The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
It’s still warm enough to get busy out there
Lake Metroparks’ ‘Wild About Nature’ among recently opened exhibitions
Labor Day Weekend is like the white flag of a race, signaling the final lap of summer. If you are still waiting to enjoy the summer, you’d better make it happen soon or you’ll end up counting down to summer 2022.
Gather your painting friends and create an outing. You could be the charter members of the Northcoast Sweat Painters. It’s like the Whiskey Painters, except you dab your forehead instead of a shot glass. (Just kidding.)
Picnics, outdoor gatherings and reunions are on the rise, but distancing and masks are still in play. Accept everyone at their own comfort level. And remember, people in the parks and at events are often categories in photo contests.
My BFF, Wendy, and I have started to take staycation days to discover local specialty shops and eateries. Fairport Harbor is beautiful and offers an outdoor art exhibit through Sept. 19. This year, you will find “Pirates out of Water” throughout the community. About 40 pirates were painted, appliquéed or creatively enhanced and are on posts throughout Fairport.
The seasonal display wraps up with a festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at Memorial Park, 301 Third St. The day will include Fairport’s annual Pop-Up Market, with food trucks, entertainment, artists and craftsmen, and will be followed by the auction of the pirates to benefit future events. Stay in the loop of what’s going on at fairportharbortourism. com.
Downtown Willoughby also is a great place to spend a staycation day. We were lucky to choose the day after the chalk-art event. I do hope that becomes an annual happening. Bookmark downtown-willoughby.com to stay on top of what’s happening.
I hear Ashtabula Harbor also has some great little shops and galleries. It’s next on our list.
There are lots of dates to remember today, as some shows are closing, some are looking for artists, classes are starting, workshops are scheduled and opening receptions are being announced.
Last call to view “Watercolor Ohio 2021: 44th Annual Juried Exhibition” in the Gallery at Lakeland, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. See it before Sept. 10. For more information, contact Mary Urbas, gallery coordinator,at 440525-7029 or murbas@lakelandcc.edu.
Stella’s Art Gallery
It is also last call to view the “Inspired by Northeast Ohio” show at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. And it’s time to deliver entries for “Photography Only,” which calls for art using any photographic technique.
The categories are
Landscape, Cityscape, Seascape, Portraiture (humans or animals) and Macro. Entries may be dropped off from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Photographer Laura D’Alessandro will jury the show.
Stella’s September double play starts with “Photographers Only,” opening in the main gallery with a reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10, followed by “Artist — Art Therapist — Artist,” opening in the Annex Gallery with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 11.
These unique shows will run through Sept. 27.
For more information, call 440- 266-9111 or visit stellasartgallery.com.
Euclid Art Association
The Euclid Art Association kicks off the 202122 season with their first in-person meeting since March 2020. It will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 in Fellowship Hall of East Shore United Methodist Church, 23002 Lake Shore Blvd., Euclid.
The meeting features an acrylic demonstration by
artist Don Reed, “How to Get Texture With a Palette Knife.” Reed started his artistic career in the picturesque state of Maine, where he and his wife, Susan, lived until moving to Northeast Ohio in 2017. He has won many awards in the New England area and is a member of the American Impressionists Society and National Oils and Acrylics Society.
EAA normally meets on the first Monday of the month but is moving back a week due to the holiday.
“Refreshments will be served afterwards,” said Sue Herrie, EA secretary, “allowing time for us to meet and greet and see everyone again. It’s been quite awhile. All are welcome.”
The Euclid Art Association created EAA Sketchers to stay connected to art and each other during COVID-19, meeting monthly in person or via Zoom to create art. The next outing will be at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 26.
Meet at the Jack Frost Donut stand just inside the main entrance before fanning out to explore, sketch and photograph. Return to Jack Frost at 3:15 p.m. to share creations and take group pics.
Two workshops are being offered this fall, a watercolor workshop with artist David Rankin, God Made Winter for Watercolor in October and a collage workshop with Mary “Mo” Mosyjowski in November. Visit EuclidArt. com, click on the Workshops page for complete details and registration.
Lake Metroparks
“Wild About Nature” may be viewed through Oct. 10 at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland. Artwork is available for purchase and includes acrylic and watercolor paintings, jewelry, sculpture, digital art and more.
For more information, call 440-256-1404 or visit lakemetroparks.com/ events-activities/events/ fall-art-show.