I hope you are feeling all warm and cozy, settled in with a warm beverage, with time to relax and read. Long nights are here, but that just limits daylight adventures.
Christmas displays are going up, local artists are hosting home shows and mini markets with other artists AND greens workshops are being offered, in addition to all the regular classes and shows.
I mentioned greens workshops, so here’s a tip from Cathee the Gardener. Now is the time I trim my holly bushes and evergreens. I have patiently waited to prune them so I can use my cuttings in arrangements, swags, wreaths or whatever inspires me.
One of my favorite ideas is to cut annuals off at the soil line in my big patio pots. Leave the soil in place to hold your new greens arrangement. Next, add some ornaments or trimmings to say “Thanksgiving” and then swap them out for Christmas. Tackle this project before the soil freezes.
Here’s a win-win idea: Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers or a flowering plant to create a still-life model to sketch or paint. It does not need to be a finished piece to hang — that would be a delightful bonus. But it will serve as a pretty display, plus an invitation to sit and study the details and collect these references for future works.
Lots to share again: calls for art, new shows, receptions, and pop-up shows for the holidays. Please consider supporting our amazing local artists during this gifting season.
Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St. , Chagrin Falls, will open its 54th annual “Juried Art Exhibition” with a public reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7.
It was quite an honor for an artist to be included in the juried show, the longest-running Northeast Ohio. Nearly 500 entries were received from artists living within 250 miles of Chagrin Falls, and only 50 artists were selected. The artworks represent a range of media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, fiber and photography.
Getting from accepting the entries to opening the show takes time and effort, much like the work the artists put into their creations.
Three jurors brought their discerning eyes and a marvelous mix of insight and expertise to jury this year’s competition. They are Pita Brooks, director of operations at Cleveland’s SPACES Gallery; Benjamin Lambert, Berea-based ceramic artist and educator; and Susan Snipes, interdisciplinary artist and director of UNDERSTORY at 78th Street Studios in Cleveland. They had the responsibility to choose the artists who will receive more than $3.500 in prize money and awards at the opening reception.
The exhibition runs through Dec. 17 and will include another related event, “Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Artists will introduce their work, and poets will share original verses written in response. Two art forms will merge, connecting visual art and written/spoken words.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free. Visit valleyartcenter.org, call 440-247-7507 or email gallery@valleyartcenter.org for more information.
City of Mentor
Mentor is seeking a sculptor to create a bronze image of President James A. Garfield. The entry deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 28. Sculptors must present a statement of qualifications to craft and install, in Mentor, a lifesize, realistic, outdoor statue of former Garfield.
SOQs must be submitted by mail to the city at 8500 Civic Center Blvd., 44060, or Grippi@cityofmentor.com. Contact Kevin Grippi, grant supervisor, at 440-974-5714 for complete details.
Geauga Park District
The Holly Days Artisan Boutique and Mistletoe Market at Geauga Park District’s West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township, will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8.
If you are or have a nature lover on your list, you should check out Holly Days. Shoppers are promised heirloom-quality ornaments and holiday décor, all-natural bath and beauty products, gourmet food and snack items, jewelry and accessories, beautiful and functional pottery and glass items, hand-turned wood, indoor planters, terrariums, and much more.
In the Mistletoe Market, younger artisans will sell their handmade gifts at more affordable prices.
Grub will be offered by the Manna Food Truck, Crooked Kettle Popcorn, Vivander Cookie Mobile and DonutNV.
Admission is free. The West Woods is wheelchair/stroller-accessible. For more information, call 440-286-9516 or visit geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, is getting ready for the holidays, as well.
But first, the call is out for “Bricolage,” a show named after the type of construction made of materials at hand, something created from a variety of available things. Think upscale, recycle, repurpose.
Entries will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8. The show will open with a reception on Nov. 14, in conjunction with the new show in the Annex Gallery, “Stand Out,” a photography exhibition by David Shockey.
Stella’s is adding some fun new additions to their December event schedule.
“Toys,” said gallery owner Dani Klein. “We don’t usually do a December show with the Maker’s Market, but this year we are. And the theme is toys, but just any toy. The ones that give you that nostalgic feeling.”
All media are welcome.
“We will also be doing a giving tree to collect food for those in need,” Klein said.
Learn more at Stellasartgallery.com or call 440- 266-9111.
