Coming Soon |
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Dual Exhibition: Paula Damm & Eileen Woods
March 28 – May 7, 2025
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This spring, Valley Art Center unveils an extraordinary dual exhibition featuring the works of Paula Damm and Eileen Woods, two acclaimed artists whose deeply personal practices explore storytelling, memory, and the intersections of ancient art forms with contemporary life. Opening March 28, 2025, this compelling showcase highlights the power of fiber, embroidery, and wood as vessels for the human experience.
As former winners of Valley Art Center’s Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Damm and Woods bring their exceptional talents together for a thought-provoking dialogue on resilience, identity, and connection. Damm’s work delves into autobiography, stitching personal narratives into fiber and paper to explore themes of memory, individuality, and transformation. Her intricate and tactile works invite viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the emotional weight carried in everyday materials. Additionally, her contributions include dresses made from unconventional materials, such as packing crate stickers, pushing the boundaries of textile art and repurposed materials. 
Paula Damm, reworking the negative - 2024 - packing crate stickers.
For the first time at Valley Art Center, visitors can engage directly with the artists’ voices through QR codes placed throughout the gallery, allowing attendees to hear firsthand the stories behind the works. This interactive, accessible experience enhances the exhibition’s emotional depth, creating a more immersive connection between audience and artist. |
Woods presents an equally powerful collection of portrait embroideries and evocative wood-burned pieces, translating her own life’s narrative into striking visual form. With meticulous craftsmanship, her works balance vulnerability and strength, offering an intimate exploration of personal history through traditional techniques. Visitors can rest in chairs set to evoke a hospital waiting room, an immersive element responding to her latest woodburning series, of which fifty will be displayed. The work reflects the countless hours Woods has spent in waiting rooms, capturing the quiet tension, fleeting connections, and profound humanity found in these spaces.
Eileen Woods, Edna. Hand embroidery, coat remnants, buttons, fabric, mounted on plexiglass on fabric. 12”x12”.
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“This exhibition highlights two remarkable artists whose works resonate deeply with contemporary audiences,” says curator Julie Polsinelli. “Both Paula and Eileen merge historic techniques with urgent, personal storytelling, creating a visually stunning and emotionally impactful experience.”
The exhibition will also feature a special Artist Talk on April 17, offering attendees the opportunity to hear directly from Damm and Woods about their inspirations, creative processes, and the narratives woven into their art.
The exhibition will also feature a special Artist Talk on April 17, offering attendees the opportunity to hear directly from Damm and Woods about their inspirations, creative processes, and the narratives woven into their art.
We thank the sponsors of this exhibition: Premier Bank, The Artful Yarn in Chagrin Falls, and TKM Printing Solutions, Inc. Programs are made possible by Ohio Arts Council and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Dual Exhibition: Paula Damm & Eileen Woods at Valley Art Center from March 28 – May 7, 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Dual Exhibition: Paula Damm & Eileen Woods at Valley Art Center from March 28 – May 7, 2025.
Eileen Woods, The Waiting Room 1, 43, 36, 51. Acrylic, woodburning, graphite.
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53rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition
November 8 to December 16, 2024
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Valley Art Center is excited to present the 53rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition, showcasing an extraordinary variety of works by artists from across a 250-mile radius. The exhibition runs from November 8 to December 16, 2024, and will highlight the incredible talents of both emerging and established artists. Over $3,500 in prizes will be awarded to selected artists during the opening reception, making this one of the region's most anticipated art events of the year.
