ART IN THE CITY

Two To Try In The Town That Never Tires

Old- and new-school worlds converge on the New York art scene this month:

Jan Vermeer’s radiant domestic scenes headline Vermeer and the Delft School at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through May 27. But the exhibit’s 75 paintings, as well as drawings, tapestries, ceramics, and silver, from 17th-century Netherlands also illustrate more worldly efforts of Delft artists. (212) 535-7710

Paint? It’s passé in contemporary circles, according to The First Steps: Emerging Artists From Japan at New York University’s Grey Art Gallery. Salt, tricycles, trash bags, and extension cords provide raw material for seven cutting-edge Japanese artists chosen from heavy competition in the biennial show. Through April 14; (212) 998-6780