IMPRESSIONISTS ON THE WATER Sixty paintings, works on paper, models, and small craft explore the affinity of French Impressionists such as Monet, Sisley, Caillebotte (“Boating on the Yerres,” left), and Renoir for boating and the water. Organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Through Feb. 17. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 978-745-9500, www.pem.org
AMY SILLMAN: ONE LUMP OR TWO The brilliant and restlessly inventive artist’s first museum solo show. Paintings, works on paper, and more. Through Jan. 5. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3100, www.icaboston.com
EIJA-LIISA AHTILA: OLENTOJA
(CREATURES) Psychologically probing and lushly produced video installations by the renowned Finnish artist. Through Jan. 5. Davis Museum of Art, Wellesley College, Wellesley. 781-283-2051, www.wellesley.edu/davismuseum
MAKING IT IN AMERICA More than 100 objects selected from the museum’s collection — paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts — demonstrate aspects of the forging of national identity in the United States. Through Feb. 9. RISD Museum, Providence. 401-454-6400, www.risdmuseum.org
Sebastian Smee can be reached at ssmee@globe.com.