Katherine Venturelli’s show “Universal Language” opening tonight at the University Union Gallery is one of sublime subtlety. A recipient of the R. Bell Printmaking fellowship, Venturelli proves her skill. “Universal Language” uses the mediums of paper and copper to explore symbolic messages.

“We communicate on personal, cultural and spiritual levels with messages which manifest as symbols,” Venturelli writes in her statement. “My intent is to ‘look’ at the meanings of these varied communications.”

“Symbol I” is such a piece. A triangle sits within a reddish box, superimposed upon scribbled notations of a mathematician. “Symbol I” is to contemplate the symbol of the triangle, drawing up themes of the trinity, and relations between heaven, hearth and mankind. This piece is part of a triptych, with “Symbol II” and “Symbol III” featuring the images of a spiral and square. Venturelli’s interpretation of a spiral symbol is of the movement in life, the spiral of life and death and the ultimate return to the center. In contrast, the square represents earth, static energy and integrity.

“Universal Language” features the lunar cycle as another symbolic language. “Luna #18,” “Luna #8” and “Luna #11” are monotypes; also shown are a beautifully-rendered set of etchings with the same theme.

Perhaps the centerpiece of the show is the hand-made books that cross sculptural one-dimensional boundaries. However, don’t expect to be immediately impressed with the show, for the pieces are quiet and their beauty rests on their high level of craft.