"The Creation (after Haydn)" by Tim Rollins and K.O.S. is currently on display at Linda Schartz Gallery.

Don't miss the final show in the LINDA SCHWARTZ GALLERY's current space (315 W. Fourth St., Downtown). Let There Be Light features the work of artist and educator TIM ROLLINS, along with his teenage artist collective, KIDS OF SURVIVAL (K.O.S.). Rollins and K.O.S present paintings and works on paper that use the pop culture of 1970s Marvel Comics to convey their social, political and emotional reactions to our post-Sept. 11 world. After adhering classic comic pages to canvas, the artists painted over the imagery, leaving only key speech and thought balloons behind to declare personal thoughts and sentiments. The effect is at once intriguing and haunting, as the stark expanse of the pieces give purposeful attention to the dialogue balloons. Silent, yet commanding, the specificity of text balloons, such as "Only an insane humanity kills in the name of justice" and "Then the madness still continues even here -- even now" leave the viewer fulfilled by the artists' statement yet bereft at the lack of answers the statement provides. In addition, don't miss "The Creation (after Haydn)," a series that explores Navajo creation mythology. After examining traditional biblical creation stories and the Big Bang theory, Rollins' Navajo artists created their own creation stories using watercolor on pages from The Creation music score. The juxtaposition of simple watercolor layered on complicated musical score is brilliant, presenting a visual representation that complements the heretofore solely verbal myth of creation. Don't miss this exceptional show. Through July 31. ...

There are only a few days left to stop by the ARTWORKS TIME WARNER CABLE GALLERY (811 Race St., Downtown) for Small Stories by artists GARY GAFFNEY and MICHAEL SHARP. Gaffney's mixed media pieces present fragments of thoughts and ideas that offer a window into his view of the cosmos. Using a combination of religious, cosmic and human images, he seeks to convey a story of the cosmos through a collection of varied images that place human existence beside the larger natural universe. The sheer number of the pieces he uses is absorbing, but also distracting -- I wasn't sure how to follow his thought process and had trouble making connections among some pieces. Sharp, drawing inspiration from distressed posters found in Italian cities, mimics the elemental exposure he found there with faded and blurred images as well as torn and frayed edges. His subjects vary, yet the exposed nature of the work lends an air of mystery, leaving the viewer with the distinct feeling that more layers are waiting to be uncovered. Through June 18. ...

Welcome summer on Friday with the YWCA WOMEN'S ART GALLERY (898 Walnut St., Downtown) summer show, Go Figure! Artists JACKIE FREY and LYLA L. HAGGARD present paintings and sculpture featuring various interpretations of the human figure. Frey, a former art teacher, focuses on abstract figures, from racecars to nudes, and considers her work part of a larger "evolutionary search." Haggard creates pieces exploring inner and outer beauty, seeking to evoke common connections to the figures in her work. Although the work promises to be sufficiently thought-provoking, it will surely prove to be a whimsical and fun summer show. Opening 6-8 p.m. Friday. Through Aug. 6.

MINI REVIEWS
MAMMOTH COFFEE (515 Monmouth St., Newport) features After School Special, the works of MICHAEL C. MCGUIRE. Initially I thought I missed the joke: Conservative "safe art" shown in a café? However, upon investigation, it became clear this was serious and valid work. Each image overflows with compassion and innate skill. McGuire hands his heart over with each piece. Through June 23. (JACQUELYN VAUGHN) Grade: B

DEOGRACIAS LERMA PHOTOGRAPHY (1319 Main St., Over-the-Rhine) currently exhibits new work by artist RACHEL WARING. Her intention forces people to recognize artist and photographer as synonymous. She works with real color, vibrant and alive, capturing the everyday moments that spice up the monotony of life. The work is fresh and fun. Through June 20. (JV) Grade: A