YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “Wrinkles in the Smile of Divinity,” a solo exhibition by artist Davon Brantley, will open Feb. 2 at the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery in Bliss Hall at Youngstown State University and run through Feb. 27.

Influenced by Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” the exhibition navigates the territories of hell, purgatory and divinity as metaphors for the artist’s personal journey. It uses Rorschach-silhouetted substrates, nonconventional portraiture and dynamic colors.

The exhibit, Brantley said, asks vital questions: How do we perceive perfection or the divine? What will one endure to achieve their divine purpose?

The public is invited to attend an artist lecture at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in McDonough Lecture Hall, followed by an opening reception at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the Solomon Gallery.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with Africana Studies at Youngstown State University.

Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 cash fee.

Planetarium Shows at Westminster College

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Planetarium invites the community to explore the wonders of the universe this spring with three full-dome planetarium shows designed for audiences of all ages. 

“The Cosmic Recipe,” 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, is inspired by astronomer Carl Sagan’s famous quote, “If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” The show explores how the Big Bang and stars created the elements that make up the world around us. Audiences will learn how everyday materials – from the calcium in our teeth to the silicon in smartphones and the carbon in apple pies – originated in the cosmos. “The Cosmic Recipe” is recommended for grades one and up or age 5 and older.

“From Earth to the Universe” will be shown at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Friday, Feb. 27. The program traces humanity’s long quest to understand the night sky, from ancient myths and early Greek astronomers to modern telescopes and space exploration. The show is recommended for grades three and up or age 7 and older.

The season concludes with “Seeing: A Photon’s Journey” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, and Friday, March 27. Funded by a grant from Zeiss and narrated by astronomer and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson, the show follows a single photon from a distant star to the human eye. The program explores connections between astrophysics, biology and the brain and is recommended for grades five and up or age 10 and older.

All shows take place in Room 116 of the Hoyt Science Center on the Westminster College campus.

Admission is free, but reservations are required. To register or learn more, click HERE.

Salute to Lovin’ Spoonful, Hollies, Mitch Ryder

WARREN, Ohio – The My Generation Tour will come to Robins Theatre on May 30 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

The act pays tribute to the music of the Lovin’ Spoonful, The Hollies and Mitch Ryder. The performance will include many hits, such as “Summer in the City,” “Bus Stop,” “Devil with a Blue Dress” and “What a Day for a Daydream.”

Tickets will go on sale Friday at RobinsTheatre.com and the theater box office, 160 E. Market St.

Elton John Tribute Coming to Robins

WARREN, Ohio – Yellow Brick Road – A Tribute to Elton John will come to Robins Theatre on May 15 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

Tickets start at $30 ($35 day of show) and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

Portfolio Day at YSU for High School Artists

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University art department invites all high school students, transfer students and aspiring artists to Portfolio Day on Feb. 7. 

The event provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creative work and receive feedback from YSU’s art faculty. Guests can also learn about YSU’s programs, facilities and scholarship opportunities.

“We invite all creative high school students who enjoy making art, whether in physical or digital form, to share their work with us,” said Joy Christiansen Erb, department of art chair. “Bring any artwork you are proud of, whether it’s completed or still in progress, for one-on-one meetings with our art faculty.”

Participants are encouraged to bring five to 10 pieces of their work to share. Portfolio Day will take place from 1-4 p.m. in YSU’s Bliss Hall. Participation is free, but registration is required. Click HERE. For information, contact Katie Merrill at 330 941 2307 or kamerrill@ysu.edu.

Pictured at top: Davon Brantley will exhibit his works at the Solomon Gallery at YSU.