As the headline suggests, here are a few picks of exhibit openings and receptions to check out this week in Charlotte and the surrounding area — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

UNC Charlotte Torqued and Twisted: Bentwood Today — Certain types of innovative art-making processes often go unnoticed. Bentwood, with its varying techniques — steaming, laminating or greenwood bending — is one of those processes. That's where Torqued and Twisted: Bentwood Today comes in. The exhibit explains the craft and features a captivating collection of contemporary furnishings and sculptural objects by renowned furniture makers and sculptors. These include the works of Frank Gehry, Matthias Pliessnig, Michael Cooper, Jeremy Holmes, Michael Jarvi, Clifton Monteith, Yuir Kobayashi, Don Miller and Michael Thonet. Opening reception on Oct. 29, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Exhibit continues through Nov. 28. 9201 University City Blvd. 704-416-0252. www.coaa.uncc.edu.

701 Center for Contemporary Art 701 CCA Prize 2012 Exhibition — When South Carolina artist Tonya Gregg visited a small gallery up at Lake Norman in 2009, I was thoroughly captivated. Not only were her works vibrant and pleasing to the eye, but they brought a sense of diversity and fostered engaging conversations among those who attended the opening reception. Gregg, who continues to paint about race, class, gender and identity issues within African-American culture, is currently getting recognition for her talents at 701 Center for Contemporary Art in Columbia. She's one of three finalists showcasing works in the 701 CCA Prize 2012 Exhibition, opening with a reception on Nov. 1 and culminating in the winning announcement Nov. 29. In Gregg's "Watch Me Shrink" painting, she confronts femininity, sexuality, and body image head-on. It's worth the drive. Other artists featured in the exhibit include Jim Arendt and James Busby. Opens with reception on Nov. 1. Exhibit continues through Dec. 16. 701 Whaley St., Columbia, S.C. 803-779-4571. www.701cca.org.

Gil Gallery Through the Eye of Art: Part 4 Yellow — "Pick a color, any color,” that was somewhat of the mantra behind Gil Gallery’s "Through the Eye of Art" series. In its final exhibit of the four-part series featuring artists from across N.C., you’ll see works of varying mediums that are influenced by the color yellow. Nov. 2, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 109 West Morehead St., Charlotte. 704-375-7232. www.edwingil.com.

Charlotte Art League Fall into Art — Regional artists have the chance at winning big in this competition, and exhibit, that’s juried by Kimberly Varnadoe, an experimental photographer and associate professor of art at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. Opening reception on Nov. 2, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Exhibit continues through Nov. 29. 1517 Camden Road, Charlotte. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.

Charlotte Artery Grand Opening — Charlotte Artery, an artist-run community initiative providing studio/exhibit opportunities for emerging and local Q.C.-area artists, finally has an official home. After bouncing around to various spaces in town, the art organization’s official venue is set to open with a reception on Friday. The exhibit will feature new works by Tina Alberni, Laura Hitchcock, Randy Leibowitz Dean, and Raine Middleton. Reception on Nov. 2, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 1515 S. Mint St., Suite C, Charlotte. 704-604-3832. www.charlotteartery.com.

Renee George Gallery Solo Works by Kiki Slaughter — Contemporary artist Kiki Slaughter's focus on color and texture leads her to constantly manipulate her works for experimental effects. Her abstract designs are defined by porous layers, chipped surfaces, and chaotic brush strokes. Opening reception on Nov. 2, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 2-Jan. 10. 2839 Selwyn Avenue, Suite Z, Charlotte. 704-332-3278. www.reneegeorgegallery.com.

McColl Fine Art Hudson River Revisited — The fall exhibition features the works of Erik Koeppel a Hudson River Fellowship artist, along with artists Todd Casey, Nicholas Hiltner, Joshua LaRock, Edward Minoff, Travis Schlaht, and Travis Seymour. Opening reception on Nov. 1, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 126 Cottage Place, Charlotte. 704-333-5983. www.mccollfineart.com.

Charlotte Fine Art Conversations In Color — Indiana-based artist Andrea Grimsley utilizes oil paint to create colorful fusions that add to the growing contrasts of her abstract works. Grimsley and other artists will showcase new art in Charlotte Fine Art Gallery’s latest exhibit. Opening reception on Nov. 2, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 2-30. 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 12A, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.charlottefineart.com.

Carolina Artisan League Holiday Art Show — Once Halloween passes the holiday heat starts to rise. Carolina Artisan League is well aware, hence its holiday art show with more than 20 local artists selling handmade arts and crafts. This includes paintings, jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, home décor and more. Proceeds raised from the show will benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation. Nov. 2, 5-9 p.m.; Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. South Charlotte Banquet Center, 9009 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte. 704-341-3312. www.southcharlottebanquetcenter.com‎.