"Bay Area Now 5" includes work by artist Praba Pilar

Extending an exhibition's geographical reach is admirable and interesting, though those efforts may fracture these shows and make them harder to see — one wonders, if you just make it to Queens Nails, will you really see "BAN 5" or "CAB"?

The parallels are distinct and reflective of the zeitgeist. But as much as we'd like to think these exhibitions are about now, they most directly reflect the years in which they were organized. America will be getting a new president, but it's shrinking from rising fuel costs and economic woes. In such an environment, regional identity — think locavores — most likely will grow stronger. Here's hoping "BAN 5" captures some of that energy.