Another season will come and go without the large blockbuster exhibitions that once were commonplace. Most everything here is modest in size and stimulating without being overwhelming. Several shows look like the nicely scaled exhibitions of 20 and more years ago, before the museum experience became a form of popular entertainment.
Thinking Modern: Painting in Chicago, 1910-1940: Work by 25 artists who worked in Chicago during the infancy of American modernism. Mary and Leigh Block Gallery, Jan. 18-April 5.
Gaylen Gerber Paintings: The first in-depth show for a Chicagoan whose work flirts with invisibility. Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago, Jan. 19-March 1.
America in 1492: Books and manuscripts examining civilization in the Americas on the eve of Christopher Columbus` voyages. Newberry Library, Jan. 19-April 18.
Of Time and the City: American Modernism from the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery: The response of American artists to European modernism in the early decades of this century. Terra Museum of American Art, Jan. 25-March 22.
A Separate Vision: Weavings, carvings, sculptures and paintings by four contemporary Native-American artists. Field Museum of Natural History, Jan. 25-April 5.
Keepers of the Flame: Lewis Hine and Walter Rosenblum: Photographs by two Americans who documented lower- and middle-class life in the first half of the century. Art Institute, Jan. 25-April 12.
Imagining an Irish Past: The Celtic Revival 1840-1940: An international loan exhibition on the last of the 19th Century`s great historical revivals. David and Alfred Smart Museum, Feb. 5-June 16.
Robert Rauschenberg: The Early 1950s and John Cage: Scores from the Early 1950s: Exhibitions of little-known paintings and music by two of America`s most influential artists. Museum of Contemporary Art, Feb. 8-April 19.
India: Living Arts, Unknown Masters: Art and artifacts from tribesmen, villagers and city dwellers. May Weber Museum of Cultural Arts, Feb. 13-April 26.
Face to Face: Self-Portraits by Chicago Artists: More than 40 artists present works spanning more than a half-century. Chicago Cultural Center, Feb. 14-April 11.
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Robin Winters: A look at the varied interests of one of America`s young chameleons. Renaissance Society, March 15-April 26.
Abstract Sculpture in America: 1930-1970: A show that traces the coming of age of American sculpture. Terra Museum, April 11-June 7.
From America`s Studio: 12 Contemporary Masters and Drawing New Conclusions: A 125th anniversary celebration presenting paintings, drawings and sculptures by distinguished alumni. Art Institute, April 15-May 30; School of the Art Institute, May 1-June 10.
Donald Lipski: The Bells and Alfredo Jaar: Geography
War: Temporary installations, ranging from sleight of hand to social conscience. Museum of Contemporary Art, May 2-Aug. 2.
75th Anniversary Arts Club Loan Exhibition: An exhibition of works by one artist shown at the Arts Club from each of its 75 years. Arts Club of Chicago, May 11-June 26.
Jacob Lawrence: The Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Series of Narrative Paintings: More than 60 pieces by the dean of black American artists. Art Institute, May 16-Aug. 2.
Chicago Goes to War: Art and artifacts reflecting the city`s role in World War II. Chicago Historical Society, May 24-June, 1993.
Reopening of the Galleries of Chinese, Japanese and Korean Art: The penultimate phase of the museum`s project of renovation and reinstallation. Art Institute, June 3.
Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Ireland: From Mantegna to Goya: More than 40 Old Master paintings rarely seen outside of Ireland. Art Institute, June 6-Aug. 9.