The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Let’s talk about buying art, shall we?
As I write about local artists and galleries, I sometimes take a step back to remember what it was like when I was a novice and learning the basics myself. That thought process usually is about creating art, but not today.
It can be difficult for an artist to put a price on his or her artwork and deal with finding a buyer who shares the value placed on it.
Today I ask, how do you buy art? Are the walls bare, and something just needs to fill the space? Are you looking to add a spot of color to the décor? Are you investing in a collectable artist or supporting an up-and-coming artist? Why do you need it?
Buying art should be deeply personal — it should reflect some facet of your life or personality. The best pieces will reach out and make you feel something. It could ignite a passion, trigger a memory, provide a sense of calm or just depict something you like.
It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that my home is filled with nature-inspired art: florals, wildlife (especially foxes) and lots of trees. Even family portraits are often staged outdoors. Art provides emotional warmth to my environment.
There is also functional art such as platters and pottery, and wearable including jewelry and fabric. Much to consider.
Here are a few tips I hope will help with your art shopping. Figure out what you like by visiting museums and art galleries. There are many different periods and styles to consider, from bold abstracts and soft impressions to paintings so realistic you think it’s a photograph. And, of course, photography offers even more choices.
Gallery One, 7003 Center St., Mentor, is a great local resource for regional and internationally collected artists. There is an immense amount or work on display, including prints, giclees and originals. Plus, even more images and artist information can be found on their website, galleryone.com.
Owners Norah Lynne and Alan Brown and their staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. This is especially useful if you are buying as an investment and need to make smart decisions. Gallery One also does a great job matting and framing.
If you are looking for original work from local artists, look to smaller galleries, shows and competitions. One of the best new locations is Stella’s Art Gallery, 8500 Station St., Mentor. They showcase dozens of artist and provide monthly themed exhibits and events.
It’s wise to set a budget and remember that size does matter. Think about where it will hang or be displayed and measure the space. If you are planning to group images on a wall, look for a common thread in colors, subject or framing. Are you busy creating? Entries to Lake Metroparks’ 32nd annual Amateur Photography Contest will be accepted May 1 through 31 at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland. Entries can be submitted and payment made at the Information Desk from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Download the entry form from lakemetroparks.com.
And the deadline to enter the ninth annual “May Show at Lakeland Juried Art Exhibition” at the Gallery at Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, is just two weeks away.
More Lakeland
The Lakeland Community College Visual Arts Student Exhibition is up in the gallery and has been judged.
This year, 88 students were accepted into the show in the categories of Fine Arts, Graphic Design and Photography and received $5,200 in Talent Grant Scholarships.
Cast awards totalling $1,300 were funded with nearly $900 from donations from the artists who participated in the Annual Holiday Artists Market at Lakeland in December. Dodd Camera and Flux Metal also donated certificates.
Top honors go to Eva Polzer, Best in Fine Arts; Michael W. High, Best in Fine Arts — Continuing Student Achievement Award; Andrew DeBus, Best in Drawing; Abbey Scoville, Best in Painting; Hap Howle, Best in Advanced painting; Hannah Witt, Best in 3-Dimensional Media; John Heinsons, Best in Jewelry/Metals; and Annette Cappelli, Best in Advanced Jewelry/ Metals.
In Photography, $300 Talent Grants go to Stacey Ceboll, Tim Lazanich, Lauren Mlack, Meghan Morris and Marcus Reider. A $200 Talent Grant went to Marleina Jaros, while a $200 cash award went to Ekaterina Cratcha. A $100 Gift certificate from Dodd Camera went to Ekaterina Cratcha. Erin Cooper received a $200 gift certificate for her seven-piece body of work.
Geauga Park District
Geauga Park District’s West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township, is hosting a new exhibit, “2 Friends,” that includes paintings, drawings, photos and mixed media.
The two friends are painters Susan Hood and Sheila R. Dorris. They will on hand for a meet-andgreet open house from 2 to 4 p.m. April 21. The exhibit will remain on display through July 24.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, call 440-286-9516 or visit geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 8500 Station St., Mentor, opened “Life, an Earth Day Celebration” last weekend. It’s a beautiful show featuring local talent of all ages. The show depicts life with floral images, seascapes, landscapes, and animal life. It represents various media, including 3D and upcycle.
Top honors for the show go to Leslie Spinelli, First Place; Lisa Ruschman, Second Place; Ron Berzonsky, Third Place; and Honorable Mentions to Vinnie, 7, and RJ, 8, for their recycled 3D pieces.
More shows are coming up, and the search for participating artists is out. Check out stellasartgallery.com for a list of future themes and deadlines.
RRCAA
Check out the 27th annual Juried Spring Art Show presented by Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and Madison Public Library, which is on display through May 2 at the library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road.
Congratulations to Best in Show winner Nancy Nelson Brotz in the adult division.
Winners in Painting are Robin Borer, First Place; Mary Gut, Second Place; and Tracy Zakraysek, Third Place.
The winners in Photography are Dee Davis Riley, First Place; Richard Bailey, Second Place; and Sally Malone, Third Place.
First Place in 3D was won by Nancy Nelson Brotz.
In the student division, Halle Leroux won Best in Show. Winners in Painting are Isabel Quinata, First and Second Place; and Halle Leroux, Third Place.
In Drawing, Hayley Petro won First and Second Place, and Amber M. DePoy took Third Place.
For more information, call RRCAA at 440-4285913 or the Madison Public Library at 440-428-2189.