This week's art openings within the gallery circuit and the San Francisco Arts Commission showcase local and international artists alike, in places prompting conversation between them.

There's a new face plastered around San Francisco, and it isn't Cindy Sherman's. In fact, it isn't anybody's (although if you guessed Scarlett Johansson, you're on the right track). Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring," contrary to Tracy Chevalier's Hollywood-adapted book by this title, which links the painting to a fictionalized chambermaid, is actually a tronie – an imagined, idealized portrait of every woman and no woman. It is stunning.

A good group exhibition brings the voice of the curator alongside those of the artists. Here are three that promise this and more, plus a special solo show for good measure.

For the sake of conversation, let’s say that “visit more art galleries” is on your list of New Year’s resolutions. Well hey, now is a fantastic time to make good on that: after a holiday lull, the local art scene is poised to ring in 2013 with some fascinating exhibitions. We recommend these four, which range from representational to abstract painting, 19th century photography to postmodern multimedia.