Gallery Watch - March 6, 2007

At bela dubby’s opening entitled “Pieces” a few Saturdays ago, I caught up with jewelry designer and proprietor of Artifactual Creations, Chris Swieger, to talk about his new jewelry line. If you recall, I had the opportunity to interview Chris last year at his Trash and Treasure Show at bela dubby. Chris sets all of his work in resin using everyday items “straight from the junk drawer” and creates provocative art and jewelry. I asked Chris about his inspiration for the new line of jewelry with its whimsical starfish and seahorses. He tells me that starfish are able to grow back any limb they lose—and he finds this resilience an inspiration and a testament to the human condition.

 

His story reminds me of another that my father used to tell me. A man walking along a beach catches sight of another man acting strangely. As he gets closer, he notices the man is picking things up from the sand and throwing them into the water. At closer glace, he sees the objects being tossed are starfish, stranded on shore by the tide. Curious, the first man asked, "What are you doing?" "I am saving these starfish," he replied. "They won't survive in the sun until the tide returns." Totally taken aback by this statement, the first man said, rather angrily, "What difference will it make? Don’t you realize how many thousands, perhaps millions, of starfish there are in the sea and that by throwing a few back will make absolutely no difference at all?" The second man said nothing but picked up yet another starfish and threw it out into the waves. He hesitated for a moment, then looked back the first man and said, "I just made a difference for that one." This is the wonderful thing about art; it makes us think…

 

Upcoming Events:

Beck Center for the Arts 17801 Detroit Avenue 216.521.2540

For gallery hours, call the Beck Center.

Annual Faculty Art Show in the Jean Bulicek Art Galleria.

Artwork on exhibit includes a variety of media such as ceramics, drawing, photography, watercolors, and oil painting and features the work of the following accomplished artists – Nancy Cintron, Susan Gallagher, Mel Grunau, Susan Miranda, Patricia H. Sigmier, and Marilyn Szalay.

The Beck Center welcomes visitors to tour this exciting exhibition through March 18.

This exhibit is free and open to the public.

Cleveland Artist’s Foundation 216.227.9484

Inside the Beck Center.

Gallery Talk on Wednesday, March 7, from 7pm-8pm in conjunction with the “Visions of a City with Soul: Four Photographers in Cleveland” curated by Sharon Dean and William Busta. Works from Arthur Gray, William Barnhill, Jasper Wood and Andrew Borowiec. Show runs through March 31, 2007.

 

 

bela dubby 13221 Madison Avenue 216.221.4479

March’s Featured Artist is Victoria Hollar.

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-midnight.

Local Girl Gallery 16106 Detroit Avenue 216.228.1802

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12-5pm, Friday and Saturday, 12-6pm.

LET PET SOUNDS

Friday, March 9th --A musical benefit for The Berea Animal Rescue featuring a rare solo performance by Jack Rugan, band leader for Saul Glennon. Join us for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 7pm (BYOB). Performance at 8pm. Donation $5.00 with all proceeds going to the Berea Animal Rescue There will also be a drawing for door prizes,

CALL TO ARTISTS

Local Girl Gallery invites you to participate in our upcoming benefit to support the Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation, "Think Spring", April 27, 7-10pm.

We will provide a 12"x12" canvas with hope that you will create a spring inspired piece of artwork using your choice of mediums. The completed works of art will then be auctioned off the night of the benefit. Canvases are available for pick up at the gallery beginning Saturday February 24th during business hours. Entries are not limited to professional artists - we encourage all levels of artistic expression as well as children of all ages to help out. . Deadline for entries is Saturday April 14th.

For those of you interested in group motivation, Local Girl will have a “Think Spring” workshop open house on Saturday, March 24th from 12-6 pm. You can exchange ideas with fellow participants and work on your canvas. Some materials will be available but feel free to bring in supplies to work with or share.

 

Pop Shop Gallery and Studio 17020 Madison Avenue 216.227.8440

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.

The next gallery opening is on Saturday, March 24 from 6pm-9pm entitled the “Rubberneck Show” featuring artists Jeff Hulligan, James Thomas, Julie Krofcheck, Amber McElreath, Tobin Troyer and Pop Shop Owner, Richard Ciglar. The after party will be hosted at Mullens (located next to the Gallery).

 

Wobblefoot Gallery and Frame Studio1662 Mars Avenue216.226.2971

Hours: Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 2pm-6pm.

 

MUSIC

Merry Arts Pub & Grille, 15607 Detroit Ave 226-4080,

Open-Mic Night—Every Thursday 10pm

bela dubby:

ST. PATRICK'S DAY - Saturday, 3/17
Argyle Denial - "Platonic Passion." (Rock, Garage, Dance)
Soft Spots - "Strange Sonic Beauty." (Indie, Folk Rock, Other)
The Lawton Brothers (Ex-member of Proletarian Art Threat, The Plastics) - "Music to drive Segways to."


Gallery Dance and Music news and event information should be forwarded to gallerywatchgals@yahoo.com. Every effort will be made to include it in our next column.

Read More on Gallery Watch
Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 11:11 PM, 03.01.2007