Photo By Tom Davie

Tom Davie's "Every Eye Shall See" uses complex dot-patterns to create an image.

If it's time for a return to some of your favorite galleries, make sure to stop in the THIRD FLOOR GALLERY at NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (Fine Arts Center, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights) and muse over artist/professor TOM DAVIE's Parishioner Series exhibition. His graphic portraits use permanent marker, acrylic and varnish on canvas to create complex dot-pattern images. Davie used photos from a 1974 church directory as source imagery for his pieces; he chose these photos because they reveal his expression of a personal struggle concerning faith in God and the Catholic Church. The faces of his black-and-white portraits are layered with transparent washes, areas of opaqueness, even some biblical passages, making for intriguing results. With his "subjects" obscured by inkblot patterns, the effect is one of introspection, even mourning. The portraits arouse curiosity as well: Are the subjects angry or sorrowful? Should we feel grief or curiosity? The piece that most caught my eye, "Every Eye Shall See," features a face almost entirely obscured by pattern and words -- with one strip of pale color, stretched over what appears to be the subject's mouth. She appears to be trapped and helpless, with no way to call out for help. Unsettling as it might be, it demands reflection. Davie's stark, meditative technique should not be missed. Through Feb. 3. ...

If you're looking for a short road trip, head to the DAYTON ART INSTITUTE (456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton) for Cultural Connections, an exhibition by Cincinnati's own LESLIE SHIELS. Following a month-long stay in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, Shiels explores this life-altering journey with a series of paintings that document how her viewpoint of African countries changed dramatically after her visit. Cultural Connections seeks to investigate the precarious balance between nations considered "First World," like France, and "Third World," like some countries in Africa. Shiels challenges our views while creating a visual harmony between these worlds. Opening reception, Feb. 2, 5-8 p.m. Through May 8. ...

Combat your January blues by heading out to the Final Friday Gallery Walk for some visual enlightenment -- and make sure to stop at 1305 GALLERY (1305 Main St., Over-the-Rhine) for Wish, a new exhibition by artist KELLY FRIGARD. Combining wool felting, embroidery, weaving, casting and ceramic sculpture, Frigard's installations are inspired by her studies in both Scandinavia and America's Northwest areas. She uses traditional techniques, which she's adapted to fit her personal artistic expressions. You won't want to miss the results, which promise to be engaging and warm. Opening reception: 6-11 p.m. Friday. Through Feb. 20 ...

Head a little farther up Main Street to DESIGNSMITH GALLERY (1342 Main St, Over-the-Rhine) for some one-of-a-kind work by Dayton artist GLEN MARTIN TAYLOR. In Twisted Tails, he's created a personal mythology with his large-scale canvases, portraying his childhood fears and fantasies with primitive and vivid images. Using his humor, rage and all emotions in-between, Taylor's child-like images and brushwork highlight his satirical insight into life. This is the first time Taylor's work is being shown in Cincinnati -- and you won't want to miss a chance to view some truly exceptional work. Opening reception: 7-10 p.m. Friday. Through March 25.

Mini Reviews

Currently on view at the LUDLOW GARAGE (344 Ludlow Ave., Clifton) is recent work by Art Academy graduate EMILY CANNON. Each piece is well crafted, with an application of the paint that's extremely thick and carries a gritty quality. Her extremely narrative work uses rich, vibrant color, giving the impression that Cannon has illustrated the exact emotions she felt as she created the work. She has achieved far more than a healthy union between painting and drawing: She also successfully unites geometric shapes with an organic sensibility. Cannon's work is nestled in the far back of Ludlow Garage. It's not the first work you'll see, but it's the work that commands the most attention. Through Feb. 1. -- JACQUELYN VAUGHN Grade: B