The Update | Local Talent Among NY Artists Showcased in Medici’s ‘Beginnerland’ Exhibition

HOWLAND, Ohio – “Beginnerland,” an exhibition of works by four New York artists, will open Saturday, Oct. 26, at Medici Museum of Art and run through mid-December.

The artists – who graduated together from New York University – are Warren native John Payiavlas, Sophie Lewis, Sarah Goldman and Nina Malloy.

Alex Jesko is the curator of the exhibition.

Payiavlas is a Warren native and a 2017 graduate of Harding High School, and the only one of the four artists who is from the Mahoning Valley.

According to his artist’s statement, he is interested in “the particular material, ontological, emotional and ethical possibilities of life in the gap after gesture dies into form and object becomes object-touched-and-left. Cézanne’s apples could not actually be apples, so they had to be everything else. There are no abstractions. I am a permanent beginner.

Lewis is a painter with a dual interest in psychoanalysis. Her work explores themes of the human psyche and unconscious thoughts and desires. 

“As a painter, my work centers on the intricate interplay between identity and the subconscious,” she said. “Through portraiture,

I seek to unravel the complexities of the human psyche, exploring the depths of emotion and self-perception.” 

Goldman’s work navigates the realms of figurative and abstract painting, with a strong focus on color as a central theme.

“Drawing inspiration from the nuances of everyday life, I reflect my deep engagement with my surroundings and the emotional

landscapes they evoke,” she said. “I explore a diverse range of sources – such as the works of painters, feminist theory, and spiritual texts – using color as a means of expression.”

Malloy said her practice “follows an enchantment with the world. My works are inspired by daily encounters, and I would like to see them for the first time again and again. I think it has something to do with staying in wonder. 

Bob Seger Tribute Concert at the Robins

WARREN, Ohio – Forever Seger, a tribute to the music of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band will come to the Robins Theatre on Friday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $18 to $35, plus applicable fees, and will go on sale Friday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. at robinstheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.

Kids Costume Contest at Chocolate Store

BOARDMAN, Ohio – Gorant Chocolatier will present a costume contest for kids on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. at its flagship location at 400 Boardman-Poland Road. Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants.

There is no cost to participate and preregistration is not required. Guests are asked to arrive by 10:55 a.m. Judging will begin promptly at 11 a.m.

“Since Halloween is one of the biggest candy holidays of the year, it only made sense that we celebrate the day by inviting the kids of the Mahoning Valley to the Valley’s largest candy store for a day of fun and sugar,” said co-owner Bergen Giordani.

Millennial Theatre Auditions for ‘The Prom’

YOUNGSTOWN – Millennial Theatre Company will have auditions for its production of “The Prom” from 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Youngstown Playhouse. Auditionees should prepare a 30- to 60-second song in the style of the show. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided. They will be asked to travel to Collingwood Center in Campbell to complete a dance call. 

The director is seeking a diverse cast of actors and dancers ages 15 and up. Roles are available for both adults and teens. The roles of Emma, Dee Dee and Barry have been filled but all other roles are open. Please come prepared to move and do a cold reading. Headshot and résumé are encouraged, but not required. 

The director is Joe Asente. Musical director is Ryan Lamb and choreographer is Danielle Mentzer.

The show will run Jan. 3-5 and 10-12.

Rehearsals will take place on weeknights from 6-9:30 p.m. starting in early November. For information, go to millennialtheatre.org or email [email protected].

Pictured at top: John Payiavlas, a Warren native, is one of four artists who will show their work at the Medici Museum of Art.

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