If this record-setting arctic abomination of a winter has given you a case of cabin fever, consider making art! Creating soothes the soul and releases tension and anxiety. Just remember that the joy is in the journey. Time has passed and you have released some pent-up energy and maybe even created something you like.
The hardest part is getting started, deciding what to do with materials at hand. I have renewed my love of drawing. It’s slower and more focused than sketching, requiring you to study the subject. That’s why I love drawing nature — it’s something in which I like to immerse myself.
Consider one fun way to get started: Google Zentangle. All you need is paper and pen. I can lose myself for hours Zentangling. And let’s not forget our dear friend Pinterest, where there is always a wealth of ideas to be discovered.
If you are more serious about creating, you will find plenty of calls for art to follow. I’m taking my own advice and have a couple of shows on today’s list that I plan to enter. Good luck to us all. Let’s get to it.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, just revamped its website, showcasing more artists and artworks.
“It is more user-friendly and easier to navigate,” said Dani Klein, Stella’s owner.
Check it out at stellasartgallery.com, where you’ll find calls for art under Events. Plus, if you click on media in the drop-down menu under About, you will find a link to Gallery Glances — just in case you missed one of my columns. (Thank you, Stella’s!)
The February show in the Annex Gallery features David Simmerer.
“His compositions are filled with growing things, creatures, erosion and atmosphere,” Klein said.
Next up in the main gallery is “You Got a Friend in Me,” a celebration of creative partnership that invites duos — friends, partners, siblings, collaborators of all kinds — to submit artwork created together. The theme honors shared vision, trust, dialogue and the magic that emerges when two creative minds meet.
All media are welcome. They are looking for cohesion and originality of the duo’s creative voice.
Artwork for “You Got a Friend in Me” may be dropped off from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 and 6 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 7. The entry fee is $25, with no limit to entries. Grab a friend and create together. The opening reception will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 13, with awards being presented at 8 p.m.
If you follow Ashtabula Art Center’s Paul and Norma Tikkanen Painting Prize competition, with its more than $40,000 in prize money, you may want to sharpen your abstract painting skills with a new class offered by Stella’s. Intro to Abstract Painting with Julie promises to set your mind free. Learn how to create an abstract painting via verbal prompts, intuitive play and spontaneous expression. Painting experience preferred but not required.
Instructor Julie Sheil has exhibited throughout Northeast Ohio. The class will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 28. The fee is $60, and all supplies will be provided.
Get details at stellasartgallery.com or 440-266-9111.
Rabbit Run
The call is out for artists to enter the 34th annual “Juried Art Show.” It’s sponsored by Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and the Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, where the show will be displayed from April 2 through 29.
The show is open to all visual artists in Northeast Ohio. Any high school or adult artist may submit works in any two-dimensional medium. Small three-dimensional works may also be submitted.
The $25 entry fee entitles adult artists to submit up to three pieces of art. The Student Category is for high school students, with an entry fee of $7 for up to three works.
The awards reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. April 8 at the library. A virtual version of the show will be available after the show’s awards reception.
Applications and fees will be accepted at RRCAA, 49 Park St., Madison, from March 9 through 30. Applications and art may be taken to the library from March 23 to 30. Complete details and entry forms are available at rabbitrun.org.
Fairmount Center for the Arts
Support the arts and have a great time doing it. Russell Township-based Fairmount Center for the Arts is celebrating its 55th anniversary with an event on Feb. 21 at the Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls.
The evening begins with cocktail hour at 5 p.m. Expect handcrafted drinks by Melrose Mixers, live music by Danjo Jazz Orchestra, a game of Heads or Tails, a buffet dinner and dessert. Entertainment follows by Fairmount performance groups, including the Fairmount Singers, Fairmount Dance Company and the Fairmount Spanish Dance Company.
This is more than just an exciting evening — it’s a fundraiser with a silent auction and dancing until 9 p.m.
Need a sitter for the kids? Fairmount is offering childcare for kids 3 and up at its main location, 8400 Fairmount Road, for $30 per child. Dropoff begins at 4:30 p.m., with pickup by 9 p.m. Pajamas, pillows and blankets are encouraged for the evening. The children will enjoy pizza, an arts activity and a movie. Sign them up when you purchase your tickets.
Learn more and get tickets at fairmountcenter.org or 440-338-3171.
Geauga Park District
Trevor Wearstler, a naturalist with the Geauga Park District, is combining art and bird identification in a program at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township, from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 15.
“We’ll discuss bird ID and how various artists use field marks,” Wearstler said. “That’s how we can ID a cardinal even if a kindergartener draws one!”
This will be a good way for artists to key in on bird traits and perhaps work toward entering the park district’s “On the Wing…Nature That Takes Flight” community art show. Online applications will be accepted Feb. 12 through March 12. The show will be on display at the West Woods Nature Center from March 28 through July 26.
Learn more at geaugaparkdistrict.org or call 440-286-9516.
The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery, 38721 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, is presenting “LIQUID VISIONS: Watercolor Exhibit” through Feb. 14. The exhibit includes watercolors by Kathy Maxwell, Tim Myrick, Burnell McKenna and Melissa Harris.
Next up is the return of “Mass Hysteria: Night of 100 Wombs.” Entries are now closed, and the selected artworks will be staged for the opening reception, set for 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27.
For more information, call 216-309-5572.