What are your thoughts? Will April showers bring May flowers? Or will we be shoveling snow off of them?
Thank heavens for art! We can pop into a gallery, art center or museum and replace the winter woes with images that excite our imaginations, soothe our tired souls and inspire us to release our own creative energies.
Look around. Libraries, offices, hospitals and churches — virtually everywhere people gather, you will find art. Soak in the vibrant colors, the florals, the seascapes and soft watercolors. It’s like vitamin D for our winter-worn spirits.
Trust me, it will make you smile.
Here are a few local destinations to add to your travels.
Valley Art Center
To the south, check out “Mother Earth,” a multimedia presentation at the Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls. Co-presented by VAC and Chagrin Arts, this exhibit and two complimentary exhibits will be open through May 2.
“Mother Earth” focuses on the Chilean culture and includes artists Nina Castro de Illanes, Elby Huerta, Brian Jacobs, Amelia Joynes and George Kozmon.
Works by graphic artist Pam Spremulli also is on display. Her work, depicting a variety of songbirds, can be seen in the Educational Annex.
“Mark and Kathy Simone: South African Scenes” is on display in the Hall Gallery. Oil paintings by Kathy and photography by Mark were inspired by their travels and missionary work in South Africa.
Call VAC at 440-247-7507 or visit valleyartcenter.org.
Ashtabula Arts Center
To the east, the Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., is hosting the Kiwanis Student Competition through April 30.
The exhibit includes artworks from junior high and high school students throughout Ashtabula County.
The Kiwanis Club of Ashtabula has sponsored this competition for more than 25 years to recognize and reward young area artists for their exceptional talent.
Call AAC at 440-964-3396 or visit ashtabulaartscenter.org.
RRCAA
The 2018 Juried Spring Art Show presented by Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and Madison Public Library is up, judged and on display through May 2 at the library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road.
The 27th annual event is open to all visual artists in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. Cash prizes for Best of Show and First Place in painting, drawing, photography and three-dimensional categories will be awarded at the artists’ reception in the library beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 11.
For more information, call RRCAA at 440-428-5913 or the library at 440-428-2189.
The Art Gallery
Combine art and a helping hand by visiting The Art Gallery, 38721 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, for an event to benefit Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue, from 2 to 6 p.m. April 8. Caroline’s Kids, in Mayfield Heights, is a retirement home for older and special needs cats.
Enjoy the afternoon browsing among the original art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and glassware while helping these needy felines. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win an original painting by George Kocar or an awesome print by illustrator/cartoonist Gerry Shamray.
Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day of the event. For more information call the Art Gallery at 440-946-8001.
Gallery at Lakeland
A new show is opening April 8 in the Gallery at Lakeland, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. The Lakeland Community College Visual Arts Student Exhibition has been judged, but winners names are under wraps until the awards ceremony and artists reception on April 12.
Awards will be presented in the Performing Arts Center Theater at 7 p.m. and followed by the reception in the gallery. The exhibit will be up for viewing through May 3.
Next up in the gallery will be the ninth annual “May Show at Lakeland Juried Art Exhibition.” The deadline to enter this showcase of talent is just weeks away. Cash awards include $1,500 for Best in Show.
Artwork will be accepted for consideration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 and from 10 a.m. to noon and 4:30 to 8 p.m. May 7. Entry forms are available on site and at lakelandcc.edu.
The exhibition will run from the opening awards ceremony on May 17 through July 13.
The gallery is located on the first floor of the D-Building on Lakeland’s main campus, and short-term parking on the oval drive in front of the clocktower will be allowed during delivery and pick up. For more information, call 440-525-7029 or email Gallery Coordinator Mary Urbas at murbas@lakelandcc.edu.
Stella Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 8500 Station St., Mentor, celebrates Second Fridays of the month with themed shows coinciding with events of the month. Because Earth Day is this month, they hosting “Life and Earth Celebration,” opening with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. April 13.
Artworks may be dropped off to be considered for this juried show between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 6. All mediums are welcome, including — and especially — upcycled pieces. If you would like to participate in this or future shows, visit stellasartgallery.com for complete details and entry forms.
The reception includes refreshments and a free make-and-take craft — an opportunity to make a small sculpture out of recycled materials.
Geauga Park District
Geauga Park District’s West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township, is a great setting to enjoy nature and the arts. Step outside for the inspiration, then come inside to see it translated into paintings and photography hung on the walls.
The new exhibit “2 Friends” includes paintings, drawings, photos, and mixed media. The friends are Susan Hood, who paints beautiful landscape and florals, and Sheila R. Dorris, who is displaying a collection of drawings, paintings, photography and mixed media.
There will be a Meet the Artists open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 21. The exhibit will remain on display through July 24.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, call 440-286-9516, visit Geauga Park District’s website, geaugaparkdistrict.org, or search for it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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