NOTHING FANCY: A new art exhibit without...

NOTHING FANCY: A new art exhibit without a splashy opening is like the Mona Lisa without her smile. But a grim economy prompted the Newport Harbor Art Museum to do away with festivities for two new shows last week (F2). . . . Fullerton Museum Center director Joe Felz says, though, that gala openings should be preserved when possible: “It can get as simple as going down to the grocery store and buying vegetable trays.” For his museum’s next opening June 12: food he hopes is donated, prepared by local culinary school students.