This year's jury panel consists of three esteemed figures in the art world:
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Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond
December 5, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM In partnership with Heights Arts, this popular event is returning for another year. "Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond" pairs visual artists with poets who will respond to selected works with original poetry. This unique fusion of art and literature allows attendees to experience artwork from multiple perspectives. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the poetry begins at 7:00 PM. Admission is free, and this event is not to be missed! |
ACCEPTED ARTISTS
Kenan Alsabony, Scout Bach, Kim Barnes, Hannah Bates, Robie Benve, Maeve Billings, Chandler Carter, Josh Chefitz, Ryn Clarke, Micheal Costello, m Coy, Robert Crombie, David Fink, Reinhold Friebertshauser, Ali Gemmer, Mark Giangaspero, Emily Glink, Susan Griffin, Fallon Hartleib, David Heatwole, Michael W High, Susan Hood, Tom Jackson, Rachel Kabelitz, Clarissa Katz, Suzan Kraus, Judi Krew, Sean Mabin, Violet Maimbourg, Julie Martin, Sharon Frank Mazgaj, Tom Megalis, William Moore, Pamela Pastoric, Susan Porges, Robert J. Putka, Jose Luis Quinones, Laura Rath, Helena Sarah Richardson, Eric Rippert, Rick Rollenhagen, John A Sargent III, Samantha Schneider, Lisa Schonberg, Jennifer Shaban, Tony Skinner, Jerold Smith, Joe Stavec, Judy Takacs, Leesah Tarr, Carla Wagner, Gwen Waight, Will Wilson, Robert Wright, Jill Yanik Eisert.
Award Winners
Best in Show: Marbles, Jose Luis Quinones, Oil on circular canvas, 52 inch diameter
First Place: In-Sana Tea: Mandela Blend with a Hint of Gladiolus Blossom, David Heatwole, Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches
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Second Place: Women’s Work, Gwen Waight, Found object assemblage, 64 x 30 x 8 inches
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Third Place: Maude II, Mark Giangaspero, Pastel on paper, 48 x 38 inches
Victoria Welling Award – Maeve Billings for "Funeral (Brainard Road)"
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Maxine Agger Kopecky Award – Honoring innovative aesthetic, materials, or technique – Sean Mabin for "Lorenzo"
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Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award (Abstract Painting) – Suzan Kraus for "Attuned to a Higher Frequency"
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Darlene Jackson Watercolor Award – Jill Yanik Eisert for "The Last Tea Party"
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Dorothy “Lee” Leary Award– Robert J. Putka for "Red Celosia at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens"
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Paula Marianek Award (Excellence in Clay, Drawing, or Pastels) – Michael W. High for "Voices from Another Room"
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Click Here to Learn More About In Touch!
Valley Art Center is excited to announce an upcoming dual exhibition featuring the works of two acclaimed local Ohio artists, David Kuntzman from Paris, Ohio, and Kenn Hetzel from Mantua, Ohio. The exhibition will run from July 12 to August 28, 2024, and will include an artist talk on August 15, offering attendees the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the artists' creative processes and inspirations.
This exhibition brings together two past winners of prestigious awards at the Valley Art Center’s Bowen Gallery: Kenn Hetzel, the 50th Annual Juried Art Exhibition Best in Show winner, and David Kuntzman, recipient of the Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award for Abstract Painting. Contrasting natural forms in sculpture and mathematical gid paintings, the juxtaposition of their works promises to create a dynamic and thought-provoking visual experience. Curator Julie Polsinelli remarked, "It was an easy decision to put these two very different, very professional artists together. It's exciting to see how two artists working in the same time and area can have such wonderfully diverse inspirations."
This exhibition brings together two past winners of prestigious awards at the Valley Art Center’s Bowen Gallery: Kenn Hetzel, the 50th Annual Juried Art Exhibition Best in Show winner, and David Kuntzman, recipient of the Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award for Abstract Painting. Contrasting natural forms in sculpture and mathematical gid paintings, the juxtaposition of their works promises to create a dynamic and thought-provoking visual experience. Curator Julie Polsinelli remarked, "It was an easy decision to put these two very different, very professional artists together. It's exciting to see how two artists working in the same time and area can have such wonderfully diverse inspirations."
