As Americans observe the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the Kent State University Museum will present an exhibit about the material circumstances and domestic life during the Civil War and in the years that followed.

Sept. 30 to Aug. 26, Kent State University Museum,
515 Hilltop Drive, (330) 672-3450.

 Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster
Akron Art Museum
Saturday, February 25th - Sunday, June 3rd

Survey of the works and legacy of Reverend Howard Finster, self-proclaimed "Man of Visions," in Stranger in Paradise. One of America's most widely known and prolific self-taught artists, Finster produced over 46,000 works of art before his death in 2001.

Feb. 25 to June 3, Akron Art Museum, 1 South High Street, Akron, (330)376-9185.

 Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Saturday, March 3rd - Sunday, July 1st

This exhibit traces the natural and cultural roots of some of the world's most enduring mythological creatures. This amazing exhibition includes eye-popping models, paintings, and textiles, along with other cultural objects from around the world that bring to light surprising similarities and differences in the ways people everywhere have been inspired by nature to envision and depict these strange and wonderful creatures.

March 3 to July 1, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, (216)231-4600.

 Ray Turner: Population
Akron Art Museum
Saturday, March 3rd - Sunday, May 27th

Ray Turner: Population is a unique exhibition of nearly 200 portraits of a wide cross- section of people from across the country, including several downtown Akron residents, executed with oil paint on glass. Population is an expanding series of portraits that invites viewers to contemplate identity from an individual and collective standpoint.

March 3 to May 27, Akron Art Museum, 1 South High Street, Akron, (330)376-9185.

 "Cleveland Rocks" Sculpture Exhibit
Valley Art Center
Saturday, March 31st - Friday, May 18th

The Valley Art Cenrer is dedicated to presenting, promoting and teaching the arts in the Chagrin
Valley. The "Cleveland Rocks" Sculpture Exhibit opening reception will be held Friday, March 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

March 31 to May 18, Valley Arts Center, 155 bell Street, Chagrin Falls, (440) 247-7507.

 Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat
Holden Arboretum
Friday, April 27th - Sunday, October 28th

This year, The Holden Arboretum will host the special exhibit, Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat, opening Arbor Day weekend. The exhibit, created by the Morton Arboretum in Chicago, Ill.,looks at 15 different tree species in danger of vanishing from our landscape. Visitors will follow an easy, one-mile trail through Holden's gardens to learn more.

April 27 to Oct. 28, Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, (440)946-4400.

 See How They Run
Weathervane Community Playhouse
Thursday, May 3rd - Sunday, May 20th

Before there was Noises Off, there was See How They Run - which just goes to show you that the English know what they're doing when it comes to creating hilarious, slamming-door farces. Against a backdrop of mistaken identities and outrageous situations, we meet a former actress, her husband the vicar, a Cockney maid and a woman whose lips have never touched alcohol - all of whom create blissful hilarity.

May 3 to May 20, The Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, (330) 836-2626.

 From Frontierswoman to Flapper: Ohio’s First Ladies opens at The National First Ladies' Library
National First Ladies' Library
At National First Ladies' Library Education and Research Center
Tuesday, May 8th - Friday, April 26th

Learn how the seven First Ladies of Ohio shaped the United States at The National First Ladies' Library in Canton.
The Ohio First Ladies that the exhibit offers unique insight about along with their contributions to the nation are: Anna Harrison, Lucy Hayes, Lucretia Garfield, Caroline Harrison, Ida McKinley, Helen Taft and Florence Harding.
The National Fist Ladies’ Library, May 8-Apr. 26, 2013 at 9:30 a.m., 205 Market Avenue South Canton, (330) 452-0876

 Come Fly Away
Playhouse Square
At Palace Theatre, Cleveland
Tuesday, May 8th - Sunday, May 20th

Come Fly Away is the new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary music of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin' Out). This one-of-a-kind experience combines the seductive vocals of "Ol' Blue Eyes" with the sizzling sound of a live on-stage big band and the visceral thrill of Tharp's choreography.

May 8 to May 20, Palace Theatre, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, (216)771-4444.

 I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Actors' Summit Theatre
Thursday, May 10th - Sunday, June 3rd

This laugh out loud comedy about the stages of love from dating through marriage was extended twice. From "I'll Call You Soon" to "Always a Bridesmaid" to "I Can Live With That" this musical finds the laughter in every dating and mating situation.

May 10 to June 3, Greystone Hall, 103 South High Street, Akron, (330) 374-7568.

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