Daniel Greene's "Train 1821-I.R.T.," a subway portrait, is on view at Miller Gallery in Hyde Park.

You'll find amazing art in many different corners of Cincinnati ... Glimpse some of the work created by students in the Art Academy's Community Education program on Friday, in the ART ACADEMY'S LOBBY and EXO GALLERIES (951 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams). Instructors in the program nominated one student from each class to participate in this annual showcase. Students, ranging in age from teens to seniors, will exhibit an assortment of media, including oriental ink and watercolor, computer graphics and charcoal. The exhibit even features a ceramic fountain, complete with running water: ask before you throw pennies. Opening reception: 6-8 p.m. Friday. Through June 9. ...

Given their penchant for offering new and edgy art, the exhibition this weekend at THE MOCKBEE (2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton) is guaranteed to move you. CCM doctoral candidate MARGARET SCHEDEL will present a multi-room installation, coupled with a performance. She created each piece of the installation in response to her environment. Performances will accompany her interactive musical sculptures throughout the two-day show. Art you get to play with -- who could you ask for more? 7 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday. ...

Lead your eyes (and your feet) east to see the return of master painter DANIEL GREENE at the MILLER GALLERY (2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park), featuring Still Life and Figurative Paintings in Pastel and Oils. A Cincinnati native now residing in New York, Greene is a nationally renowned painter and one of the world's leading pastelists. His works are a distinct reminder of the appeal and energy that realist works can evoke. Greene's exhibition features two subjects -- traditional still-life pieces, such as flowers and fruit, and subway portraits. Despite this marked divergence, each piece is awe-inspiring in its unrivaled skill. Viewing each still life, I felt as if I were part of the scene: I could almost touch the fuchsia tips of the rose in "Yellow Rose in a Jar," and feel the bumps on the gourds in "Expresso Pot and Gourds." Greene's subway portraits are more meditative: The viewer feels part of the scene, yet they communicate the emptiness and loneliness that an empty subway often exudes. Rightfully worthy of his acclaim, Greene's is truly a must-see exhibition. And a portion of sales benefits the Cincinnati Art Museum, who currently holds his pastel, "Raphael Sayer," in its permanent collection. Through May 30. ...

Just a hop and skip away, see some familiar territory as you slip into Celebrating Ohio Landscapes at CLOSSON'S PHYLLIS J. WESTON ART GALLERY (2643 Erie Ave., Hyde Park.) The exhibition features work by 12 local, regional and national artists, chosen for their individual interpretation of and admiration for Ohio landscapes. The exhibition evokes a feeling of serene contentment with nature, in all her various seasons. MARK GINGERICH's spring, in all its tranquil beauty and muted pastels, had me longing for a few more breezy days before summer's harsh heat snatches them away. ERIC FRANKE depicts winter's snowfalls with charm and nostalgia, and PHIL HELGESON's thick, chunky strokes of color capture the brilliance of fall with distinctive style. And don't miss KEVIN T. KELLY's daring contemporary landscapes, reminiscent of cartoon backgrounds. Exhibiting varied landscape styles, the show retains fresh perspective among often over-exhibited landscape painting. Stop by for a look. Through May 29.

Mini Reviews
CINCINNATI PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH (800 Vine St., Downtown) hosts Book Works 5, a show of artist's books. All works on view utilize elements of books as a source material. In so doing, artists prove it is impossible to exhaust one material's capability. The pieces investigate emotion based in whimsical pleasure as well as deeper, moving emotion. Through May. (JACQUELYN VAUGHN) Grade: B+

CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM (953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams) hosts a special exhibition by PETAH COYNE, on view in the Cincinnati Wing. Coyne's work is the result of process, patience and the exploration of themes. She uses non-traditional materials such as mud, wax, sticks and hair. The pieces in the exhibition draw on each other, addressing obsession and love in a relationship not crafted entirely for the viewer, but for the sake of art and its maker. Through June 6. (JACQUELYN VAUGHN) Grade: A