Photo By 1305 Gallery

Kirk Mayhew's exhibition at 1305 Gallery, Threshold, includes "Benachbart."

Wipe away those lingering images of garish campaign signs with a visit to MILLER GALLERY (2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park) to view the work of artists JOHN and LYNN WHIPPLE. Although their individual work offers some similarities, including the use of collage as a technique, each has a distinctive focus. John paints on wood panel, assimilating the grain into his imagery, and uses paper or copper shapes as his base. Lynn, captivated by old books and memorabilia, uses these items and their inherent history to create mixed-media assemblages and photographs with oil paint. Knowing Miller Gallery's impeccable standards, their creations promise to be fascinating. But hurry -- there's only a few days left to see them. Through Nov. 19. ...

Celebrations of Mexico's Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) may have passed, but you can still see artwork inspired by this ancient holiday from central and southern Mexico. On this day, to honor deceased loved ones, people construct altars ("ofrendas") in their home decorated with candles, flowers, fruit, tortillas and "pan de muerto" breads. You can see some artists' interpretations of this holiday at the CLERMONT COLLEGE ART GALLERY (4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia). Students from a world cultures class researched the holiday's traditions, then presented their findings to an arts fundamentals class, who created small box collages as responses. The exhibition has already made a stop at the Mockbee, and now returns to the Clermont campus for a short time during International Week. Don't miss the results of this noteworthy collaboration. Opening reception is noon-1 p.m. Wednesday. Through Nov. 23. ...

If you missed the opening, you still have the chance to catch the most recent work at PUBLICO (1308 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine). As the spot for the newest cutting-edge artwork, Publico features a solo exhibition by artist PAUL COORS, the gallery's manager and curator. Entitled Them!, his exhibition explores his feelings of contemporary powerlessness as an artist, using the structures of atomic age science fiction films (like the exhibition's namesake, 1954's Them!) to address these feelings. Coors says the exhibition "seeks to stir social reconsideration." Don't just take his word for it -- see for yourself. Through Jan. 14. ...

Attention artists: The FITTON CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS in Hamilton is currently accepting slides from artists for both solo and group exhibitions for the 2006-07 season. Artists should submit 10 slides of a consistent series of artworks, statement, vita and supporting materials. Slides are required for main gallery proposals. They are also accepting proposals for their 2007 Summer Quilt show. Deadline is Jan. 1, 2006. Submit to: Cathy Mayhugh, Fitton Center, 101 South Monument Ave., Hamilton, OH 45011. Questions: 513-863-8873, ext. 22.

Mini Reviews
Now at 1305 GALLERY (1305 Main St., Over-the-Rhine) is Threshold featuring new work by Kirk Mayhew. The exhibition is a mix of unfinished remnants and elegant steel-infused ceramic works. Aptly utilizing the narrow gallery space, Mayhew has managed to give the viewer an insider's look into the heartache inherent to the creative process. The work is a marriage of primitive efficacy and sheer elegance. One of the finished works, Still und malt (schmutzig), appears to be a scaled-down model of an actual building found in the desert -- and it's moving. Mayhew manages to deliver the same level of intimacy with his raw ceramics and his finished works. Through Nov. 21. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) Grade: B