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David Kuntzman
David Kuntzman's work explores the intersection of mathematics and art through his "Mathematician" and "Heritage" series. His "Mathematician" series delves into dense and ambiguous spaces using layers and morphing of various grids, evolving over the past 17 years. His "Heritage" series, developed during the pandemic, pays homage to regional Op Art styles through the technique of "fluting," creating spherical spaces. Kuntzman’s statement reads: "I am investigating two lines of work. My 'Mathematician' series creates dense and ambiguous spaces using layers and morphing of various grids. My 'Heritage' series is an exploration of the regional 'op art' styles, using 'fluting' to create spherical spaces. My two styles continue to evolve and are beginning to influence one another. In my present work, I enjoy contemplating and calculating how the two styles may be unified into a single style in the future." |
Descartes, David Kuntzman, 2008, Acrylic on canvas.
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Artwork: Kenn Hetzel, Thinking Large, Working Small, Image: Bradley Hart.
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Kenn Hetzel
Kenn Hetzel's artistic journey stemmed from very different inspirations, taking a significant turn after visits to renowned sculpture gardens and studios. This lead him to create a series of 100 small sculptures inspired by large-scale works. His pieces, created between 2017 and 2020, are composed of rocks, minerals, and other materials, presented in a minimalist approach that allows each piece to stand on its own. Hetzel’s statement reads: "In two thousand seventeen the main direction of my work changed for the next four years after visits to Storm King Sculpture Gardens and Opus 40 in Upper State New York and to the studio and sculpture garden of Chuck Herndon on Kellys Island. The scale and scope of the sculptures at Storm King left me wishing I could work on such scale while the work of Chuck Herndon reminded me of the on and off relationship with stone. The one hundred works on display I created between two thousand seventeen and two thousand twenty and consist of rocks, minerals and assorted other material. It was my intent to exhibit the final pieces as one body of work in a minimalistic approach allowing each work to stand on its own." |
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Exhibition Details
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the contrasting yet complementary works of Kuntzman and Hetzel. David's intricate, grid-based 2D artworks will be beautifully contrasted by Kenn's organic 3D sculptures, creating an engaging dialogue between mathematical precision and natural forms. This exhibition is sponsored by Premier Bank. Our programs are made possible by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and Ohio Arts Council. Artist Talk Join us on August 15, 2024, for an artist talk in the Bowen Gallery, where both David Kuntzman and Kenn Hetzel will share insights into their artistic journeys, discuss their creative processes, and engage with the audience in an interactive Q&A session. Exhibition Dates: July 12 – August 28, 2024 Exhibition Opening: Friday, July 12, 6-8pm Artist Talk: Thursday, August 15, at 6:30pm Location: Bowen Gallery, Valley Art Center, 155 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 |
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ACCEPTED ARTISTS
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Every VAC student and faculty who has been involved between June 2022 and December 2023 is invited to submit ONE artwork per person that has not yet been exhibited in a show at VAC. Entry fee is $10.
Artwork Delivery Dates Monday, Jan 8 – Saturday, Jan 13 during VAC hours Questions? Email [email protected]! |
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Jurors:
McKenzie Beynon, Founder & Co-Owner, Kink Contemporary Anastasia Pantsios, Photographer & Editor, CoolCleveland.com Gina Washington, Art Instructor & Co-Founder, The Visit Arts Collective Featuring a diverse array of 58 remarkable pieces, this year's exhibition offers a vibrant spectrum of artistic expression. From classical tastes encompassing oil paintings and landscapes to avant-garde sculptures pushing the boundaries of creativity, there is something to captivate every art enthusiast. The 52nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition at Valley Art Center is a celebration of artistic diversity, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. We invite all art enthusiasts to explore this fusion of visual and literary artistry.
