CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio —
A is for August and art in the Chagrin Valley. The month of August is for exploring the wide variety of art created by local makers during the Chagrin Valley Gallery Walk. Starting Friday, Aug. 1 you can experience the local visual arts scene, meet local working artists for insight into their techniques and finished works. You can shop for wearable, decorative and functional art while on your journey.
Participating galleries range from makers’ studios, such as the Glass Asylum to art centers including Fairmount Center for the Arts and Valley Art Center, which offer classes and workshops as well as artists in residence and gift shops. Other participating galleries showcase the original work of one or several featured local artists. These include DP Farr Gallery, G Hill Art, Griffin Gallery, Imagery Fine Arts, S2udio, and Wildscapes Gallery, all located in or around Chagrin Falls.
Several are holding art-making demonstrations, talks and special events. Upcoming events planned include 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at G Hill Art, 5-7 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 8 and 15 at Fairmount Center for the Arts,10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug 8 and 15, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Valley Art Center, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 at Wildscapes Gallery and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22. For more information on those contact the galleries.
In addition to enriching your life with art and your newfound artist friends, you may win a $100 gift card to an area restaurant if you participate in the art walk passport contest. To participate, pick up your Gallery Walk passport at any participating gallery to begin your journey. Then collect a stamp from each location Aug. 1-31. Each visit counts as one entry in the drawing. Submit your stamped passport by Sunday, Aug. 31 to Fairmount Center for the Arts, Wildscapes Gallery or send a photo of the inside of your booklet to megan@fairmountcenter.org by Aug. 31. The winner will be contacted Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Dragon hunting hike: If nature is more your thing, join Geauga Park District Naturalist Linda Gilbert 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 at Claridon Woodlands for a two-hour adventure in the park’s wetland habitats to study dragonflies. Learn about these amazing insects and their behaviors. Try your hand at catching some with provided nets. Known locally as the “Dragonfly Queen,” Gilbert co-authored the second edition of the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio filed guide. She also serves as the Northeast Ohio regional coordinator for the Ohio Odonata Society’s survey project. Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, drinking water and a camera. Wear sturdy walking shoes, not flip flops, in case the adventure takes the group off-trail.
Inclusive in nature: Do you have someone in your life with a developmental disability? Geauga Park District is offering hands-on activities and a short walk 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve. The exploration is fully wheelchair accessible. Registration is required for all participants, including caregivers at geaugaparkdistrict.org or call 440-286-9516.
Friends book sale: Stock up on your reading material. Friends of the Chagrin Falls Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library are holding a book sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9 at the library, 100 East Orange St. in Chagrin Falls. A members’ only preview is slated for 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7.
Pucker for pickles: Do you like pickles and have extra cucumbers in your garden? Adults can learn how to make refrigerator pickles 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Chagrin Falls Branch library.
Blood pressure check: Check your readings 1-2 p.m. Thursday Aug 7 at the Chagrin Falls Branch. Ahuja Medical Center will provide free blood pressure screenings. If you know your numbers, it could save your life.
Solon flea market: Are you looking for vintage treasures? The Solon Historical Society will hold its annual outdoor flea market 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 in their parking lot, 33975 Bainbridge Rd. The event is held rain or shine. Or maybe it is time to clean out your garage, attic, basement or shed. You can cash in and collect some cold hard cash by being a vendor. Vendor spaces are $5 each. For more information or to reserve your space, contact 440-248-3586.
Kalimba workshop: Attend a lively Kalimba, thumb piano, performance and workshop 6:30 – 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4 by Carl Winters, the ‘Kalimba King.’ The event will be held at the Orange Branch library.
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