Perhaps, with the slightest of glances, Nick Potter's paintings in his new show "Dystopian Romance" might be mistaken for simple landscapes.

But take a closer look.

Potter's depictions of architectural forms and ominous landscapes, although seductive, "communicate feelings of doubt and foreboding experienced at the tantalizing boundary that separates the utopian from the dystopian," according to press materials for the show, which opens today at Corridor 2122 with an ArtHop reception.

The monthly ArtHop, which features open studios and galleries in the downtown and Tower District areas, runs from 5-8 p.m. tonight (March 7) at most locations.

It'll be a rare treat to see a local show by Potter, a Fresno State professor who has had exhibitions in London, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

"We in Fresno are very lucky to have his work and influence in our community," says Leslie Batty, a former student of Potter's and one of six artists featured in the current "Breakthrough" show at the Fresno Art Museum. "Aside from his teaching, his own incredible artwork has gotten many of us hooked on art and painting for life. He spends much energy promoting and edifying us, but surprisingly his own work is not often seen in Fresno."

Details: Through March 24 at Corridor 2122, located at 2122 Mono St. corridor2122.com, (559) 441-0012.

Other ArtHop picks:

-- An intriguing artistic pairing will be on hand at K-Jewel Art Gallery, 1415 Fulton St. Marcos Dorado's black and white graphite drawings and Stephanie Pearl's mixed-media pieces are featured.

Dorado's work is rooted in classical realism, while Pearl's new show is titled "Childless." Both artists did larger than their normal work for the gallery's ample walls.

Details: (559) 497-5118.

-- Gallery 25, 660 Van Ness Ave., welcomes four new members with the show "4@25." Featured is work by Ann Leedy, Carol Tikijian, David Medley and Sammy G. An artists' reception will be held 5-8 p.m. March 16.

Details: gallery25.org, (559) 264-4092.

-- Forget 50 shades of gray. Bill Bruce's new exhibition at Fig Tree Gallery, "50 Shades of Yellow," features large-format paintings depicting abstract interpretations of flowing colors, inner space and bold contrasts. The gallery is located at 644 Van Ness Ave.

Details: figtreegallery.us, (559) 485-0460.