Midsummer Late Show

Knob Knoster native Harlan Bonar‘s February exhibit at the Late Show Gallery (1600 Cherry) included images inspired by history — wars, biblical stories and outsized historical personalities. For his latest show, he has narrowed his focus to the American Civil War. Gallery owner Tom Deatherage says, “Harlan’s had these paintings for years. They’re really historically accurate, very detailed. I think his work is primitivist, naïve stuff — really powerful.” The imagery is fantastically detailed, depicting wide views of massed armies and individual soldiers rendered with attention that borders on hyper-focus, calling to mind the tiny soldiers that hobbyists paint with horsehair. The gallery also continues an exhibition of work by Jesse Christopher and Jorge Calvo, which closes July 3. On July 9, Deatherage opens an exhibit of photos by Rusty Leffel, Sarah Gibson, Timmy EverLes, Kenny Johnson and Annie Woodfill (artist James Woodfill’s daughter). “She’s got some decrepit building photos,” Deatherage says. “They’re just beautiful to look at. That’s whatI like in photos — finding beauty in ugliness.” For more information, call 816-474-1300.

Thu., July 1, 6 p.m., 2010