The calendar says May, but the thermometer says March. What gives? I’m sure it will balance itself out soon enough and then do what Ohio does: continue to keep us guessing.
But you don’t have to guess what’s happening in the local art scene, I have that for you here, from Ashtabula to Cleveland to Chagrin Falls.
There are many calls for art, new shows and winners to share today, so let’s get right to it.
Stella’s Art Gallery
The awards reception for “Size Matters” at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, was held on May 8 during the monthly Second Friday event, which also included the opening reception for an exhibit in the Annex Gallery.
“Size Matters” is a show that puts a fresh spin on size and shape each year. This year it is small — 10 inches to be exact. Artists must comply or be eliminated, and, unfortunately, some were cut for that very reason. Better luck next time. Entry rules are not guidelines; they are explicit directions meant to be followed.
On to the winners. The Best of Show is “One Woman Show,” a 3D collection by Breda Fallon, presented in a 10-inch diorama format.
The winners in 3D are John Carreon, first place and second place; and Daniel Fishwick, third place.
The winners in 2D are Tatiana Strelnikova, first place; Tracy Parsons, second place; and Sheri Lawrence, third place.
Honorable mentions were presented to Dennis Mastrangelo, Robin Steinbeck and Carol Leikala. For those keeping track, yes, I did get a clay piece accepted into the show. Happy to have it seen.
The June call for art is the return of “The Landscape Show: Real or Fantasy,” and it may include any media. Entries may be dropped off between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on June 4 and 5 and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on June 6. An awards reception is set for 7 to 9 p.m. on June 12.
Here’s a heads up on the new July show: “The H2O Show” requires the focus of the artwork to be water. Think about that one.
Details for shows, classes and more are available at Stellasartgallery.com or by calling 440-266-9111.
Willoughby Arts Collaborative
The Willoughby Arts Collaborative announced a partnership with Pfabe’s Music Academy, 38109 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, to support a busking program this summer.
What is busking, you ask? Simply put, busking is also known as street performance. It can be music, magic, theater or art intended to entertain passersby, who may provide voluntary tips or donations.
The busking station will be located at Erie and Second streets in Downtown Willoughby. The musicians will play, weather permitting, from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning May 21 with Anna Marie. Learn more about her at annamarie.studio/music.
The schedule for performances will be posted at willoughbyartscollaborative.org. Any musicians interested in performing should email BUSKING@willoughbyartscollaborative.org.
Lake Metroparks
Entries for the 39th annual “Amateur Photo Contest and Show” are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily through May 31 at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland.
All photos must be taken outdoors within Lake County. The categories are Landmarks of Lake Metroparks, Lake Erie, Wildlife, Landscape, Floral and Black & White, which can overlap with any of the other categories.
The show will open with an awards ceremony at 1:30 p.m. June 6 and will remain up for viewing through Aug. 2.
For more information, call 440-256-1404 or visit lakemetroparks.com.
Ashtabula Arts Center
The Ashtabula Arts Center is looking for artists for “Chromajourney,” the June juried exhibit, which will highlight one of the seven colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, and will be installed by color category, creating a spectrum across the gallery.
Each artwork should feature a specific color. Artists may enter up to three pieces during regular business hours from May 27 through 30. All media will be accepted.
The exhibit will be open from June 5 through 29. The reception and awards reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 19.
And let’s not forget the Paul and Norma Tikkanen Painting Prize! This competition awards significant prizes for both abstract and realistic paintings. Read more about that here soon, or get the full scoop today at ashtabulaartscenter.org.
Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, is seeking young artists for their fifth annual “Emerging Young Artists” exhibition. By supporting the next generation of artists, the VAC folks hope to help foster the growth and development of the arts in the community.
Artists between 16 and 22 and living in Northeast Ohio are invited to submit one piece in any medium for consideration. The entry fee is $5, and the deadline is June 1. The exhibition will be up for viewing July 10 through Aug. 26.
VAC is offering $500 in cash prizes, and the Best in Show winner will be awarded a solo exhibition in March in its Patron Gallery.
For more information, email gallery@valleyartcenter.org, call 440-247-7507 or visit valleyartcenter.org.
78th Street Studios
It is time for the Third Friday at 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland. 78th Street Studios is the largest art-and-design complex in Northeast Ohio, with 170,000 square feet of art galleries, artist studios, performance spaces, recording studios and more. With all this going on, it’s no surprise it was named Cleveland’s Best Arts Event by Scene Magazine and Best of Yelp Cleveland.
From 5 to 9 p.m. every third Friday, more than 60 venues inside 78th Street Studios open up to present compelling visual exhibits, ambient music, delicious cuisine and pop-up vendors. It is truly a multisensory art experience, with four floors of eclectic architecture and visual displays.
Check it out at 78thstreetstudios.com for helpful tips before you visit.
