Let’s take a real good look around the New Year.

SEE
Instant Gratification
What: One-of-a-kind Polaroids mailed in from more than 200 professional and amateur shutterbugs from around the world cover gallery walls for one night only thanks to Ism, a community project.
Why: Take your best shot.
When: Sat., 7-11 p.m.
Where: CoproGallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., off Cloverfield Blvd., ste. t5, Santa Monica (310-829-2156). R.S.V.P. at ismcommunity.org.

Put Your Finger on the Button
What: More than a dozen dazzling photographers, including the likes of Deanna Templeton, Cheryl Dunn, and Alex Prager, get together for a girls-only group show.
Why: You oughta be in pictures.
When: Thru Feb. 6. Reception, Sat., 7-10 p.m.
Where: New Image Art Gallery, 7908 Santa Monica Blvd., b/t N. Fairfax & N. Hayworth Aves., West Hollywood (323-654-2192‎).

Tiny Food
What: Incredibly realistic quarter-size croissandwiches; smaller, dime-size baguettes; and more mini food sculptures and photographs by Jessica Hlavac.
Why: If you had a nickel.
When: Fri., 7-10 p.m.
Where: Panty Raid, 1953 Hillhurst Ave., b/t Finley & Clarissa Aves., Los Feliz (323-668-1888).

L.A. and What Comes After
What: City of Angels as captured by photojournalist Erik Fischer’s fine art side; blues man Shakey Graves making a musical appearance.
Why: Aw, snap!
When: Fri., 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: The Doheny, 714 W. Olympic Blvd., b/t S. Flower & S. Figueroa Sts., Downtown. R.S.V.P. to whitecubephilosophy@yahoo.com.

The Art of Exchange
What: All sorts of ceramics (sculptures, medallions, planters) produced during artist Karen Kimmel’s First Street Gallery Art Center workshops with sales going back to the nonprofit art program for adults with developmental disabilities.
Why: Clay achin’.
When: Sat., 6-8 p.m.
Where: Heath Ceramics, 7525 Beverly Blvd., at N. Sierra Bonita Ave., Mid-City West (323-965-0800).

Photo: Kevin Staniec