YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An exhibition of works from the Pastel Society of America’s “Enduring Brilliance” show will open Sunday, March 8, at The Butler Institute of American Art and run through May 3.

The exhibit will feature 31 paintings selected by Louis Zona, director emeritus of the museum, and will be located in the Flora B. Giffuni Gallery of American Pastels.

The exhibition will feature “Splish Splash” by  esteemed artist Vic Mastis.

Zona selected the works in this exhibition from the Pastel Society’s larger annual show that took place in New York. He considers the pieces to be the best of the best for the genre.

“No matter the level of difficulty of the challenge, these pastel artists can apply the medium to meet the challenge of probably the most difficult media within the world of art,” he said. “This pastel exhibition at the Butler hit a home run.”

The Pastel Society of America, founded in 1972 by Flora B. Giffuni, is the oldest pastel society in America. It is largely responsible for the current renaissance of pastels in American art. The society’s annual exhibition at The National Arts Club in New York is the premier event for pastel artists worldwide.

In 2004, the Flora B. Giffuni Gallery of American Pastels was established at The Butler through the generosity of Giffuni. It is the only museum gallery in the country devoted exclusively to works in the pastel medium.

The gallery offers exhibitions by accomplished pastel artists, group shows from the Pastel Society of America and displays of works from The Butler’s collection.

Concert to Honor the Late Stephen L. Gage

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The #LoveMusic Legacy Concert to honor the late Stephen L. Gage, who was a music professor at Youngstown State University, will take place at 3 p.m. May 17 at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Alumni, colleagues and friends of Gage’s will gather for the concert, which will feature an orchestra conducted by Rob Seebacher and a wind ensemble led by Dennis Hawkins and Timothy Shade.

For tickets, click HERE.

Amputee Army Vet and ‘Dancing’ Star to Speak

SHARON, Pa. – U.S. Army veteran, motivational speaker and “Dancing with the Stars” alum Noah Galloway will speak at Penn State Shenango’s campus auditorium at 7 p.m. March 19. Admission is free.

Galloway became a double amputee in 2005 after being injured while serving in the U.S. military during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He lost his left leg above the knee and his left arm above the elbow.

Galloway focused on fitness after his injuries, becoming the first veteran and amputee to be featured on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. He was a finalist on Season 20 of the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars” and won the debut season of Fox’s “American Grit.”

Galloway also established the No Excuses Charitable Fund, which raises money and awareness for organizations that support causes that are important to him.

This event is made possible by the Greenberger Family Memorial Lecture Fund, which was established in 1997 in memory of Paul Greenberger, a student at Penn State Shenango.

Tree of Life Shooting Exhibition at the JCC

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “Lessons from the Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward” will be on exhibit in the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Art Gallery in the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, 505 Gypsy Lane, from March 10 through April 9.

Created with the Rauh Jewish History Program and Archives at the Heinz History Center, this exhibition features curated items gifted to Pittsburgh’s Jewish community after the attack on worshippers that resulted in 11 deaths Oct. 27, 2018. It challenges visitors to reflect on antisemitism’s impact in America and inspire action toward a future rooted in resilience and understanding.

The March 10 reception will feature Scott Miller, academic adviser for Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life memorial project and curator of “Lessons from the Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward.” Miller will reflect on the October 2018 synagogue shooting – the deadliest antisemitic attack in United States history – and consider the current rise in antisemitism worldwide. He will also discuss how the exhibition challenges hate while reimagining a rebuilt Tree of Life as a symbol of Jewish resilience, remembrance and shared humanity. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and Miller will speak at 7 p.m.

Ohio’s Wine Industry Launches Initiative

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s wine industry is more than a cultural asset – it’s a powerful economic engine supported by hundreds of small businesses across the state. 

A new statewide initiative, Uniquely Ohio, administered by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, was launched this month to spotlight the people, growers and winemakers behind Ohio wine and the role they play in strengthening local economies.

For information about the Uniquely Ohio campaign and to explore Ohio wineries across the state, go to UniquelyOhioWines.com.

Ohio is home to 430-plus licensed wine manufacturers, making it the seventh-largest wine producer in the country. The state’s wine industry generates $6.6 billion in economic activity, supports 40,399 full-time jobs and produces $1.9 billion in wages statewide. Ohio wineries also attract 2.33 million wine-related tourists each year.

The Uniquely Ohio campaign celebrates the people, places and experiences that define Ohio wine culture. Through storytelling and outreach, the initiative invites consumers to explore wineries close to home and discover the diversity of Ohio wine. It highlights how Ohio wine reflects the creativity, grit and pride of the people who make it.

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Show Coming to Robins 

WARREN, Ohio – Blizzard of Ozz, the Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads tribute show, will come to the Robins Theatre on June 19 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

The high-energy show recreates one of rock’s most legendary artists with soaring vocals, note for note guitar precision and the intensity of heavy metal’s golden age.

Tickets are $24 ($30 day of show) and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at RobinsTheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.

Pictured at top: The pastel artwork “Vibrant Joys” by Romeo Jr. Ratio Cortez will be part of the pastels exhibition at The Butler Institute of American Art.