Gilbert Young, a former Cincinnatian, will create a painting on stage before an audience of arts patrons during the Concert in the Gardens performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra June 25 at Union Central Insurance, Forest Park.

Young is best known for his painting "He Ain't Heavy." The work, which he created 25 years ago, shows a man reaching back over a wall for another man's hand.

"He will be giving his interpretation in painting of Erich Kunzel's historic Cincinnati Pops Orchestra," said Joseph Mallory, director of Project ArtReach, an urban art program.

Mallory said limited-edition prints of "He Ain't Heavy" will be for sale, and the original painting will be auctioned to benefit Project ArtReach.

For 27 years, Young served as conservator/director of the University of Cincinnati Fine Art Collection, and later was named artist in residence at UC.

In 1993, Young received the Corbett Award for Best Visual Artist from the Corbett Foundation and the Cincinnati Post.

He has received international recognition for art work spanning more than 50 years.

Project ArtReach is an urban program that works to bring appreciation of cultural treasures through the visual and musical arts, Mallory said.

Play hoops with Shaq

Children ages 12-19, male and female, have a chance to go up against NBA starShaquille O'Neal at the sixth annual Nestle Crunch Hot Shots Camp this summer in Los Angeles.

They may submit a 60-second video showcasing their basketball talent. For information, call 323-866-6035.Ten teens will be selected from around the country to test their skills against the three-time NBA world champion.

Ride helps Make-A-Wish

A group of employees from Sharonville-based Xtek recently hit the road to raise $5,650 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Forty-seven employees from the industrial manufacturing company climbed on their motorcycles and rode 180 miles through the Tristate, including stops in Rabbit Hash, Ky., and Madison, Ind. Xtek sponsored the ride and employees also raised and contributed funds, said organizer Dan Jackson.

Honorary "road captains" for the ride were Shelby Heinrich, 14, and A. J. Seymour, 5. They are children of Xtek employees who have survived bouts with cancer.

"We would love to challenge employees from other companies to organize their own charity," Jackson said.

Mammograms at Bigg's

Bigg's will host a mobile mammography unit in partnership with Mercy Hospital and WVMX radio from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Delhi store, 5025 Delhi Pike. While women receive their mammograms, children will be entertained. No appointments are necessary.

Artist

Air Force cadets shine

These cadets have earned semester honors at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.:

Jack Green was placed on the dean's list by maintaining a 3.0 grade point average or better. He is pursuing a degree in operations research. The Lakota East High School graduate is the son of Jamie and John Green of West Chester Township.

Kristin Pearson was placed on the dean's and commandant's lists by maintaining a 3.0 or better grade point average and military performance grade, respectively. She is majoring in foreign area studies with a minor in French. The Ursuline Academy graduate is the daughter of Judy and Bob Pearson of Mason.

Mark Ruther was placed on the superintendent's list, denoting a 3.0 or better grade point average for dean's list; military performance average for superintendent's list; and physical education average for the athletics list. The St. Xavier High School graduate is the son of Joanne and Walt Ruther of Anderson Township.

Eight finish basic training

These privates have graduated from Army basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.: Robert Brotten, son of Rashelle Logan of Richmond, Va., and Robert Brotten of Reading; Stephen Spurgeon, Elder High School graduate and son of Debra Spurgeon of Covedale; Joseph Meurer, graduate of St. Xavier High School and Purdue University, and son of Annette and Dan Meurer of Finneytown; Anthony Louderback, an Elder High School graduate; Jonathan Daugherty, a Harrison High School graduate; Arthur Connor III, Wyoming High School graduate and son of Kathy Connor of College Hill and Arthur Connor Jr. of Fort Riley, Kan.; James Jackson, an Elder High School graduate, and Matthew Roche, Oak Hills High School graduate and son of Donald Roche of Delhi Township.

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