“Blood Moon,” a work by William Peck, is on display at Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby in the exhibition “Space, Commemorating the Total Eclipse of the Sun.” (Courtesy of Stella’s Art Gallery)
What inspires you to create?
Nature, travel, family and friends; visits to museums and art shows; and new classes certainly offer a plethora of ideas. How about deadlines? They certainly motivate me — especially when it’s time to write.
Nature is reawakening, and with that comes spring strolls through gardens and parks. Birds and blooms are drawing attention, as is wildlife at play. Waterfalls, winding trails and streams surround us in Northeast Ohio. In fact, photography taken outdoors is the common denominator for all categories in the 37th annual “Amateur Photo Contest & Show” at Lake Metroparks’Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland. Read on for more of that.
Are you inspired by family and friends? Creating a surprise for a special occasion or completing a promise. Maybe you are motivated by life events and use art to express what you cannot vocalize. Art therapy is an excellent release of emotions and energy.
Several shows I’m about to share with you today have deadlines, but, first, let’s reward those to have met the deadlines, impressed the jurors and are hoping to impress you with their award-winning and showcased artworks.
Stella’s Art Gallery
“Space, Commemorating the Total Eclipse of the Sun” is up at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. I hope you caught the eclipse, it was an amazing experience.
“This show is out-of-this-world! — very cool and clever pieces reflecting the endless possibilities of space,” said Dani Klei, Stella’s owner. “The show was extremely competitive, with a 40 percent acceptance rate.”
The show was juried by artist Diane Pinchot, who explained the low acceptance rate was due to so many similar pieces being entered. She said she felt the need to select the best of each concept for display.
Congratulations to Best of Show winner Gregory Johnson.
The winners in “Stars, Northern Lights, Planets & Moons” are Patricia Meyer, first place; Michelle Farnsworth, second place; and Tanya Hough, third place.
The first-place winner in “Extraterrestrial, Astronauts, and Pigs in Space” is Diane Fleisch, for her body of work including three paintings. Honorable mentions were presented to Diane Montagino, Willian Peck, Randy Oldrieve and Brigitta Hall.
Next up at Stella’s is the second annual “Functional Art Show,” featuring aesthetic objects serving utilitarian purposes, useful and beautiful. This inclusive genre encompasses everything from furniture and lighting to dishes, books, wearables and more.
The categories are Furniture — desks, tables, lamps, clocks, etc.; Fabric — quilts, tapestries, blankets, etc.; Ceramics and Glass — vases, dishes, platters, etc.; Books, Paper, Game Design — books, cards, handmade paper, board games, etc.; and Wearables — clothes, jewelry, etc.
Entries will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 on May 2 and 3 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 4. An awards reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 10.
For information, call 440-266-9111 or visit StellasArtGallery.com.
Rabbit Run
The 32nd annual “Juried Art Show,” sponsored by Madison-based Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and the Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, os on display through May 1 at the library.
Congratulations to Mark Rubelowsky, Best of Show (adult) winner, with his scrap metal bird sculpture, and Adrien Bradshaw, Best of Show (student) winner.
The winners in Painting are Ralph Bacon, first place, and Joan Bratt, second place.
The winners in Drawing are Nancy Baker and Alexa Titus, tying for first place; Harry Schwentker, second place; and Nancy Baker, third place.
The winners in Photography are J. Pogalies, first place; Joseph John, second place; and David Meacham, third place.
The winner in 3D is Terrie Krotine.
The winners in Stained Glass are Ann Krizman, first place, Vicki Vesel, second and third places.
Raenel Hutton received an honorable mention.
Visit rabbitrun.org for details. A virtual version of the show soon will be available.
Penitentiary Glen
Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 868 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, will accept entries for the 37th annual “Amateur Photo Contest & Show” from May 1 through 4 p.m. on May 31. All entries must have been taken outdoors in Lake County.
I will be returning to the panel of judges this year, and we really enjoy the challenge our local photographers present us with each year. There are two divisions: Adult; and Junior, for photographers 14 and younger.
For more information, call 440-256-1404 or visit bit.ly/lmp-photo-37 for a printable entry form.
‘Africa & Byzantium’ at Cleveland Museum of Art examines ‘understudied’ subject
Gallery at Lakeland
The deadline for artists to digitally enter the 14th “May Show at Lakeland,” held in the Gallery at Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, ends on April 20.
Accepted works then need to be delivered to the gallery on May 3 or 4 for the jury process, where accepted works will be considered for the $4,000 in cash awards.
Laura Domencic, executive director of the Erie Art Museum in Pennsylvania, will be the juror for the show.
The categories are Textiles/Fiber; Glass/Enamel/Jewelry; Photography/Photo Manipulation; Wood/Metal; Ceramics;, Painting; Drawing; Other/Mixed Media; and Printmaking.
The digital entry is being done through ArtCall. Details, including the video “How to Apply,” may be found at lakelandcc.edu/gallery.
The “Lakeland Community College Visual Arts Student Exhibition” is up for viewing through the closing reception, set for 7 to 9 p.m. on April 25.
78th Street Studios
The 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, is a cornucopia of all things art and celebrates it from 5 to 9 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Next up is April 19 — it’s free and open to the public.
Spacious studios and galleries with new exhibits and artworks will be open for you to explore. Also expect food trucks, music and more.
There is so much to see — check it out at 78thstreetstudios.com. Got questions? Email info@78thstreetstudios.com.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Last call: “Quilts 2024” will wrap it up at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Kirtland Road, Kirtland, with Quilt Vendor Days from April 26 through 28. Local quilt shop vendors within the show seill demonstrate the latest tools and techniques in the midst of the stunning array of quilted artworks.
The show is open Tuesday through Sunday, and regular Farmpark admission applies. The farm‘s baby animals are enjoying the spring, as well. Spend the day.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/quilts-2024.