The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Stella’s ‘Black and White Show’ fits the season
Here we are wallowing in the gloom of winter.
Economic uncertainty.
Schools open. Schools closed.
Stimulus. No stimulus. More stimulus. Virtual everything. We don’t even shop anymore. We just mask up to go out and gather supplies.
Christmas lights are off ... mostly.
We’re looking for spring, or snow if you prefer, but both are still out of sight. I guess it’s time to search for the silver lining.
Let me get you started. The days are getting longer. Seed and garden catalogs are adding color to the mailbox. And we have plenty of winter left and will no doubt be covered by snow repeatedly.
But the golden lining is that you have the ability to color your own world. Paint a room or a canvas — or consider the wall your canvas and paint a mural.
New classes are starting in the art centers and galleries. Please check them out; you’re sure to make some surprising discoveries.
Gallery One
It’s time for a housewarming. After nearly 50 years on Center Street in Mentor, Gallery One has set up shop just about a mile away, at 8600 East Ave. Custom framing, shipping and receiving are back up and running, phone and online orders are back on track, and the list of artists continues to grow.
Alan Brown, owner and president, says he is determined to provide the best prices and service possible. So much so that if you find a piece from an authorized dealer up to 30 days after your purchase, he will match the price and give you $50 off your next fine art purchase.
Learn more at galleryone.com or call 440-2551200 or 800-621-1141. Stella’s Art Gallery Orange and brown certainly are the dominant colors of the season — the NFL’s playoff season, that is. But you won’t see them when you enter the showroom at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Nor will you see scarlet and grey. I take that back — grey is allowed, but no scarlet in “The Black and White Show.”
Congratulations to Barbara Martin, creator “Noble Sage,” winner of Best in Show at the fourth annual “Black and White.” The gallery is full of interesting artworks holding true to the theme presented by nearly 30 artists.
The winners in Photography are Cheryl Brickman, first place; Jeff Leske, second place; and Denyse Renee, third place.
The winners in 2-D are Tracy Parsons, first place; Britte Franz, second place; and Linda Janosko, third place.
The winners in 3-D are Carol Leikala, first place; Luanne Bole-Becker, second place; and Andy Tubbsing, third place.
Artists are being sought for the February show, “Love Is...”
“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.
What is love? How do 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 in many ways. It’s up to you, my friends, to create it.
And it will be up to me, Cathee Thomas (thank you for the invitation, Dani), to jury the emotional power of the artworks presented. Show me what you’ve got, people.
The categories include 2-D, 3-D and Photography. Artworks will be accepted from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6. The application is available at stellasartgallery.com.
Visit the website or call 440-266-9111 for more information. Show themes for all of 2021 are now posted on the website, under the “Call for Art” tab.
Ashtabula Arts Center
The deadline is just around the corner to get your work completed and ready to enter Ashtabula Arts Center’s “Art in Isolation,” opening Feb. 3. Entries will be accepted Jan. 27 and 28 at AAC, 2928 W. 13th St.
We’ve had nearly a year to experience the feelings of isolation, seclusion and pandemic-induced quarantine. Let your emotions flow into your artworks.
AAC’s current exhibit, “Foie Gras: The Art of Michael DiFranco,” provides abundant color to these dreary winter days. DiFranco is an Ohiobased artist who has spent the last decade in the Ashtabula area. Working mainly in acrylics, his work focuses primarily on the techniques of old masters
and employs elements of cubism and surrealism. It is quite evident he is inspired by the works of Goya, Picasso, Bacon and Condo.
This is his second solo exhibit at the AAC, and it may also be viewed virtually from a link on the center’s website.
In March, AAC will celebrate Women’s History Month with the “Women’s Show,” featuring artworks created by women. Entries will be accepted Feb. 24 and 25.
All media is eligible for both shows. Cash prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each category and for Best in Show. Applications for both shows are available at ashtabulaartscenter.org.
For more information, call 440- 964-3396.
Valley Art Center
Escape into art — with
hot chocolate and friends — to support the Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, as they launch their 2021 fundraiser, which celebrates 50 years of providing artistic opportunities to the community. Party at home and share pictures with VAC.
The “Hot Chocolate @ Home” 50th-anniversary celebration is a monthlong event studded with opportunities to win great door prizes, including delicious Nestle gift baskets, and a free VAC class.
Supporters — aka party hosts — buy a “Hot” ticket online or in the gift shop at VAC and are entered in the drawings. If you purchase by Feb. 5, it includes an invitation to the premiere of their “Virtual 50th Anniversary Celebration” hosted by local television personality Jan Jones.
Double down this year. VAC has received a pledge of $25,000 in matching funds, so the goal to raise $50,000 in honor of VAC’s 50th anniversary could be halfway there. They just need you.
Visit valleyartcenter. org or call 440-247-7507 for more information. The gallery and gift shop are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
The annual student & faculty exhibit opens Jan. 29.