The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
VAC, Erie Shores Porcelain Artists among those with big openings
I have lots to share today, but first I want to remind everyone how fortunate we are here in Northeast Ohio. No, I’m not referring to the Snow Belt — which does have a silver lining in that it helps insulate plants for the winter. Quite a blanket when you think about it.
But I digress. I am thankful for the wealth of talented artists that surround us. It can be seen not only in the galleries but in the way we live. There is a special touch of grace to many neighborhoods, businesses, schools and organizations that artists intrinsically add to their surroundings. Lucky us.
We are entering a time of year where holiday shows and art markets provide the opportunity to make a purchase and support the artistic endeavors of our families and friends. Plus, we are supporting our local economy and making our environments a bit prettier in the process.
Look local for your holiday shopping.
Valley Art Center
The 47th annual Juried Art Exhibit at Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 2. Jurors Lee Heinen, Liz Maugans, and Christopher Richards have decided which works will be included in the show and which will receive top honors. Come meet them and the artists.
Remember to check out the VAC gift shop. Local artists have filled it with one-of-a-kind treasures: paintings, prints, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, books, textiles, hand-dyed silk scarves and more. A portion of every purchase benefits Valley Art Center. VAC members receive a 10-percent discount, plus the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting the local art community.
For more information, visit valleyartcenter.org or call 440-247-7507.
Erie Shores Porcelain Artists
This Erie Shores Porcelain Artists Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church, 34201 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills.
There will be a Chinese Auction with baskets of hand-painted porcelain and goodies. Winners need not be present to win. Door prizes, which include hand-painted ornaments, will be given away every 30 minutes, but the person must be present to claim his or her prize. So plan to spend a little time, watch the demos, shop and, hopefully, win a prize.
For more information, call Therese Ryan at 440951-7952 or email her at teryan@ameritech.net.
Stella’s Art Gallery
As the colors fade from our sight, let your work focus on textures, patterns and the play of shadows and light to inspire artwork for the first show of 2019 at Stella’s Art Gallery, 8500 Station St., Mentor: “Black and White.”
Father Time is a creepy old man who sneaks up on us when we pay the least attention, so stay alert and view the world without color. Artworks are due on Jan. 4. The opening reception will be on Jan. 11. I’ll remind you again, but it will be at the peak of the holidays and reds and greens will dominate our visions.
The third Harvest and Holiday Market will be open 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 24, but that does not mean you should wait until then to shop you small local shops. Keep them busy all year long.
Follow Stella’s on Facebook and check stellasartgallery.com for pop-up shows and classes. This is a fast-paced gallery with frequent changes.
Creative Artists’ Association
The Creative Artists’ Association of Lake and Geauga Counties is holding an show at Fairport Harbor Senior Center, 1380 East St. The center is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and the art will be on display throughout November.
CAA is more than 75 members strong and welcomes new folks. If you are an artist or artistically inclined, consider joining an association to further your pursuit. They offer demos and art shows to present your work.
For more information, contact President Patricia Cooley at 440-829-7909 or email Judy Homolish at judehom@gmail.com.
Euclid Art Association
The Euclid Art Association will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 in Fellowship Hall of East Shore United Methodist Church, 23002 Lake Shore Blvd. Guests are welcome for a $3 donation.
Local artist Jacques Payne will demonstrate “The Art of Glass Mosaic.” Glass and wood are his two favorite mediums. Check out his Instagram account for some great photos of his glass works at instagram. com/jacquespjackson.
For more information about EAA, visit euclidart.com, call 216-4818307 or email info@EuclidArt.com.
Gallery at Lakeland
The talented faculty of Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, will open the Lakeland Community College Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15. The show not only highlights the gifted faculty but also represents the various forms of art instruction available at the college.
The FAC-PAC, a band made up of present and retired music department faculty, will perform at the reception.
A highlight of the show will be provided by photographer James Popovic. He will display his entire 40-image USS Cod black-and-white series, “Heroes Lived Here.”
For gallery tours or more information about the gallery or exhibits, contact Mary Urbas at 440-525-7029 or murbas@lakelandcc.edu.
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery, 38721 Mentor Ave, Willoughby, will open a show titled “Cats, Dogs, and Other Critters” with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9.
“All the cutest critters in the world will be represented on our walls and shelves,” owner George Ann Trembour said. “If you like cats, dogs, frogs, giraffes, mice, they will all be here in their most benign state, plus lots of others. If a pet lover needs a gift, come and see the very affordable art available for purchase.”
Artists participating in the show include George Kocar, Gerry Shamray, Marti Snyder, Patti Meyer and Roya Mohammadpour. The show will be up until Dec. 28.
The Art Gallery also offers classes. There will be a watercolor class on Nov. 7 and 14, plus Silk Painting with Gunter Schwegler. Call 440-946-8001 for more information and to register. Space is limited. Both classes are filling up.