This painting by Juliana Slanink is on display in The Gallery at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland as part of the “Lakeland Community College Visual Arts Student Exhibition,” running through April 25. (Courtesy of Lakeland Community College)
Calling all artists! It’s time to get that piece you’re so pleased with ready to win you some cash, a ribbon and bragging rights.
With so many venues seeking artwork, this is the perfect time to review entry tips. Understand the rules and categories. Ask questions. Complete the forms and tags as directed. Everything is available online, and many shows require online entry prior to drop-off, especially the bigger shows with higher volumes of entries to review.
The Gallery at Lakeland’s “May Show” and Ashtabula Arts Center’s Paul and Norma Tikkanen Painting Prize are examples. Each receives several hundred entries, but fewer than 100 generally are included in the final exhibit.
Don’t let the numbers scare you. And don’t be discouraged by rejection. Life is full of disappointment — don’t let it define you. Artists who jury a show were once beginners entering their first show. It can be scary to put yourself out there. Just keep it in perspective. Be objective and learn from your experience.
Speaking as a juror, it’s difficult to set aside personal bias for subject matter that speaks to you. We must look deeper into the design, quality and execution of the media. And speaking as an artist, I’ve had the same piece win in one show and be ignored in another. A combination of the competition and jurors makes the difference.
Finally, pay attention to details. Make sure the work is clean — no smudges on the glass, no scratches or nicks on the frame — and, for heaven’s sake, make sure it is securely wired for hanging. Double check the title and price, especially important when several entries are made. Good luck!
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Gallery at Lakeland
The call is out for artists to enter the 14th “May Show at Lakeland,” held in The Gallery at Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. The exhibit will open with a reception and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. May 16 and remain up for viewing through July 19.
But first they need you! This is a juried exhibition showcasing the best Northeast Ohio has to offer. The show typically receives well more than 400 entries, which is then narrowed down to about 80 being presented to the public.
Round One is juried digitally, and the entry deadline is April 20. Accepted works need to be delivered to the gallery on May 3 and 4 for the Round Two jury process. Accepted works will be considered for the $4,000 in cash awards.
The juror for the show will be Laura Domencic, executive cirector of the Erie Art Museum in Pennsylvania.
The categories are Textiles/Fiber, Glass/Enamel/Jewelry, Photography/Photo Manipulation, Wood/Metal, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Other/Mixed Media and Printmaking.
Digital entry is being done through ArtCall. Complete details, including the video “How to Apply,” may be found at lakelandcc.edu/gallery.
The “Lakeland Community College Visual Arts Student Exhibition” is up for viewing through the closing reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 25.
Students submitted artworks in the three divisions: Fine Arts (painting, drawing, jewelry, functional and sculptural ceramics and sculpture), Photography and Graphic Design.
For more information, contact Gallery Coordinator Mary Urbas at 440-525-7029 or murbas@lakelandcc.edu. Group Gallery tours are available by appointment.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
“Quilts 2024” continues at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Kirtland Road, Kirtland, through April 28.
Featured artist Jean Impey of San Juan Capistrano, California, is leading a series of workshops and presenting the lecture “Cre-a-tiv-i-ty & Has Someone Stolen Yours” at 7 p.m. April 13. Registration is required for all workshops and the lecture.
Quilt Vendor Days return April 26 through 28 with local quilt shop vendors within the show demonstrating the latest tools and techniques.
Regular Farmpark admission applies. For more information and a schedule of events, visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/quilts-2024.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Next up, up and away at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, is “Space, Commemorating the Total Eclipse of the Sun.” (The eclipse, in case you’ve been hiding under a rock somewhere, is happening in the afternoon on April 8.)
All mediums may be entered to represent either abstract or realistic concepts to define “Outer Space.” The categories are Stars, Northern Lights, Planets & Moons; Extraterrestrial, Astronauts, and Pigs in Space (Gen-X reference); and Space Vehicles and Junk.
Drop-off is from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 4 and 5 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 6. The entry fee is one for $15, two or three for $30, four for $40, or five $50. An awards reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 12, with awards presented promptly at 8 p.m. Artist Diane Pinchot will jury the show.
Stella’s presents two new shows each month: a themed art competition in the main gallery and a privately presented show in the rentable Annex Gallery.
The Annex Gallery features a significant body of work by Lorain County Community College art teacher Earl Smith Jr. through April 29. My sneak peek of the show made me look forward to seeing more. It takes a great deal of skill to master realism the way he does. Smith works in graphite, watercolor and acrylic. He also offers classes at Stella’s.
Comedy Night at Stella’s has been so well received that it’s become a regular offering by Secret Society Comedy. Next up is Brad Sativa, 8 p.m. on April 6.
Complete details at Stellasartgallery.com or by calling 440-266-9111.
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Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, is presenting the third annual “Emerging Artist Exhibition” through May 8, and the People’s Choice winner will receive a $200 cash award. Check it out and vote.
VAC has just announced a collaborative public art mural project. The goal is to present eight murals, 6 by 8 feet each, to be installed near the construction fence in Riverside Park while the Main Street bridge is under renovation.
Seven canvas murals will be designed by local artists and voted on by the community between April 26 and May 4, and another will be designed by lead mural artist Pam Spremulli.
Artists residing within a 50-mile radius of Chagrin Falls are invited to submit mural design proposals at valleyartcenter.org/calls-for-artists.html.
The unveiling and installation of the murals is scheduled for June 1, just in time for Art by the Fall on June 8 and 9.
Visit valleyartcenter.org or call 440-247-7507 for more information.
Rabbit Run
The 32nd annual “Juried Art Show,” sponsored by Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, 49 Park St., Madison, and the Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, will hold an awards reception at 6:30 p.m. April 10 at the library.
Cash prizes will be awarded for best of show and first place to both adults and students in painting, drawing, photography and three-dimensional categories.
Visit rabbitrun.org for details.
Ashtabula Arts Center
The Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St, will present the “2024 Kiwanis Student Show” April 6 through 30. The annual competition is open to students in grades 7 to 12 in the Ashtabula area.
Award-winning students will receive a scholarship for AAC classes at the reception from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on April 14.
For more information, call 440-964-3396 or email info@ashtabulaartscenter.org.
