Five-component ‘Clay 5’ rolls on in Northeast Ohio

Oh my, how did it get to be October already?

I thought I’d better mention it because if you walked into a store, it would be hard to tell. As expected, there are plenty of Halloween costumes, candy and decorations, but the Thanksgiving stuff might make you think it’s November. And — Lord help us — the Christmas trees are on display!

So remember, you heard is here, it’s just early October, not December. But alas, in just the blink of an eye the seasons will change again.

There are also calls for artists, from places including Valley Art Center and Stella’s Art Gallery, that you should be prepared to answer.

Congratulations to Stella’s Art Gallery, by the way. They were named Best of Cleveland for their Kids Art Classes by Cleveland Magazine. ‘Clay 5’

The five-location extravaganza “Clay 5: A Clay Tour through Northeast Ohio” features five different exhibitions; three opened in September and the last two open this weekend.

“Wood-Fired Ceramics of Northeastern Ohio” is at the Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls. “Made of Clay” is in the Gallery at Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. And “Recast,” curated by Mary Urbas, the creator of “Clay 5,” is in the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, 1834 E. 123rd St., Cleveland.

Lastly, “Ceramic Invitational” is a pop-up show at Article Gallery, 15605 Waterloo Road, Cleveland — in the Waterloo Arts District. Also curated by Urbas, it opens with a reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5.

All “Clay 5” exhibits will remain open for viewing through Nov. 2.

Waterloo Arts District

Speaking of Waterloo Arts District, “In the Pursuit of Beauty: Work by Susan Gallagher” opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at BRICK, Ceramic and Design Studio, 420 E. 161st St., Cleveland. It is curated by Val Grossman. Get more information at brickceramics.com.

Stella’s Art Gallery

The monthly changing exhibits at Stella’s Art Gallery, 8500 Station St., Mentor, should keep it on your regular visit list.

It’s in the Matchworks Building, which also is home to Perkatory Coffee House. Its steampunk theme ties well with the building and makes it the perfect place to grab a bite and a brew to discuss the art.

The next show at Stella’s, “Oddball Art,” wraps itself around unusual art. Talk about subject to interpretation. This should be interesting.

Works will be accepted Oct 5 and 6. Download the application from the Call for Artists page at stellasartgallery.com. The entry fee is $15 for one or $30 for two or three artworks.

The show opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 12.

Also, the October Harvest and Holiday Market will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Oct. 12 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13. Applications for the next market — Nov. 9 and 10 — will be accepted until Oct. 31.

Here are the winners of the current exhibit, “Northeast Ohio.” Painting: first place, Eva Volf; second place, Cynthia Brewster; and third place, Mark Badzik.

Photography: first place, Jack Koch; second place, Zachary Hoon; and third place, Jamie Goldstein. Mixed Media: first place, Cat Swartz; second place, Julie Cook; and third place Micheline Guerriero.

Call Stella’s at 440-2669111.

Valley Art Center

The 47th annual Juried Art Exhibit at Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, is open to artists living within a 250mile radius.

More than $1,000 in cash is awarded for Best of Show, first, second and third places and several community-sponsored awards, including the Hardy Watercolor Award and the Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award.

There is a change in this year’s entry procedure. Artists will be submitting their art pieces digitally rather than delivering them to be juried in person. Each artist may submit up to three pieces in any art medium. Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Oct. 12. There is a $15-perpiece entry fee, and up to three pieces may be submitted per artist.

VAC typically receives about 300 pieces of artwork, including 2-D and 3-D works. The collection is then narrowed down to around 100 artworks. The show is open to all media.

The jurors for this year’s exhibit are Lee Heinen, Liz Maugans and Christopher Richards.

Find Valley Art Center on the web at valleyartcenter.org or call 440-2477507.

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery, 38721 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, is preparing for a spooktacular show by the evercreative George Kocar. Known for his twists on Halloween themes, he will unveil some new Halloween frights in “October Work by George Kocar.” It opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct 12.

For more information, visit artgallerywilloughbyoh.com or call 440-9468001.

Creative Artists’ Association

The Creative Artists’ Association of Lake County is welcoming new members. If you are an artist or artistically inclined, consider joining an association to further your pursuit.

They offer special demonstrations and art shows to present your work. Dues are $25 annually, $22 for seniors.

The next CAA meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. It will feature a presentation by David Rankin, a prolific local artist.

They are also planning an art show next month at the Fairport Harbor Senior Center.

For more information, call Pat Coolie at 440-8297909 or email Judy Homolish at judehom@gmail. com.