As I started writing this week’s column it was sunny and nearing 80 degrees, and as I wrap it up, the wind is howling, and snow is in the forecast. I hope it is pleasant as you are reading today. I think Northeastern Ohioans must have the best sense of humor in the country. Maybe it motivates our creativity. We are certainly not complacent.
I have always thought of variety as the spice of life, and it’s as true of our weather, as it is of our regional art communities. We have such diversity — just look at our museums, the Sculpture Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, Artist Archives of the Western Reserve, SPACES and, of course, the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If I included all the galleries and themed museums, I would not have space for my favorite topic — local artists, shows and galleries.
RRCAA
The 31st annual “Juried Art Show” sponsored by RRCAA and the Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, is on display through May 3 at the library.
Congratulations to the winners in the Adult Division.
The best of Show winner, is Ashley Platt, while Julie Cook earned an honorable mention.
The winners in Drawing: first place, Samantha Barnes; second place, Ashley Terry; and third place, Kim Mononen.
The winners in Painting: Joan Bratt; second place, Robin Borer; and third place, Gayle Denington.
The winners in Photography: first place, Robert Schnaufer; second place, Davie Meacham; and third place, Carly Spence.
The winner in 3D is Mark Rubelowsky, who took first, second and third places.
In the Student Division, the Best of Show winner is Alexa Titus.
Drawing; first place, Emily Sprague.
Painting; first place, Alexa Titus.
Photography: first and second places, Autumn Reynolds.
For more information, call 440-428-5913.
Geauga Park District
Geauga Park District is seeking wildlife- or nature-inspired artists to participate in the Nature & Arts Fest, being held Aug. 6 at the West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township.
This is a juried show, so all applicants must submit at least four images of their artwork, including one of their display booth if available. Applications must be received by April 25. For an artist application, visit bit.ly/gpd-art-apply.
For more information, contact Holly Sauder, special events coordinator, at 440-226-2753 or hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, is presenting two April shows.
“Elements of Texture” is in the Annex Gallery and features painters Michelle Farnworth and Tanya Hough; wood worker Chris Herakovic, who also created Stella’s new entry doors; and black-and-white photographer Joseph John.
“Roots” is in the Main Gallery and invited artists to share their heritage. Artists were asked to share their traditions, culture and ethnic life through art.
Congratulations to “Roots” Best in Show winner Cindy Brewster. Additional winners are first place, Alice Mullins; second place, Cheryl Glubish Brickman; and third place, Ann Dumont. Honorable mentions went to Sharon Fedor, Delinda Mariani, and Tracy Parsons.
Next up at Stella’s is “Functional Art,” art created for use, designed to serve a purpose and with an aesthetic in mind. The genre is remarkably inclusive, encompasing everything from furniture and lighting to dishes, books and game design. Our lives are encompassed by the arts in so many ways.
All mediums are welcome. Artwork will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 4 and 5 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 6. Metal artist Kim Baxter from Flux Metal Arts will jury the show. The awards reception will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 12. For more information, call 440-266-9111.
Cleveland’s Secret Society Comedy will turn Stella’s into a comedy club on April 22 with headliner Brendan Gay. Learn more and purchase tickets at secretsocietycomedy.com.
Cleveland Institute of Art
The Cleveland Art Institute’s “Like Moths to …“ will be exhibited April 28 through 30 at the Hildebrandt Building, 3619 Walton Ave. The exhibition is the result of a course, The Role of the Artist as Producer, taught by Amber Kempton and Jessica Pinsky.
Twenty-three Visual Arts students from CIA have created this multidisciplinary, student-curated exhibition that explores light. It includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, glass, fibers and metal. Students were given free rein to creatively install their work in a space that features floor-to-ceiling windows, dark rooms and corners offering a diversity of options.
The participating artists are Jules Ahern, Rachel Barnes, Johntae Chapman, Brandon Crider, Isabella Dombrowski, M Dailey, Janoi Daley, Grace Gielink, Layla Harris, Zoie Jarem, Zion Monice Jones, Kayla Knepper, Tristen Kovacs, Tamsyn Kuehnert, Danielle Larson, Nat Lenington, Nic Meinhardt, James Negron, DeAnne Smith, Ian Smith, Soleil White, Tumnus Rex and USE_OF_A_BODY. To meet the artists, follow the exhibition on Instagram at @likemoths2.
An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 28. For more information, call Michael C. Butz, director of college communications, at 216-421-7404.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
“Quilts 2023” is at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, through April 30. The show will close with a weekend event, Vendor Days, April 28, 29 and 30, focusing on supplies and tools from local quilt supply shops. Call 440-358-7275 or visit lakemetroparks.com for more information.
Valley Art Center
The Chagrin Valley Jaycees, Give! Chagrin Valley Women’s League and Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, announced the winners of the fourth annual Lyndall Insurance Blossom Time Poster Contest. Broderick Bebout’s pastel chalk piece “The Midway” which will be used to produce posters and other merchandise for Blossom Time.
The second- and third-place winners, Mimi Miller and Pam Spremulli, respectively will receive cash awards provided by Lyndall Insurance.
The festival will be held May 25 to 28 in Riverside Park, Chagrin Falls. For more information, call Valley Art Center 440-247-7507
Euclid Art Association
The next meeting of the Euclid Art Association will be 7 p.m. May 1 at the East Shore United Methodist Church, 23002 Lake Shore Blvd., Euclid. This meeting will include a watercolor demonstration by Jeff Suntala. For more information, call 216-481-8307 or visit euclidart.com.
78th Street Studios
The creative businesses of 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, open their doors and studios for the Third Friday event from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 21. The event is free and open to the public. More details are available at 78thstreetstudios.com.
