - 57 Sts.) 8th Fl. 212.247-2111. Tues - Sat. 10:30 - 5:00pm.

If you’re headed for Baltimore soon, be sure to visit the Baltimore Museum of Art. “Looking Forward/ Looking Black: Race in America” tackles the issue of the revived use of racial stereotypes in contemporary art, often by African-American artists. Included are works by Kara Walker, Renee Cox and  Robert Colescott.
Thru May 5 - 410.396-7100.

Baltimore is also the locale of a distinctive folk art tradition: wire mesh window screens painted with colorful scenes can be seen in the eastern sector of town.

Currently on view ‘til April 25, are lithos, watercolors and textile pieces by Romare Bearden - provided by the Bill Hodges Gallery (24 W. 57 St., N.Y.C.).

SIMONE’S GALLERY LTD presents “B-Side Second Sights: The Color Faces of Real Life & Music” featuring work by: Anthony “Pan” Nelson. April 13 - May 11. Artist Reception Saturday 4/13 6:30-9:30 p.m.  phone  914.712-0888\140 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, N.Y. www.simonesgallery.com