In a city our size, there is always something happening. This rings true for the art scenes as well. But, when December rolls around, there’s a little something extra squeezed into the calendar. Especially, in the visual arts, the focus is on more group shows with smaller affordable works and lots of open studios, where artists invite the public inside their private creative journey.

This first week in December is teeming with art to entice our senses. Here’s a partial list of what and where to see — and where to meet the artists creating — some of the best art Charlotte has to offer. (See each venues’ link for more details. All are free and open to the public.)

On Thursday, Dec. 1, find opening receptions for two totally different shows. The first is a solo exhibition of video and photography by Marek Ranis called “Kunstwissenschaft.” This is an intriguing body of work not to be missed. The reception at the Ross Galleries in the Overcash Building at Central Piedmont Community College will be a chance to meet Ranis, but the show, itself, is on view through Jan. 12, 2012.

Ranis’ body of work, “Albedo” (“Whiteness”), is inspired by his interest in global climate change and, specifically, with the polar landscape. The viewer recognizes the icebergs, yet this work is overwhelming to the point of disorientation. It is an experience of the sublime, a boundless and soulful experience that literally holds the viewer.

A new gallery called Plaza Muse on Central Avenue and Hawthorne Lane showcases a wide variety of local talent that includes paintings, some craft and functional work. This is a completely laidback environment and great range of prices to shop for gifts or your own home. Thursday’s reception is the opening for “Twelve,” a little play on the days of Christmas, but one can find a huge variety of non-holiday, handmade items, too.

“First Friday” falls on Dec. 2, which means lots of openings. South End is home to some of the area’s best local galleries, including Ciel Gallery + Mosaic Studio, Charlotte Art League, Lark & Key and Elder Art Gallery (which won’t be open for the crawl, but still a great spot). Most of these receptions run 6 to 9 p.m. and are a great time to meet local artists. These shows are on view through the month if you are unable to attend the opening receptions.

Dec. 2 is also a tremendous — one night only — event at the Dilworth Artisan Stations’ Holiday Open House on 118 E. Kingston Ave. From 6 to 9 p.m. will be a brief opportunity to experience incredible local art in this building, not usually open to the public, and see the inner sanctums where some of these artists create. In addition to Studio 21’s group show of stunning paintings, there will be work by Jeff Cravotta, Miriam Durkin, Tony Griffin and Paul Hastings — just to name a few.

Not far away is Greg Barnes’ studio tucked quietly into one of the shopping centers on 4732-S Fairview Road, across from Southpark Mall. His incredible pastel landscapes will be on view with some artist friends’ work for his two-day Holiday Art Exhibit. The reception is Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m,. and the studio will also be open all day Saturday, Dec. 3.

Finally, don’t forget NoDaRioty’s All Arts Market in the old Neighborhood Theater on 36th St. on the evenings of Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9. This funky NoDa area art event hosts more than 80 local artisans and is always a great time to check out a wide variety of handmade work — and a chance to support one of Charlotte’s oldest art neighborhoods.