Both the art and the poetry of Michael Loderstedt will be featured in Youngstown.

“Island of Little Truths,” an exhibition of Loderstedt’s art, will be on display through Oct. 23 at Youngstown State University’s Judith Rae Solomon Gallery.

Loderstedt, a Cleveland-based artist and retired art professor at Kent State University, is known for his multidisciplinary approach that spans various media. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and recognized for its thought-provoking commentary on environmental and cultural concerns.

“Island of Little Truths” invites viewers on a journey of reflection, blending elements of photography, printmaking and storytelling. Loderstedt’s work explores themes of memory, ecology and personal narrative, drawing inspiration from his deep connection to coastal environments. His intricate and layered compositions offer a contemplative look at the intersection of human experience and the natural world.

The gallery in Bliss Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Admission is free.

Loderstedt also will be one of the featured authors for Lit Youngstown’s next First Wednesday Reader Series event.

Loderstedt’s debut book of poetry, “Why We Fished” (Redhawk), received the UK Poetry Book Award’s silver award in 2023. Other poems recently have been published in the NC Literary Review (James Applewhite Prize), Muleskinner Review, Naugatuck River Review and Bangalore Review. He received an Ohio Arts Council Fellowship in Literature in 2020.

Also reading will James B. DeMonte, whose books include “Where Are You People From?” and “Brotherhood.” He teaches English and directs international education at Lakeland Community College. DeMonte lives in Kent with his wife and four sons.

The reading starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the trophy room at Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, and it will be followed by an open mic co-hosted by Lauren Lenio. Admission is free. The trophy room is accessible only by stairs.