Warm up with ‘Quilts 2019’ at Lake Metroparks Farmpark

If the return of freezing temperatures has you dreaming about curling up under a warm blanket, I have the perfect show for you. “Quilts 2019” just opened at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, and these stunning works of fabric art are indeed what dreams are made of. Just looking at them will warm your spirit. Read on for show details.

These dreadful late-winter days make thoughts of spring feel more desperate. Who else is tired of browns and greys? Yes, cabin fever is kicking in. Warm, cheesy carbs may feel good for a moment, but dig deep and pull up some self-control. (I’m talking to myself, but I don’t think I’m alone.) There is even more satisfaction to be had by pulling out the sketch book and heading to a greenhouse or museum for some serious, or playful, sketching. Colored pencils will brighten the day even more.

Need a location? I love Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, 750 E. 88th St., Cleveland. It’s free and easy to find — just off the Interstate 90 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive exit. The display of forced spring bulbs should be on display soon, and the orchid room and tropicals are always a delight.

Speaking of orchids, “Orchid Mania” is at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, until March 10. There are thousands of fascinating blooms to get your creative juices flowing. Fashions inspired by orchids and created by Kent State University fashion design students are included in the displays, and silk paintings by Gunter Schwegler are hanging in the Guren Gallery. For more information, visit cbgarden.org or call 216-721-1600.

If your daytime schedule is too busy to add a trip, just add flowers to your shopping list and bring the still life home to you. Buying flowers at post-Valentine’s Day sale prices — now there’s a win-win proposition even if you don’t pick up a pencil.

If you require more motivation, want to try something new or just need a way to jumpstart your enthusiasm, sign up for a class! Valley Art Center, in Chagrin Falls, and Stella’s Art Gallery, in Mentor, always have something going on.

I am taking my own advice here and am looking forward to getting my hands messy in some clay at Stella’s next week.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark

The 28th annual “Quilts” show at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, includes works from nationally known featured artist Karen Eckmeier and a juried collection of regional quilters. “Quilts 2019” is on display Tuesdays through Sundays until March 10. The show also will be open Presidents Day, Feb. 18. Farmpark admission or membership applies.

Wrap your mind around the vibrant beauty of these quilted works. You will see traditional bed quilts, contemporary wall art and apparel. Plus, the story behind the creation is posted with artists information.

Congratulations to the winners: Best of Show, Shirley Tchou, Pepper Pike; Best Hand Quilting, Kimberly Gregory, Rock Creek; Best Machine Quilting, Joanne Fox, Canton; Judge Linda McCuean’s Choice, Michele Merin, Solon; Judge Ron Sieloff’s Choice, Suzanne Carrigg, Eastlake. Congrats, too, to the dozens more also recognized for their superior work. Visit lakemetroparks.com/events for a complete list of winners, show specials, workshops and more.

Meanwhile, Eckmeier is an award-winning quilter, international teacher and author. Her no-stress approach to playing with fabric has students leaving her workshops with an “I can do that” attitude. Check out her books about patterns “Happy Villages,” “Accidental Landscapes,” “Wiggles & Waves” and “Wearable Waves” and register for her workshops March 6 through 10, which includes an evening program on March 9. Register online or call 440-3587275.

The annual Quilt Vendor Event is set for March 1, 2 and 3. It’s a quilters paradise of quilts, demonstrations and an opportunity to shop for all your quilting needs.

Geauga Park District

The return of Geauga Park District’s “discARTed Recycled Art Exhibition” promises more than 200 pieces of artwork at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87) in Russell Township. Meet the Artists at the opening event, featuring music performed on instruments made of recycled materials, from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 17.

The show will run through April 15. In addition, just down the road, Artisan Corner Gallery, 11110 Kinsman Road, will present a companion collection of handmade artwork made from recycled medium by “discARTed” artisans.

For more information, call 440-286-9516 or visit geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Valley Art Center

“Identity: PLACES” is open for viewing through March 6 at Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls.

The winners are Best in Show, Jennifer Leach, Cleveland Heights; First Place, John Paul Costello, Cleveland; Second Place, Nancy Minter, Chagrin Falls; Third Place, Kathy Simone, Chagrin Falls; Elsie and Byron Lutman Award, Wally Kaplan, Beachwood; Hope Emerling Watercolor Award, Judy Yen, Strongsville; Russell Hardy Watercolor Award, David Randall, Chagrin Falls; and the Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award: Abstract Painting, Marti Higgins, Orange Village.

Honorable Mentions were presented to Tim Gilbride, Akron; Michael High, Chardon; Patt McClain, Chagrin Falls; John Saile, Cleveland; Melinda K.P. Stees, Chagrin Falls; and Antwoine Washington, Richmond Heights. Check out the show and the gift shop.

Feb. 21 is the deadline to enter VAC’s 36th annual Art by the Falls, held June 8 and 9. The call for artists to enter “Observation: CONSERVATION” is open until March 8.

This new shows calls on artists to create works inspired by observation and conservation. It serves as an open invitation to get out and explore nature to look for what threatens the future of our fields, forests and wetlands, and how you envision their protection.

All mediums and styles are eligible, up to three pieces may be entered and there is a $15-per-piece entry fee.

Visit valleyartcenter.org or call 440-247-7507 for more information about classes, shows and exhibiting your artwork.

Stella’s Art Gallery

“Pop Culture,” the February exhibit at Stella’s Art Gallery, 8500 Station St., Mentor, opened last weekend with a reception honoring the artists and presenting awards.

Winners: Best in Show, Anna Evans; First Place, Beth Lynne; Second Place, Jeanette Sulak; Third Place, Nick Beebe, Honorable Mention to Julie Cook; and a special Emerging Artist award to 13-year-old Jacob Mariani, whose work does not suggest creation by a younger artist.

Next up at Stella’s is “Art Inspired by Music.” Artworks will accept artwork between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on March 1.

For information about the gallery, call 440-2669111 and stellasartgallery.com.

COURTESY OF LAKE METROPARKS “Aegean Memories,” a quilt by Karen Eckmeier, is on display in “Quilts 2019” at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Eckmeier is the featured artist of the show.