Returning this year is the partnership with Heights Arts, culminating in the Ekphrastacy – Artists Talk + Poets Respond event scheduled for December 1 at 6pm. The current Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate, Siaara Freeman, and a cadre of accomplished poets are guiding this creative exchange of visual and spoken word artistry. Together, they will craft and recite poems directly inspired by the captivating artworks on display at the 52nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition, weaving a harmonious tapestry of artistic expression. "Ekphrastacy at its core is an interactive art process,” says Siaara Freeman. “It is a chance for artists to become familiar with one another's work alongside the opportunity to explore new mediums and methods of creation.” The tradition of the Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate, conferred by Heights Arts, continues to thrive as the longest-running poet laureate program in the state. Ekphrastacy – Artists Talk + Poets Respond event, as well as the Opening Reception, are free to the public. |
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𝗦𝗶𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 is from Cleveland Ohio, where she is the current Lake Erie Siren. She is a 2023 Room in the House fellow with Karamu House Theatre and a 2022 Catapult fellow with Cleveland Public Theater. In 2021 Siaara filmed a commercial for the Cleveland Museum of Art and participated with #TeamYellowBrickRoad for the Black Joy Experience. She is a 2021 Premier Playwright fellow recipient with Cleveland Public Theatre. Her work appears in The Journal, Josephine Quarterly, Cleveland Magazine, and elsewhere. She has had multiple poems go viral and has toured both nationally and internationally. Siaara is the Curriculum Development Manager at the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, and the artistic director for Artworks. She is the current Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights and University Heights. When she is not working she is likely by a lake, thinking of Toni Morrison and talking to ghosts. Her first full-length manuscript Urbanshee is available with Button Poetry.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹 “𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗖.𝗢.𝗦.” 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗲 is a poet, key-note speaker, educator, youth advocate, and two-time author. He is the founder of and currently serves as the Executive Director of The Sparrow’s Fortune. Born in Chicago, and partially raised in Columbus, OH, Calil currently resides in Cleveland, OH. He gained his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Kent State University. Recently, he was awarded the Helping Hands Award by the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board, because of the communal and empowering nature of his work within his poetry. His poetry and spoken word most often highlight the Black community, trauma resilience, hope, healing, spiritual principles, and more. “C.O.S.”, pronounced “cause”, stands for Collection of Seeds. He sees his words as “just a collection of seeds” planted into the hearts of those who listen. He hopes to continue honoring this moniker and planting seeds of impact in every community he visits.
𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗸 is Parma’s poet laureate. He has authored three books: We Grow Tomatoes in Tiny Towns, The Less Traveled Street, and The Details Will Be Gone Soon. He hosts the Ohio Poetry Association's podcast Poetry Spotlight, runs the West Side Poetry Workshop, and founded the Flamingo Writers’ Guild.
𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗥. 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 is a writer, poet, educator, cultural facilitator, and native Clevelander. She is the Programming Director for Literary Cleveland and a freelance literary project manager. She is the author of the poetry collections Ariel in Black (2015) and The Vagina Analogues (2020). She has been published in poemmemoirstory, Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism, The Normal School, The Gasconade Review, New Note Poetry, Merge Magazine, and io Literary Magazine. She is also the creator, co-producer, and director of BLAX MUSEUM, an annual performance showcase for Northeast Ohio artists open to all forms and dedicated to honoring notable Black figures in American history and culture.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹 “𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗖.𝗢.𝗦.” 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗲 is a poet, key-note speaker, educator, youth advocate, and two-time author. He is the founder of and currently serves as the Executive Director of The Sparrow’s Fortune. Born in Chicago, and partially raised in Columbus, OH, Calil currently resides in Cleveland, OH. He gained his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Kent State University. Recently, he was awarded the Helping Hands Award by the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board, because of the communal and empowering nature of his work within his poetry. His poetry and spoken word most often highlight the Black community, trauma resilience, hope, healing, spiritual principles, and more. “C.O.S.”, pronounced “cause”, stands for Collection of Seeds. He sees his words as “just a collection of seeds” planted into the hearts of those who listen. He hopes to continue honoring this moniker and planting seeds of impact in every community he visits.
𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗸 is Parma’s poet laureate. He has authored three books: We Grow Tomatoes in Tiny Towns, The Less Traveled Street, and The Details Will Be Gone Soon. He hosts the Ohio Poetry Association's podcast Poetry Spotlight, runs the West Side Poetry Workshop, and founded the Flamingo Writers’ Guild.
𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗥. 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 is a writer, poet, educator, cultural facilitator, and native Clevelander. She is the Programming Director for Literary Cleveland and a freelance literary project manager. She is the author of the poetry collections Ariel in Black (2015) and The Vagina Analogues (2020). She has been published in poemmemoirstory, Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism, The Normal School, The Gasconade Review, New Note Poetry, Merge Magazine, and io Literary Magazine. She is also the creator, co-producer, and director of BLAX MUSEUM, an annual performance showcase for Northeast Ohio artists open to all forms and dedicated to honoring notable Black figures in American history and culture.
Congratulations to the Accepted Artists
of the 52nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition:
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Kenan Alsabony
Alexia Avdelas Donna Bargar Trish Blackman Adrienne Borkowski Cynthia Brewster Julia Briggs Raymond Bugelski Kimberly Chapman m Coy Felice Dahlhausen Paula Damm Madeline Davis Andrea Dawson Eileen Dorsey Megan Dull Meryl Engler Brittney Esther Dee Fairweather Emma Gatzulis Alixandra Gemmer Frank Hadzima Patrick Hargraves Kenn Hetzel Susan Hood Zackary Hoon Tom Jackson Emily Joyce |
Tricia Kaman
Nora Keenan John Kinnee Daryl Knezevich George Kocar Tristen Kovacs Christianna Kreiss Tamsyn Kuehnert Susan Lash Sarah Leemaster Violet Maimbourg Julie Martin Jennifer Masley Beth Nash Carolyn Prince Beth Prindle Rachel Rabin Edward Raffel Bobbi Reagins Lisa Schonberg Tony Skinner Jerold Smith Celeste Stauber Ashley Strub Judy Takacs Gwen Waight Will Wilson Helen Wilson Eileen Woods |
CONTEMPORARY DEBRIS
September 8 - October 18
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Valley Art Center is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition, Contemporary Debris. This invitational group show will present a remarkable assortment of artwork created with recycled materials, co-curated by Valley Art Center Assistant Director & Gallery Manager Julie Polsinelli and The Gallery at Lakeland Community College Gallery Coordinator/Exhibition Curator/Installation Designer Mary Urbas. The exhibition will showcase the extraordinary talent of Northeast Ohio artists who embody the spirit of creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental consciousness.
From September 8 to October 18, visitors will be immersed in an assortment of artwork crafted exclusively from recycled materials, proving that beauty can be found in even the most unexpected places. Artists from all corners of the creative world have embraced the challenge of transforming discarded objects into astonishing works of art. Marvel at sculptures meticulously fashioned from scrap metal, witness intricate collages brought to life from found objects, and explore the many possibilities of repurposed materials that push the boundaries of artistic expression. As a part of Contemporary Debris, Valley Art Center’s façade will be adorned with a stunning recycled wall sculpture from Ron Shelton, which will have a second life following its creation in Riverside Park in April. Ron Shelton, a Cleveland-based artist known for his remarkable sculptures made from recycled materials, brings his talent and passion for environmental sustainability to this project. For the full list of artists and more information on this exhibition, please visit valleyartcenter.org. |
As an additional highlight of the exhibition, an Art Talk and Reception titled "The Readymade in Modern and Contemporary Art" will be held on Friday, October 6 at 6pm in The Bowen Gallery at Valley Art Center. Speaker Sydney Slacas, J.D. M.A., will explore the fascinating concept of found and repurposed objects and their significance in modern and contemporary art, while surrounded by the art in the gallery space.
