A good look: The mesmerizing paintings of Mavis Smith, above, with “XO” (Egg Tempera On Panel, 2015), are on view in a solo exhibition through Dec. 13, Payne Gallery Moravian College, 99 W. Church St., Bethlehem. A selection of the work of the Solebury, Bucks County, artist greets you like watchful sentinels. The eyes of the subjects, who are predominantly female and rendered in egg tempera on panels, seem to follow you around the gallery. The poses exude formalism. The colors are soft. The subjects’ heads sometimes seem too large, exaggerated, floating above hands and arms, often gangly and awkward. The settings recall Renaissance Masters, suggest Botticelli, with a sense of Dali, a hint of Magritte and a touch of Pointillism. The exhibition includes oil and graphite on canvas representations of tangled and twisted roots. Take a good look. Prepare to be intrigued. Gallery hours: noon - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday. Information: 610-861-1491

A Christmas classic: This holiday season, Act 1 DeSales University Performing Arts presents “Merry Christmas, George Bailey!,” Dec. 2 - 13, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, Center Valley. Adapted by James Goode from the original Lux Radio Broadcast of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and directed by DeSales chair of theatre Dennis Razze, the clever take on a Christmas classic is set in a 1940s’ radio studio decorated for the holidays where stage managers, technicians and actors gather to present the timeless tale of George Bailey, the hardworking everyman who once had big dreams, as he comes face to face with his guardian angel Clarence. “This is going to be a delightful evening of theater which is sure to lift your Christmas spirits,” said Razze. “A cast of 30 actors, including four very talented children, tell the story of George Bailey and Clarence the Angel Second Class in a way that is completely fresh and original.” The cast features, above, from left, Brendan Doyle as Clarence the Angel Second Class, Ashley Strohlein as Mary Hatch, and Christopher Skopowski as George Bailey. With sound effects, specialty acts, music, local commercials and audience participation, “Merry Christmas, George Bailey!” is a theatrical spin on the classic film that starred Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey. It’s a family-friendly holiday treat recommended for ages 6 and older. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesdays - Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, with a 9:45 a.m. Dec. 8 performance, followed by a talk-back with director and cast. A talk-back is also after the 2 p.m. Dec. 6 performance. “Dinner with Dennis and Deb,” with Dennis Razze and Act 1 development director Debra Walter, in the DeSales University Center, includes full bar, appetizers, buffet dinner and desserts and discussion of the play after the 2 p.m. Dec. 6 performance. Tickets: desales.edu/act1, 610-282-3192