Valley Art Center raising funds via ‘HotChocolate@Home’

Love is in the air. If you haven’t been in the stores, turned on the TV or listened to the radio, you may not be aware of the rapidly approaching celebration of love: Valentine’s Day. Sweets and floral enticements surround us.

Expressions of love also are in the galleries. Artists have refreshed their works from Christmas themes to one of love and relationships.

Galleries carry unique cards, as well as gift items from jewelry and clothing to paintings and sculptures to functional items such as mugs and platters. And of course, the one size fits all: the gift card. Many are available online.

Take a class with someone you love. Time spent together is more precious than ever. There are many special offerings — and not just for Valentine’s Day. I’ll mention a few as I list gallery happenings in this column.

There is so much to love about life, our families, pets, collections, partners and, if you’re lucky, even your job. Express your love of self by eating healthy, exercising, washing your hands often and masking up. All for one and one for all.

Valley Art Center

The Valley Art Center’s annual “Student and Faculty Art Show” is open and can be toured in person at 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, or virtually from a link on the website or Facebook. The show will be up through March 10.

Reservations can be made for groups of 10 or less for a guided personal experience by calling the office. Be sure to end your tour with a stop in the gift shop for unique gifts created by local artists. I’m sure you are aware of how increasingly important it has become to shop as close to home as possible, supporting our own communities.

VAC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

You are invited to party your support of the Valley Art Center via the 50thanniversary celebration “HotChocolate@Home.” Their goal is to raise $50,000 to begin the second 50 years of providing artistic opportunities to the community. A pledge of $25,000 in matching funds hopefully will entice supporters to step up and buy a “Hot Ticket” online or in the gift shop. Purchase by Feb. 5 and you get an invitation to the premiere of their virtual 50th-anniversary celebration hosted by TV personality Jan Jones.

Visit at valleyartcenter. org or call 440-247-7507 for more information.

Stella’s Art Gallery

Love is always in the air at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, but it’s even more evident in February.

Personally, I love taking classes with family and friends. I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by artsy people my entire life and have made many new friends by immersing myself in the arts. My advice: learn by doing. Artist and instructor Bob Ross had it right when he said, “We don’t make mistakes — we just have happy accidents.”

If you are not familiar with the iconic teacher, please Google him and watch a video. He is the best inspiration to paint I know.

The deadline is here for Stella’s February show, “Love Is...” The categories include 2-D, 3-D and Photography. Artworks will be accepted from 1 to 7:30 Feb. 5 and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

“We are looking for your definition of the emotion, love — the good, the bad, the ugly and the wonderfulness of love,” said gallery owner Dani Klein.

I’m passionate about art. That’s why I write this column, and perhaps that’s why I was invited to jury this show.

I’m looking forward to seeing how you depict the intangible emotions of love, the fiery passion, the comfort of a safe embrace, the despair of loss, the quarrel of compromise. Love is many things, and many things are loved. It can be splendid or heartbreaking. It’s Valentine’s Day! Gift me with the emotional power of art!

Stella’s is a great place to find small classes in a variety of media. They have dozens of artists exhibiting and teaching.

“We are starting to offer a few more classes, yet keeping numbers low for social distancing,” Klein said. “We are launching our Creator’s Corner where people can enjoy glazing ceramics or painting a canvas. It will be self-led so people can come at any point during our gallery hours ... but, of course, we will provide some instructions if needed. There will be a small fee per project they select.”

FYI – I’ve seen the Creator’s Corner and there is a wealth of ceramic pieces to choose from including fun frogs, crocodiles, fairy doors and much more. This would be a great one on with a parent and child, or Aunt Lysa and niece (hint, hint).

Visit www.stellasartgallery.com or call 440-2669111 for more information. Show themes for all 2021 are posted on the website.

Ashtabula Arts Center

What did you do when you with your home alone time in 2020? Ashtabula Arts Center’s 2928 W. 13th St., asked and the results can be seen in the newest exhibit, “Art in Isolation,” opening Feb. 3.

Check it out in person or online, everything seems virtual these days. While you are online check out their class offerings and details to enter the March “Women’s Show.” AAC will celebrate Women’s History Month by featuring artworks created by women. Entries will be accepted Feb. 24 and 25.

All media is eligible and cash prizes will be awarded. Learn more atashtabulaartscenter.org.