The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Show of ‘exceptional’ artwork
Local military veterans showcase their talents at event
Creative Space Avon is hosting an art show displaying the artistic talents of local military veterans.
“We have 16 local artists here who are all exceptional,” said Judy Kean, director of the studio at 33760 Lear Industrial Parkway in Avon. “They served this nation in the military and this show highlights their abilities as artists.”
Kean said her father, husband and son served in the U.S. military, so it has a special meaning for her.
“I wanted to show people the great art that veterans are capable of,” she said.
The art show is not designed for therapy purposes.
“This is not a project that is used for an outlet for veterans,” Kean said. “This is a legitimate art show by selftaught professional artists. Some people find it difficult to remove veterans from their service.
“This show displays the talent these veterans have and what they have done after service.”
The show features a wide display of mediums.
“We have photography, woodcraft, stained glass, model making and illustration,” Kean said. “There is a little something for everyone’s tastes. The artwork is of good quality. There are some paintings that are so good they look like photographs.”
Exhibit run from 3-6 p.m., Nov. 8; 8-9:30 a.m., Nov. 14, and 7-9 p.m., Nov. 15, which will feature an artist.
Kenneth Smith, of Elyria, won Best of Show for his painting, ‘Homestead’.
“I did a couple of landscapes for the show,” Smith said. “I majored in illustration at Ohio University from 1967 to 1971. I followed that up with my military career from 1971 through 1975 with the Air Force.
“I was stationed in California which has some beautiful landscapes, but I was too busy to really paint during my service years.”
Smith said he loves the composition of landscapes because they catch his eye and inspires him to paint.
“The field studies make great subjects for the art,” he said. “I’m glad to do shows like this when the opportunity presents itself.”
Kerry Barvincak, of Avon, who served in the Navy from 1967 to 1971, has his art displayed at the show.
“Art has been a hobby of mine for years now,” Barvincak said. “It’s always been something I’ve liked to do. I wouldn’t say I’m a professional by any means, but I enjoy doing it.”
Barvincak provided some of his paintings for the show.
“I did a large American Eagle which is essentially an eagle comprised of an American Flag,” he said. “It’s a design I saw on a TShirt once and thought it was a cool design. I also did ‘Girl Walking in Black,’ which is based on an image I saw of a woman walking to the mountains. I look for what’s interesting and then paint it when I get the chance.”
Barvincak said he also gives away a good amount of what he does.
Keith Peecook, of North Ridgeville, who served in the Navy from 1980-84 and continued on in the reserves until 2007, has fused glass on display at the show.
“I have one that is made in an American Flag pattern, one with the flag’s colors and one that depicts Navy military signals,” Peecook said. “I took a trip to Europe and saw the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and fell in love with glass art.
“I saw how the light reflected from the windows, and I was captivated. I’ve been working with glass work for 33 years now.”
Peecook said he has been commissioned to do unique fused/stained glass projects.
“There are more generic glass lamps and things that can be bought at Walmart,” he said. “My work is more specific and can be made to fit the right dimensions and specifications you’re looking for.
“I’m a retired engineer, so art has provided me a great outlet in retirement.”