The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Art ‘soothes my soul’
Artist and author has work on display at library, profits go to charity
A defined emphasis on color distinguishes the work of artist Chris Cozen whose work is featured in a gallery at Euclid Public Library through September.
Twenty-five of her original paintings are on display in an area near the library’s meeting rooms for patrons’ perusal.
Although dabbling in art since her youth, it wasn’t until retiring from a career in Early Childhood Education and Development that the mostly self-taught artist turned to painting full-time.
Cozen, 73, who lives in Euclid during temperate months and California throughout winter, has authored several books including “Acrylic Color Explorations” and has appeared in numerous informative YouTube videos. She also worked for Golden Artist Colors, Inc. as an instructor and lecturer.
Because of the library’s temporary closure due to the novel coronavirus, the display of Cozen’s artwork was placed on hold for more than a year. Library Marketing and Communications Director Ashley Gowens said she was thankful that the artist was on board to help reopen the exhibit once again.
“It’s something that people look forward to. It’s almost like a staple, like the tank out front,” Gowens said comparing the popularity of the art gallery to that of the military tank located on the library grounds.
Among reasons Cozen said that she wanted to showcase her work is because “art is almost always a positive. For the most part, it doesn’t have a judgement connected with it.”
Working primarily in acrylics and mixed media, her husband Darrell describes the artwork as “(having) a colorful palette and joyful subject matter.”
Euclid Art Association President Lee Peters recently referred to her drawings as “exceptional.”
Along with abstract pieces, elements of nature such as animals and flowers often figure within the more than 1,000 canvases she has created over the years.
Cozen claims that painting can be beneficial in many ways and urges people to pick up a brush and attempt the skill without fear of failure.
“In painting, you don’t have to live with the mistake. You can make it work,” she said, and added that “art can reduce the negative impact of things that happen in your life… It’s therapeutic.
“Art to me is where my happy place lives. It soothes my soul. Painting brings that level of stress down.”
Several of this month’s gallery’s paintings have already been sold with all proceeds being donated to organizations that help people in need, per Cozen’s request.
“I just feel strongly that we should help each other…do kind things for each other,” she said. “Every small thing is important.”
In October, the library will feature artwork from children ages 6 through 16 who attended a summer camp at Art it Yourself, a studio that promotes art and education, in Euclid’s Shore Cultural Center.
Founder Rozenia Cunningham said the library’s gallery is “a wonderful showcase for artists of diverse backgrounds and art styles.”
She also noted that the gallery is essential to building the community while fostering a love for the arts.