Gallery Openings: Pirate Radio, "Wild Things," and Excavated Literature

Michael Cuffe / Flickr

​It doesn't take a monster-truck rally to get people out in force in San Francisco. In fact, some events that are considered highbrow and esoteric get amazing turnouts. One of those is First Thursday -- the one night each month when art galleries coordinate their opening receptions for exhibits. Some galleries stay open late, and some have food and wine (often complimentary). Many are within walking distance of one another. Click through to read what our writers think of some exhibits that open tonight. One involves pirate radio (literally) while another contains books that have been "excavated" into sculptures.

For a more complete list of First Thursday opening receptions, click here.

David Ball

Entwined

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At 111 Minna Gallery is the exhibit "Harum Scarum,". It contains a collection of otherworldly collage and mixed-media pieces by local artist David Ball that's reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are, only cooler. He's joined by Jesse Balmer of San Francisco, whose darkly psychedelic work might in some cases be best enjoyed with a pair of 3-D glasses. There's also Katherine Brannock of San Diego, whose detailed sketchwork of similarly outlandish scenes adds counterbalance to more lush and colorful works of Ball. --Chris Torres

The opening reception for "Harum Scarum" starts at 5 p.m. at 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna (at Second St.). The exhibit runs through Feb. 25.