DISCONTENT by emerging artist Megan Burley also opens today from 1pm at Blackstone Gallery. A current Newcastle Art School student, Burley has cited Dutch graphic artist, M.C. Esher as an inspiration. This is reflected in her monochrome palette, use of lines, dots, marks and patterns to create textures. Her black and white works oscillate between loose and gestural; and controlled and repetitive echoing abstract and minimalist tendencies.

Established Newcastle artist Michael Bell is exhibiting at Onwards Studio. Their one night, one day format means if you didn't get to the opening on Friday night, visit on Saturday between 10am and 4pm. 20 paintings make up The Brisbane Show: A Newcastle Preview executed in signature Bell-style. 6 Torpey Place, Hamilton.

Jordan Lucky, street artist and illustrator is on now til mid-November at Between the Lines, Tighes Hill. Around the corner at Praise Joe-Urban Pantry on Elizabeth Street, you can also watch the development of his current public art mural commissioned by the Praise Joe team.

33 Scott Street Galleries in Newcastle East has been exhibiting emerging artists for almost a year now. Currently, Luke O'Donnell from Bloom Skateboarding is exhibiting a series of abstract works on paper and paintings called GRIT. The title alluding to O'Donnell's life philosophy, formed through his work and art. The gallery takes up the foyer space of Shaddock Architects, visit Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Photographer Jonathan Carroll is the first artist to exhibit at Estratto cafe's new gallery space in the main restaurant and meeting space in the back of the restaurant at 792 Hunter Street. Carroll, who is also a Newcastle Herald photographer is showing several works from his series on homeless people in the Hunter, as well as some of his other work.