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
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Luanne Bole-Becker
Raymond Bugelski Lou Camerato Gail Crum Carla Guseilo Bret Hines Daniel Horne Suzan Kraus |
Barbara Martin
Billy Nainiger Randy Oldrieve Elizabeth Prindle Ron Shelton Gail Trunick Andy Tubbesing Gwen Waight |
Recently On View |
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THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW &
Jordi Rowe: Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait
On View July 7 - August 23
Join the Valley Art Center for a sensational dual opening reception as we unveil two remarkable exhibitions, "THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW" and Jordi Rowe’s solo exhibition "Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait". The exhibition opening reception will take place on Friday, July 7 from 6-8pm and showcase an extraordinary range of artistic talent and explore the fascinating concepts of monumental size and fleeting moments of light.
THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, running from July 7 – August 23 in The Bowen Gallery, is an exhibition created to display local artists' sizeable talent (and equally substantially sized art) in Northeast Ohio. The show features an impressive lineup of artists, including Leigh Brooklyn, Bonnie McCormick, Raymond Bugelski, Alex Jasko, Don Lisy, Violet Maimbourg, Diana Rice, Sam Roth, John A. Sargent III, and Will Wilson.
THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW presents an eclectic collection of contemporary artworks, spanning various styles and mediums. Visitors will be captivated by an array of Realist and Abstract Expressionist oil paintings, a visually striking wall of large assemblages, a hanging sculpture constructed from a deconstructed sketchbook, and an awe-inspiring world premiere of the largest canvas painting by Will Wilson. This monumental artwork required special preparations, as it was meticulously stretched within the expansive walls of the Bowen Gallery to accommodate its grand size.
THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW also marks the first of four openings across Northeast Ohio galleries that are working together to create an exhibition so BIG, it takes up four venues. As visitors embark on a journey of artistic exploration at Valley Art Center, they can look forward to subsequent exhibitions hosted by Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (opening July 13), The Gallery at Lakeland Community College (opening July 23), and BAYarts (opening July 28). This collaborative effort promises a summer full of BIG @SS @RT, showcasing the immense artistic prowess within our community.
THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW presents an eclectic collection of contemporary artworks, spanning various styles and mediums. Visitors will be captivated by an array of Realist and Abstract Expressionist oil paintings, a visually striking wall of large assemblages, a hanging sculpture constructed from a deconstructed sketchbook, and an awe-inspiring world premiere of the largest canvas painting by Will Wilson. This monumental artwork required special preparations, as it was meticulously stretched within the expansive walls of the Bowen Gallery to accommodate its grand size.
THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW also marks the first of four openings across Northeast Ohio galleries that are working together to create an exhibition so BIG, it takes up four venues. As visitors embark on a journey of artistic exploration at Valley Art Center, they can look forward to subsequent exhibitions hosted by Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (opening July 13), The Gallery at Lakeland Community College (opening July 23), and BAYarts (opening July 28). This collaborative effort promises a summer full of BIG @SS @RT, showcasing the immense artistic prowess within our community.
John A. Sargent III, NIGHT NEVER SLEEPS, 1990, 68 x 218 inches, Oil on canvas.
Artist Jordi Rowe
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In conjunction with THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, we are thrilled to showcase the breathtaking abstract artworks by Jordi Rowe in her solo exhibition in the newly expanded Patron Gallery, "Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait." This exhibition unveils never-before-seen creations that invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world of abstract beauty. Rowe's artistry transcends traditional boundaries as she explores the interplay of light, color, and form, creating spaces where the human element becomes insignificant and approaches the sublime. She is the recipient of the Women’s Art Club of Cleveland Scholarship and the CIA Gund Family Scholarship. Join us for this duel opening reception on Friday, July 7 from 6 – 8pm. This special event offers a unique opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy food and artistic activities for artists of all ages. Mark your calendars and prepare to be enthralled by the dynamic and thought-provoking exhibitions that await you! |
Contact the Valley Art Center at 440-247-7507 or valleyartcenter.org for more information. VAC is located at 155 Bell Street in Chagrin Falls. While there, treat yourself or a loved one by signing up for an art class or workshop, and be sure to explore the newly re-imagined Valley Art/Shop.
