West Chelsea Gallery Openings in January

New York is famous for more than just that crystal ball that drops in Times Square every year. There is a standard-setting cultural scene that continues to thrive after the crowds clear out on Jan. 1.

Since it’s too cold for Shakespeare in the Park, many New Yorkers head to the art galleries in Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighboruhood for some fantastic and free opening receptions.

Open to the public and oftentimes serving lots of free wine, these receptions are a great way to learn about the latest artists and fashions. (Since there’s always the roaming threat of a street-style photographer showing up, attendees dress to the nines.)

Some openings scheduled for this January include:

• Amanda Burnham: From the Land of Pleasant Living
  Jan. 6, 5 - 9 p.m
  Benrimon Contemporary, 514 W. 24th St., second floor, New York, NY 10011

• Mika Tajima: New Humans
  Jan. 8, 6-8 p.m.
  Elizabeth Dee Gallery, 545 W. 20th St., New York, NY 10011

• Gia Edzgveradze: Stolen Blanket and Other Short Stories
  Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m.
  Stux Gallery, 530 W. 25th St., New York, NY 10001
  
• Davyd Whaley: Enigmatic Realms
  Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m.
  Agora Gallery, 530 W. 25th St., New York, NY 10001
  
• Stephen G. Rhodes: Stephen G. Rhodes
  Jan. 15, 6-8 p.m.
  Metro Pictures, 519 W. 24th St., New York, NY 10011

Booze -- and art that you’ll completely understand -- is not guaranteed, but it is certainly an experience worth taking. Plus with all the amazing NYC deals we’re finding, there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip.