Thomas Barrow, 'Horizon Rib, f/t/s Cancellations' (1974), which will be back on view at Eller. (Courtesy the artist and Derek Eller Galery)

Among the areas of West Chelsea hardest hit when Hurricane Sandy slammed into New York at the end of October was West 27th Street, between 11th and 12th Avenues, which is home to five contemporary art galleries. Thankfully, all five—Wallspace, Foxy Production, Derek Eller, Jeff Bailey and Winkleman—have repaired their spaces and are reopening on Saturday, Jan. 12.

What's on tap?

-- Eller is reopening their very excellent Thomas Barrow show, "Works: 1974–2010"—pieces that the artist made by deforming, combining, transforming and otherwise twisting photography to his sui generic desires. It had only been open for about two weeks when the storm hit.

-- Wallspace is also reopening a show that had just opened, a solo show by the wily Texas-born artist Gaylen Gerber.

-- Another reopening comes from Jeff Bailey, which will show paintings by Jackie Gendel that had been on view before the storm.

-- Foxy Production is presenting an exhibition by Sascha Braunig.

-- Winkleman is offering up a show by Michael Waugh called "Offenses Against One's Self" in collaboration with Schroeder Romero

Sounds like it will be a really nice way to spend an afternoon.

Update, Jan. 26: All the galleries will be hosting receptions from 3 to 5 p.m.

Ron Nagle, 'Permanent Member,' 2011. Ceramic, 6.75 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches. (Courtesy the artist and Wallspace)

Seeing this wild little sculpture in Wallspace's new show, "The Mystery Trend," last night, I automatically assumed that it was the work of some ambitious young sculptor, the latest in a burgeoning wave of superb and precocious ceramicists to arrive in recent years. But I was wrong. It's by Ron Nagle, a California artist born in 1939 who's been at it for years. This one is from 2011 and titled Permanent Member—a psychedelic and finely tuned jewel. Stare at it for a while. As you do, you may find that it begins to look more and more dreamy. And then you may realize that you feel that way too.

Every Friday, Don’t Miss It! looks at a single artwork on view in New York.