The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Shows in March to celebrate art from, inspired by women
Valentine’s
Day has come and gone, but love is still in the air and on display at Stella’s Gallery in Willoughby.
It was a privilege for me to jury “Love is . . .” at Stella’s last week. I loved the varied interpretations of this powerful emotion at play in the entries. From the delightfully designed tennis 3-D entry by record (not recording) artist Jeff Sivyer, which included a vinyl 45 of “Game of Love,” to the sarcastic digital entry by Cheryl Brickman, “Love Is Just a Word,” to Tracy Parsons’ lonely figure in the fog, “Brighton 1946.”
Touching memories, heartfelt loss and flaming passion ruled the show.
My thanks to all who entered; I truly enjoyed the depth of your work.
Read on for the winners.
March is just around the corner, and new shows require fresh artworks. Galleries will be celebrating Women’s History Month with shows dedicated both to women artists and to works highlighting women.
Are you ready to share your talents? Make 2021 the year you allow yourself to be appreciated. I know many talented artists who are so critical of their own work that they choose to cloister it at home. Stop that! Art grows when it’s shared.
We learn when we talk about what we like and dislike about our own and others’ artworks. It inspires and helps us all grow as an art community, and Northeast Ohio is blessed with both talent and inspiring scenery.
Perhaps you just want to take a baby step and work small — postcard small. Wickliffe Library, 1713 Lincoln Road, has jumped on the mail art bandwagon. Mail art is an artistic movement centered on sending smallscale works of art through the postal system. This is a fun way for all ages to stay connected during the pandemic.
Pick up a postcard at the library and draw, paint, stamp, collage or do whatever your creativity dictates and mail it back by March 1 for it to become part of a community exhibit.
Call 440-944-6010 for more information.
Stella’s Art Gallery
The monthly changing shows and variety of classes at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, keeps the gallery hopping. There’s always something new to see.
And once we get past the pandemic, Willoughby will be treated to some outrageously fun events as Stella’s brings music and activities back to its Second Friday opening events. But in the meantime, play it safe, keep your distance and mask up. (By the way, Stella’s sells artist-made masks.)
On to the winners of “Love is. . .” Best of Show goes to Pat Carroll Bonander.
Here are the winners in 2-D: first place, Cheryl Brickman; second place, Tracy Zakraysek; and third place, Tracy Parsons.
The winners in 3-D: first place, Jeffrey Sivyer; second place, Linda Janosko; and third place, Luanne BoleBecker. Winners in Photography: first place, Cheryl Brickman; second place, Luane Bole-Becker; and third place, Linda Janosko.
Honorable Mentions were awarded to Cynthia Brewster and Carole Pitts.
Get busy. The next show, “In Honor of Women,” will focus on works created by women or by those who love them. Artists are requested to include a statement about their artwork and the person it is honoring. The categories include 2D, 3D, photography and mixed-media.
Artwork will be accepted from 1 to 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 6. Learn more at stellasartgalley.com.
Ashtabula Arts Center
“Art in Isolation” is on display through Feb. 27 at Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., and is viewable online at ashtabulaartscenter.org. Check it out.
Lisa Ruschman juried the show, selecting Nancy Baker’s “Solitary Celebration” as Best in Show. Winners in Painting: first place, Judy Campbell; second place, Juniper Mainelis; third place, Ralph Bacon; and honorable mention to Susan Snipes.
The winners in Graphics: first place, Linda Janosko; second place, Kaitlyn Kirchmeir; and third place, Angel Kaiser.
The winners in 3-D; first place, Diane Montagino; second place, Rebecca Stowell; and third place, David Gildersleeve.
First place in Fiber went to Mattie Dramis and second place to Rosemary Humphrey.
The winners in Mixed Media: first place, Dennis Mastrangelo; second place, Diana Montagino; and third place, Julie Cook.
AAC is also celebrating Women’s History Month. Entries for the “Women’s Show” are limited to work done by women and will be accepted Feb. 24 and 25. The show, juried by Lisa Burroughs, will open March 3.
RRCAA
Artists are being sought for Rabbit Run Community Arts Association’s 29th annual “Juried Art Show,” held in conjunction with Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Adult and student work in drawing, painting, photography and 3-D will be accepted at the library during regular hours March 22 to 29.
The show will open March 31, and an awards reception is planned for April 7. Call RRCAA at 440-428-5913 for more information.