Rust Belt combines art sale, theater event for LGBT community

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rust Belt Theater Company will combine two of its annual events in a free evening of music, spoken word and re-purposed artwork to celebrate the LGBT community. The event will be Friday and Saturday evening at Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave.

Rust Belt combined its REpurposed Art Sale with its original show, “When I Knew and How It Saved Me,’ because the two projects share similar themes, according to theater founder Robert Dennick Joki. “Making artwork out of re-purposed materials is about finding beauty in unlikely places,” Joki said. “‘When I Knew’ is about embracing your inner beauty and rising above adversity.”

The art sale, featuring locally-made recycled jewelry, will begin both nights at 6 p.m. Performances will start at 8 p.m., featuring musical selections from “When I Knew.” Performers will include Marisa Zamary, Kage Coven, Nicole Zayas, Joyce Jones, Terri MacSkimming, Joki, and many more.

A large collection of “coming out” stories, as well as testimonies from LGBT parents and allies will be on display in the lobby both nights.