Hello, art lovers and artists. There is plenty to see and do in the wonderful month of May. There are art and photography shows to enter and a special art supplies event you won’t want to miss.
Mother Nature has extended an invitation for us to step outside and feel the breeze. The scent of lilacs and hyacinths is in the air, and wildlife is making the most of the season. So should we.
You have until the end of the month to enter Lake Metroparks’ photography contest. All photos must be taken within Lake County and outdoors. Keep reading for details.
That’s enough teasers. Let’s get to what’s happening.
The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery of Willoughby, 38721 Mentor Ave. Suite 1, will hold an opening reception for “Proverbial Vibrations” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on May 9. Light refreshments will be served.
“This will be a solo exhibition by Cleveland-based artist JaQeuz,” said Jacques P. Jackson, gallery owner. “His work examines the human energy field versus personal identity.
“While enjoying the exhibit, patrons can shop for last-minute (Mother’s Day) gifts of jewelry and art for the mothers in their lives.”
The Art Gallery is also seeking artworks depicting the love of family for an exhibit in June. Think of parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, family gatherings and more. All entries must be for sale. Artists may submit up to three images in paint, fiber, ceramic, pastels, metal and wood. Images should be sent, along with title, dimensions and medium, to tagofwill@gmail.com by midnight on May 21.
For more information, call 216-309-5572.
Stella’s Art Gallery
The call is out for “Shape Matters,” the next show at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby.
Stella’s is going full-circle on this one. Actually, they want circles, ovals or cylinders. Entries must remain within the circumference of the round piece of artwork.
Nothing can break beyond the boundary of the circle, oval or cylinder. This includes the frame when framing.
Exhibit-ready entries may be dropped off from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 1 and 2 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 3. The awards reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 9.
The Riverside High School Art IV class has put together an amazing art show. Wander the hallways at Stella’s gallery to see some inspiring artworks. It’s hard to believe some these were done by students. One particularly talented artist, Grace Schneider, was awarded Best of Show honors. Other winners are Annaliese Davies, first place; Olivia Hakola, second place; and Matthew Clem, third place.
One of the things I especially enjoyed about the show was the students’ explanations about the person or feature they depicted and their thoughts surrounding it. Well done, everyone!
Stella’s is putting together an event to help artists eliminate artsy clutter they may have over-accumulated when inspired but no longer need. And the best part: We can all shop for these gently used and budget-friendly items at Stella’s from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10. Come early for the best selection.
The huge inventory includes paints — acrylic, oils and watercolor; canvases; sketchbooks; papers; brushes; palettes; easels; glue guns; stamps; stencils; markers; pens; pencils; and much more.
For more information, visit stellasgallery.com or call 440-266-9111.
Lake Metroparks
It’s time to drop off your entries at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, for Lake Metroparks’ 38th annual “Amateur Photo Contest & Show.” ll images must be taken outdoors within Lake County. The entry deadline is May 31, and the show opens with an awards reception on June 7.
There are two divisions: Adult; and Junior, for ages 14 and younger. Junior has always been an underrepresented group, and I would really like to see it grow.
The categories are Landmarks of Lake Metroparks, man-made or nature-made; Lake Erie, focus on the lake, beach, boating and people; Wildlife, all native creatures, no domestic animals; Landscape, scenic images of nature, may include animals and architecture; Floral, may include insects or animals as they relate to the flower; and Black & White, includes all other categories but printed in black and white.
Only one photograph may be submitted in a single category. Images should be matted but not framed. Entry forms with details, including tips on matting, can be found at lakemetroparks.com.
The Gravel Pit
The new location of The Gravel Pit, once just a block from the Fairport Lighthouse, is now 1968 N. Ridge Road, Painesville. What a fun place to find unique gifts for just about anyone. In addition to blown glass, jewelry, soy candles, vintage décor, clothing, cards, baked goods, games, glasses and just cool stuff, they have a selection of Great Lakes items, including shirts, maps and more.
The Gravel Pit is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, call 440-221-2962 or email thegravelpitllc@gmail.com.
Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, is seeking artists between 16 and 22 and living within 50 miles of Chagrin Falls to submit artwork for consideration in the fourth annual “Emerging Young Artist Exhibition.”
Each artist may submit one piece in any art medium. There is a $5 entry fee. The art will be juried into about 50 works by artist Susan Porges, and $500 in cash prizes will be awarded. Entries must be received by June 17.
There will be two new prizes this year: The Judy Bennett Award for Young Creative Excellence as well as the opportunity for a solo exhibition in Valley Art Center’s Patron Gallery.
For more information, email gallery@valleyartcenter.org, call 440-247-7507, or visit valleyartcenter.org.
Euclid Art Association
The Euclid Art Association will meet at 7 p.m. on May 5 in Fellowship Hall of the East Shore Methodist Church, 23002 Lake Shore Blvd.
Attorney Michael W. Vary will explain how to best protect your artwork in “Protecting Your Artwork, Patents, Copyright & Trademarks.”
Learn more at euclidart.com.
