If a realist paints a tree, viewers pretty much can be relied upon to say, "Look! A tree!" With abstract art, though, inference and interpretation come into play - and the art becomes a sort of collaboration between the painter and the audience. Each person sees something different and offers a fresh reaction - which is what the artist hopes for.

With "Visual Echoes: Real Abstract and otherwise," a new exhibition featuring work by Nancy Gladwell and Roland Becerra, the artists probe all sorts of aspects of the human condition - and each piece should resonate with the viewer in myriad ways. The show, taking place in Ivoryton's Six Summit Gallery, celebrates with an opening reception from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. It runs through July 27. Six Summit is at 6 Summit St. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; (860) 581-8332, sixsummitgallery.com.

- Rick Koster