Take advantage of healing power of nature

Memorial Day has come and gone, signally summertime along the north coast. Activity on and near the lake is in full swing. Parks and playgrounds are open, and people are smiling and talking to each other again.

The take-away from the past two years is that we are more cautious, and often wear a mask when we feel compromised or concerned. Remember that it is just as likely that mask wearers are concerned for our safety as much as their own. And thankfully, we have reestablished the importance of hand washing.

There was also a deeper, sometimes disturbing change happening. I saw this reflected in the recent Riverside High School’s Art 4 Student Show, displayed at Stella’s Art Gallery. Students included comments and explanations of their art with many reflecting their experiences dealing with isolation, loss and social changes in their lives. This show demonstrated how art serves as the catalyst when words fail us.

Nature is a healer, and we all can use a good dose of that. It’s time to get out and enjoy the rebirth of nature. Watching baby birds being fed and young wildlife exploring their world is satisfying and inspiring. Sitting with your sketchbook on a park bench or your backyard is a great way to connect with nature.

Don’t be too fussy. Quick sketches should capture movement, action and shapes. Color notes and comments will help you put field sketches together in a more complete image later. Beautiful days are meant for gathering ideas and motivation. And of course, sand sculptures on the beach.

One of the most popular shows of the area, Art by the Falls, returns to Chagrin Falls next weekend, with dozens upon dozens of artists and fine craftsmen and women.

Another popular event is the Wildwood Fine Arts & Wine Festival, held on the grounds of Wildwood Cultural Center Park, returns June 25. Details below.

Valley Art Center

Last call for surrealist artists to enter Valley Art Center’s, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, “Where are We?” Entry deadline is June 3. Work in all mediums will be considered. Complete entry details at www.valleyartcenter.org or by calling 440-247-7507.

VAC’s 38th Annual Art by the Falls, showcasing fine arts and contemporary crafts, is being held at Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 11 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 12. The event is free and open to the public.

Art lovers can and meet and shop over 120 painters, potters, jewelers, sculptors, fiber artists and other fine craftspeople from around the world. The event is nestled along the banks of the Chagrin River overlooking two waterfalls. Plus, Chagrin Falls is also home to a wealth of independent boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Art by the Falls is always a discovery adventure. In addition to one-ofa-kind art, visitors will enjoy culinary delights, kids and family activities, music, an art raffle and fun surprises throughout the park. Complete details and artist list on the website listed above.

Lake Metroparks

It is an honor for me to be invited back to serve on the judging panel for Lake Metropark’s 35th Annual Amateur Photography Contest this week. I look forward to sharing the winners list and my insights with you in the next Gallery Glances.

Historically, it has always been an excellent show and difficult to judge because of the many talented photographers.

The show will open at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road, Kirtland, with an awards reception at 7:30 p.m. on June 3. Visit lakemetroparks.com or call 440-256-1404 for more information.

Gallery at Lakeland

The 12th Annual May Show in the Gallery at Lakeland, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, is open with an overwhelming guest response that it looked fresh and new.

“Many visitors commented that they enjoyed seeing space around the artworks, that it wasn’t salon-style hung and overpacked with art,” show coordinator Mary Urbas said. “We had a great response to the reception and awards ceremony. We gave out seven awards totaling $4,500, including the $1,500 Best in Show that was awarded to Kristina Walter who teaches art at Shaker Heights High School.”

Congratulations to all the Jurors’ Award winners, each receiving a $500 cash prize: Michael Bacnik, Denise Buckley, Meryl Haring, Timothy Herron, Gwen Waight, and Will Wilson.

“The FAC-PAC (members of our music faculty) played music. The mix of seeing the art in person, artists and patrons reconnecting with each other and listening to live music in The Gallery created such a wonderful vibe. I forgot how magical that was!” Urbas added. “With this year’s $4,500 in cash prizes, the Gallery has awarded over $50,000 in prizes since the show started in 2010.”

For more information contact Urbas at 440-5257029 or murbas@lakelandcc.edu.

Stella’s Art Gallery

The new show in the Annex Gallery at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, “Portholes” by Eva Volf opens with an artist reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 3. The public is invited to attend.

Volf paints realistic seascapes in oil on canvas. This show provides an interesting perspective of the sea through all round paintings, hence the title, “Porthole,” but much bigger. Her love of the sea translates into each painting, capturing the essence of water and the play of light both on and under it.

The main gallery at Stella’s is featuring “The Extended View of The May Show” in conjunction with the Gallery at Lakeland. It showcases 59 pieces of artwork selected from the second round of the 2022 May Show. There will be an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. with awards presented at 8 p.m. on June 10.

It will remain on view until July 2, and be followed by Stella’s popular “Size Matters,” where each year artists must conform to specific sizes or shapes. For more information, visit stellasartgallery.com or call 440-266-9111.

Mentor Civic Center

Mentor’s “Unveiled” exhibit features winning artists from the competition in solo exhibits.