YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University Department of Art is presenting a new installment of its Red Press Collaborative program, featuring guest artist Michael Weigman, today through Friday in room 4025 of Bliss Hall.

The Red Press Collaborative is an annual event designed to promote fine art printmaking at YSU and within the Mahoning Valley region. Art students are given the opportunity to collaborate with Weigman, a celebrated printmaker, to create a limited-edition print. During its development, students are exposed to various printmaking methods, including intaglio, relief, lithography, screen printing and digital printing.

The limited-edition print will be available for purchase for $125. Each edition will be signed, numbered and fully documented. All contributions go directly to the funding of various events within the printmaking program, including study abroad trips, student excursions to printmaking conferences and exhibitions, equipment and the annual print collaboration itself.

Weigman, based in Columbus, explores a personal mythos in his work, combining elements of his suburban upbringing, obsession with history and fascination with subcultures found in extreme metal music.

Weigman will work on the publication of his print from 9:30 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. each day in Room 4025 of Bliss Hall. He will present a portfolio talk and hold a reception Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3:30 p.m., also in room 4025.

For information, contact professor Joseph D’Uva at 330 941 2540 or [email protected].

Mini Masterpiece Competition Seeks Entries

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Arts and Education at the Hoyt’s annual Mini Masterpieces competition has issued a call for artists.

Entrants are asked to make a copy of a famous artwork on a 3-inch-by-3-inch canvas panel.

All entries will be displayed from April 1 to May 22. Three winners will be chosen in each category – adult and youth – to receive a $150 purchase award. The winners are also reproduced as refrigerator magnets that will be sold.

There are no age or geographic restrictions. The entry fee is $7.50.

Nearly 200 entries are received each year from contestants ranging in age from 2 to 92. 

Contestants must not choose an artwork that has already been reproduced. A gallery of past winners is available online. 

Participants can order the canvases at HoytArtCenter.org, in the Hoyt gift shop or at any retail store.

Art must be delivered by Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. Entries postmarked by Jan. 18 will be accepted until January 23. For information, contact Patricia McLatchy at [email protected] or call 724 652 2882. 

Chuck Tanner Day in Downtown New Castle

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Chuck Tanner Day will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at The Confluence coffee shop, 214 E. Washington St., downtown.

The celebration will honor the New Castle native and Pittsburgh Pirates manager and commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Pirates’ 1979 World Series championship.

The event is free and open to the public. It will include a plaque unveiling and comments from guests such as Pirates Hall of Famer and 1971 World Series Champion Steve Blass, former Major League Baseball executive and New Castle native Jack Zduriencik and area officials. Pirates’ play-by-play announcer Greg Brown will emcee the event. In addition, Pennsylvania state Rep. Marla Brown will present a Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation recognizing Chuck Tanner Day.

In the days following the plaque unveiling, the marker will be placed on the corner of East Washington Street and Croton Avenue in downtown New Castle, the site of the former Valentine’s Restaurant. Valentine’s was a favorite breakfast stop of the former Pirates manager who would routinely start his day entertaining managerial suggestions from area residents.

Tanner began his managerial career with the Chicago White Sox in 1970 and spent six years with the organization before moving to Oakland and guiding the Athletics for the 1976 season. Following the 1976 season, Tanner was traded to the Pirates for catcher Manny Sanguillen and cash. He managed his hometown Pirates for nine seasons, amassing a 711-685 record with one National League pennant and one World Series Championship. He ranks fifth all-time in total wins among Pirates managers.

Tanner’s final three years managing in Major League Baseball were spent with the Atlanta Braves from 1986 to 1988.

Tanner compiled 1,352 wins throughout his 19-year career.

YSU Musicians to Perform with High Schoolers

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University Dana School of Music will present the Honors Side-by-Side Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Local high school students will perform alongside the YSU Wind Ensemble and Dana faculty.

Tickets to the event are $4 for students and seniors and $5 for adults and can be purchased by calling the Stambaugh Auditorium box office at 330 259 9651. Free parking is available on-site.

YSU Art Students to Display Works

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University art department’s paint studio’s class project, “Multiples,” is being exhibited in the Solomon Gallery through Nov. 29.

The exhibit is composed of small-scale art created in multiples that expand both the formal and conceptual dimensions of the students’ work.

The selected artwork included in the exhibit will also be available for purchase, providing a great opportunity for art enthusiasts to add unique works to their collections.

Entry to the opening reception and exhibit is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 fee payable in cash only. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Columbiana Women’s Club Home Tour

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – Columbiana Women’s Club’s annual Holiday Home Tour will take place Dec. 7 and 8 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Guests can take a self-guided tour of five area homes decked in holiday décor and enjoy coffee/tea and cookies at the Columbiana Women’s Club. 

The cost is $20 per person. Call 330 482 2832.

Auditions for ‘Sweeney Todd’ at ACTS

SHARON, Pa. – Area Community Theater of Sharpsville will have auditions for its upcoming production of the musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 and 21 at 40 Below, 40 S. Irvine Ave., downtown.

The show is being directed by Ron Sinesio. Auditionees should prepare a memorized song, at least 32 bars in length, preferably a selection by Stephen Sondheim. Lyric sheets and cellphones are not permitted. Sheet music must be provided, as accompanists will be available. Auditions will also include readings from the script.

Performances will be March 28-30 and April 4-6 and 11-12.

Preregister HERE for auditions and information on the principal characters, including voice ranges and role age requirements. Cast members must be at least 15 years old.

Blanket Drive in Lawrence County

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – United Way and Columbia Gas are collecting blankets that will be donated to families who are facing higher utility bills and challenges in heating their homes. 

Blankets can be dropped off during November at the following locations: Busy Beaver in Shenango Township, Connerly’s Cleaners, Cray Office, Lawrence County Government Center, Lawrence County YMCA and Y-Zone, New Castle Public Library, State Rep. Marla Brown’s office, Visit Lawrence County, United Way of Lawrence County, Busy Beaver in Ellwood City, Ellwood Chamber of Commerce, New Wilmington Borough Building and Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate.

Businesses and organizations that want to participate in the event can contact the United Way of Lawrence County HERE or by calling 724 658 8528.

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show at ACTS

SHARON, Pa. – Silver Springs, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act, will perform at ACTS theater, South Irvine Avenue at West State Street, downtown, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9.

Tickets are $25 ($20 for students) and available HERE, at the door or by calling 724 815 4388.

Poets to Read Works at Lit Youngstown Event

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Lit Youngstown’s First Wednesday reader series will present poets Nancy Krygowski and Jane McCafferty, both of Pittsburgh, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at West Side Bowl.

An open mic will follow the reading.

Krygowski is the author of “The Woman in the Corner” and teaches at Carlow University. McCafferty is the author of “The Sea Lion Who Saved the Boy Who Jumped From the Golden Gate.”

Friendly Squares Sets Monthly Dance

NILES, Ohio – The Friendly Squares’ monthly square dance will take place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Niles Scope Center, 14 E. State St.

Gene Hammond will be the caller. The theme for the dance is Veterans. This will be a high/low dance with alternating tips for new dancers currently taking lessons and tips for more experienced dancers. Dress is casual. Admission is $7.

Pictured at top: A print by Michael Weigman, who is in residence at Youngstown State University this week.