First-Friday Hit List

Impressionist painter Philomene Bennett is a Kansas City art-world fixture and the subject of the Late Show Gallery’s most ostentatiously named exhibit to date. “Philomene was one of the founders of the Kansas City Artists Coalition,” Late Show gallery owner Tom Deatherage says. “The work is very good. It’s a survey of paintings over the last 40 years. It’ll be fun. I expect a big crowd because she and her husband, Lou, are beloved by a lot of people.” The opening reception of Tom Deatherage’s Personal Favorites: Philomene Bennett — 25 Years of Beauty, Exuberance and Friendship runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Late Show (1600 Cherry, 816-474-1300).• The Kemper at the Crossroads (33 West 19th Street, 816-753-5784) presents a solo exhibition by Buenos Aires artist Ana Maria Hernando. Characterized by formal arrangements of natural forms and shapes, her work is strongly influenced by nature and sensuality. In 2001, she collaborated with a group of Carmelite nuns in Argentina, with whom she could communicate only through a small window. The nuns embroidered pieces that Hernando designed, and the artist then assembled them into tablecloths. Her Kansas City show includes drawings and paintings, which stay on exhibit through January. The opening starts at 5 p.m.• The 125th anniversary of the Kansas City Art Institute has inspired a number of exhibitions around town this year, including two at the Belger Arts Center (2100 Walnut, 816-474-3250). Jesse Small (class of 1997) opens UNADOG, an exhibition of his sculptures. Small’s past work has included steel and ceramic weaponry and delicately painted ghost sculptures. UNADOG is Small’s interpretation of a wartime “situation room,” including ornamental maps and tables. Additionally, the Belger presents KCAI in 3D, sculpture by faculty and graduates of the Art Institute. Both exhibits run through January 15.— Chris Packham

Fri., Oct. 1, 5-10 p.m., 2010