Akron Art Museum: Stranger in Paradise. The late Rev. Howard Finster is one of America's most recognizable outsider artists, even creating album covers for R.E.M. and Talking Heads. Like a William Blake of the pop-art era, his oeuvre juxtaposes religiously laden illustrations arising from his vivid visionary experiences with more worldly subjects. Through June 3 at One South High St. Call 330-376-9185 or go to akronartmusuem.org.
All Matters Gallery: Flight to Light. Photographs, stained glass, carvings, and more from 50 local artists celebrate the equinox and rites of spring, especially through the celebration of all creatures of the air. Through May 31 at 79 North Main St., Chagrin Falls. Call 440-247-8979 or go to allmatters.net.
Clara Fritzsche Library at Notre Dame College:
Table, People, Thing. The playful, rubbery style with which CIA graduate Harris Johnson renders his still lifes and portraits contrasts their frank content, with its suggestions of violence and other lettings of bodily fluids. Their outrageousness is meant to jolt the viewer — and the art world at large — from comfort zones and assumptions. Through May 15 at 4545 College Rd. in South Euclid; call 216-373-5267 or go to notredamecollege.edu/resources-and-services/clara-fritzsche-library.
Cleveland Artists Foundation: Unchallenged Workmanship. Marking the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Modernist ceramics studio Cowan Pottery, this show displays works by local luminaries like Viktor Schreckengost, Alexander Blazys, and Elsa Vick Shaw. Through May 5 at Beck Center for the Arts: 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Call 216-521-2540 or go to clevelandartists.org.
Cleveland Institute of Art:
Art of Scale & Form. Recently retired CIA sculpture professor Barbara Stanczak displays a selection of her work from the last two decades, revisiting creations that complicated or made paradoxes of the relationship between visual and tactile experience. Meanwhile, Rhode Islander David Cole presents a two-ton music box rebuilt from the parts of an industrial compactor. Through May 19 at 11141 East Blvd. Call 216-421-7407 or go to cia.edu/reinberger_galleries/.
Cleveland Museum of Art:Rembrandt in America.
The largest collection of authentic Rembrandts exhibited in America in 100 years presents a comprehensive history of the painter's reception and interpretation in the States, and illuminates how collectors' desire to own a Rembrandt fueled research into his work. Through May 28 at 11150 East Blvd. Tix are $7 to $14. Call 216-421-7350 or go to clevelandart.org.
Fawick Gallery at Baldwin-Wallace: Student Art Exhibition. B-W students from all majors and programs exhibit works in various media. Through April 27 at 95 East Bagley Rd., Berea. Call 440-826-2152 or go to bw.edu/academics/art/news/ for more information.
Gallery at the Old Stone Church: Metamorphosis. This photography series tracks the lives of those who seek assistance through Cleveland's Transitional Housing Inc. "Before and after" shots, paired with biographical information, show how women benefited from the organization's programs. Through May 30 at 1380 Ontario St. Call 216-241-6145 or go to galleryatoldstone.com.
Gallery One:
The Giant Begins to Stir. Aviation painter William S. Phillips presents a visual history of the Doolittle Raid operation in WWII's Pacific theater. Through June 30 at 7003 Center St., Mentor; call 440-255-1200 or go to galleryone.com.
Kokoon Arts Gallery: William Scheele exhibits personal photographs taken of Dylan's tours between 1973 and 1975. Through April 20 at 1305 West 80th St. For more information, call 216-832-8212 or go to kokoonarts.com.
Mastroianni Arts:
Kilimanjaro Express: My African Adventure. Terri P. Tufts presents paintings inspired by her recent expedition to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak on the African continent. The works draw on the minimal colors and shapes of Tanzania's indigenous traditions. Through April 30 at 2688 West 14th St., Tremont; call 216-235-6936 or go to mastroianniarts.com.
River Gallery:Sixth Annual Ceramics Invitational. More than 30 top ceramicists celebrate the beautified functional object in this showcase. Through May 24 at 19046 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River. Call 440-331-8406 or go to rivergalleryarts.com.
Survival Kit: Vivid Parts. David Cintron and Kate Kisicki display abstract paintings that recall landscapes and botanicals, and Nathaniel Murray hangs massive, ceiling-mounted assemblages. Through May 18 at 1305 West 80th St. Call 216-533-4885 or go to survivalkitgallery.com.
Zygote Press: We ♥ Letterpress. In this traveling exhibition, artists from the U.K., Switzerland, Australia, and the U.S. contribute art made with a due-for-a-comeback letterpress printer. A reception will be held Friday, April 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. Through May 19 at 1410 East 30th St.; call 216-621-2900 or go to zygotepress.com.
Heights Arts:
Small Show. Smaller works get their big day: This group show unites artists working in various media, including Susan Danko's expressive landscapes (pictured) and Amber Anderson's photography. An opening reception will be held Friday, April 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibition runs through June 2 at 2175 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights. For more information, call 216-371-3457 or go to heightsarts.org.