Valley Art Center is member supported and receives additional support through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Ohio Arts Council, and several other organizations and individuals. Exhibitions are sponsored by Premier Bank and TKM Print Solutions, Inc.
Event Details:
Exhibition: THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW
Dates: July 7 – August 23
Location: Valley Art Center, 155 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Opening Reception: Friday, July 7, from 6 - 8pm
Collaborating Galleries:
Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (opening July 13)
The Gallery at Lakeland Community College (opening July 23)
BAYarts (opening July 28)
For more information and directions, please visit thebigassartshow.com
Recent Exhibitions |
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2nd Annual Emerging Young Artists Exhibition
March 31 - May 10, 2023
Thank you to everyone who came out to the exhibition opening! |
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Accepted Artists
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Kenan Alsabony
Alison Alsup Sylvia Altman Alexia Avdelas Kalab Bumbaugh Amir Catney Natalie Crowley Lindy Cunnington Sofia Dewey Sophy Gao Ali Gemmer Meira German |
Vivienne González
Makayla Gurnik Frank Hadzima Ashley Hetherington Lia Hilde Maura Ingraham Zania Jones Kate Klein Tristen Kovacs Tamsyn Kuehnert Sarah Leemaster Jiarong Liu |
Shunhua Liu
Audrey Magdics Erin McFadden Giovanna Mclean Madison McSweeney Carmella Muresan Cara Myers James Negron Skylar Pagon Kathryn Palmieri Abigail Rambler |
Diana Rice
James Schaffer Saija Shah Julia Stitt Ashley Strub Sanjana Tumma Taliyah Whitehead Delainey Wyville Ember Zelch Emily Zepp |
Award Winners
Best In Show
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Casey Monda Award in Creative Excellence
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The 2nd Annual Emerging Young Artists Exhibition is set to open on Friday, March 31st, with an opening reception from 6-8 PM at Valley Art Center. The exhibition will showcase the most talented young artists between the ages of 16 to 22 within a fifty-mile radius of Chagrin Falls, providing a unique platform for the rising generation of artists to showcase their remarkable works to the public. Through a competitive juried process, this year's exhibition has already garnered significant attention, with numerous submissions received from artists throughout the Northeast Ohio area.
The exhibition is designed to celebrate, encourage, and inspire young artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and develop their skills. Attendees at the opening will have an opportunity to interact with the artists, learn about their work, and purchase pieces that they connect with. With such a diverse range of styles and mediums on display, there is sure to be something for everyone.
"We are thrilled to host this year's Emerging Young Artists Exhibition," said VAC Executive Director Bec Gruss. "This is an exceptional opportunity for the public to discover and support the local artistic talent in our community. We hope that this event will inspire young artists and encourage them to pursue their passion for the arts."
Many artists in this exciting exhibition are students, representing The University of Akron Myers School of Art, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Holy Name High School, Hathaway Brown School, Chagrin Falls High School, Shaker Heights High School, Orange High School, and more.
"The Emerging Young Artists Exhibition is not just a showcase of young talent but a celebration of the future of art," said Julie Polsinelli. "We are excited to be part of the journey of these young artists as they begin to establish themselves in the art world."
Admission to the opening reception is free, and light refreshments will be provided. The event will take place on Friday, March 31st, from 6-8 PM, at Valley Art Center. Don't miss this opportunity to support the rising generation of artists in Northeast Ohio and beyond!
The exhibition is designed to celebrate, encourage, and inspire young artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and develop their skills. Attendees at the opening will have an opportunity to interact with the artists, learn about their work, and purchase pieces that they connect with. With such a diverse range of styles and mediums on display, there is sure to be something for everyone.
"We are thrilled to host this year's Emerging Young Artists Exhibition," said VAC Executive Director Bec Gruss. "This is an exceptional opportunity for the public to discover and support the local artistic talent in our community. We hope that this event will inspire young artists and encourage them to pursue their passion for the arts."
Many artists in this exciting exhibition are students, representing The University of Akron Myers School of Art, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Holy Name High School, