ArtScene with Erika Funke

Keystone College President John F. Pullo, Sr; Dr. Jay Nathan,Tenured Professor at St. John's University & Founder ofthe Cultural Immersion Program at Keystone College inLa Plume, PA; Dr. Ganzorig Chimed, Professor ofChemical & Biological Engineering at the NationalUniversity of Mongolia, and Narangerel Adiyasuren,Technology & International Relations Coordinatorat NUM, speaking about the many cultural artifactsthat make up the exhibit titled, "Nomadic ModernizationRooted in Mongolian History, Culture & Artistic Tradition,"presented by representatives of the National Universityof Mongolia for display in the Dr. Jay Nathan InternationalGuest House on the Keystone campus. The exhibit isopen to the public by appointment.www.keystone.edu/

Dr. George Aulisio, Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library andDirector of the Schemel Forum at the University of Scranton,speaking about the Fall 2026 Forum offerings which includeEvening Courses, World Affairs Luncheon Seminars,Collaborative Programs and the University for a DayProgram.For more information: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum

Artist Carolyn Harper of Philadelphia,speaking about her portrait quilts inconnection with the show, "Carolyn Harper:Dreaming of Freedom--Portraits of Prisoners,"running from August 21 through October 9, 2026at the Circle Centre for the Arts, 130 RearSouth Franklin Street in downtownWilkes-Barre. There will be an openingreception August 21st from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.The artist will be on hand.www.wyomingvalleyartleague.org/www.carolynharperarts.com/

Bonnie Tallman, co-founder, board member & events producer;and Dr. William Hudon, board member, of the Billtown BluesAssociation, speaking about the new configuration for theBBA's concert offerings and the performance on Friday,August 15, 2026, at 7:00 at The Side Bar,345 Market Street in Williamsport. Featured will beKatie Henry and her band and Ann Kerstetter andher band. www.billtownblues.org/

Maureen McGuigan, Director of the Department of Arts & Culturefor Lackawanna County, & Christopher McClatchy, ScrantonRecycling & Safety Coordinator, speaking about the SecondAnnual RePurposed Fashion Show to be held on Friday,August 21, 2026, at Lace By Epicurean, with doors openingat 6:00 and show at 7:00 pm. The event is a collaborationof Lackawanna County, the City of Scranton, Swap Scranton,& the Everhart Museum.The ticket includes appetizers and soft drinks. Proceeds willbenefit Swap Scranton and the Everhart Museum.www.everhart-museum.org/

Lethan Candlish, storyteller and author, speaking about hisone-person piece,"Who Am I, Again?" He's returning hometo Bloomsburg to present the show at the Alvina KrauseTheatre, 226 Center Street, under the auspices of theBloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, on Saturday,August 15, 2026 at 6:30 pm. The work is a verbalcollage of stories about Traumatic Brain Injuries,and there will be a post-performance discussion andQ & A with a panel of doctors and caregivers fromGeisinger Hospital. For more information:www.bte.org/ and www.lethancandlish.com/

Jill Carletti, Creative Director of Harmony in theWoods in Hawley, PA, speaking about theoutdoor performing arts venue. And MarkoMarcinko, founder and artistic director ofthe Keystone Jazz Septet, speaking aboutthe ensemble's benefit concert for WVIApresented by Harmony in the Woods onSunday, August 23, 2026, at 5:30 pm.The musical theme centers on anAmerica250 tribute to great jazzmusicians from Pennsylvania. Theticket includes a wine reception anda special "Bebop Box" withcheese, fruit and more.Doors open at 4:30 pm.Tickets are $65.00 and for moreinformation: www.wvia.org/events

Gwen Harleman, founder and artistic director of Designed 2 Inspire,speaking about the artsorganization and its partnerships with theCircle Center for the Arts in Wilkes-Barre,The Gathering Place in Clarks Summit andClearwater Farms in Clarks Summit.D2I artists will take part in the secondannual RePurposed Fashion Show atLace Venue by Epicurean in Scranton on Friday,August 21, 2026, beginning at 6:00 pm.On the fourth Friday in August, theywill be on hand at The GatheringPlace in Clarks Summit.For more information:www.designed2inspire.us/

James McKane, Commander of the 3rd New Jersey Battalion,the "Jersey Grays," Capt. Bloomfield's Co; living historyinterpreter, distinguished artisan, and an advisor for KenBurns' PBS documentary "The American Revolution."The Lackawanna Historical Society is hosting a specialReading Blue Mountain & Northern RR Co. train excursion,"Revolution on the Rails: The Birth of a Nation, the Rise ofa Railroad," traveling from Pittston to Tunkhannock alongSullivan's Trail on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The train willdepart from Pittston Station at 10 am and arrive at RiversidePark in Tunkhannock at 11 am, arriving back in Pittston at 2:30.There will be 18th century demonstrations by the Jersey Graysat Riverside Park, and the public is invitedto attend.Passenger tickets can be obtained on the Reading Northernwebsite under Special Events: www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/www.jerseygrays.org/ or find the Jersey Grays on [email protected]/

Yosif Feigelson, world-renowned cellist, co-founder and artisticdirector of Kindred Spirits Arts in Milford in Pike County, speakingabout the series and its 25th anniversary season.There will be an extra concert on Sunday, August 9, 2026 atGrey Towers National Historic Site featuring violinist AlexanderMarkov; 8/15 at 5:30 pm--The Ivalas String Quartet; 9/12--Allison Kiger & Friends; 10/11 the Kopelman/Rostad/FeigelsonTrio. www.kindredspiritsarts.org/ 570-390-8699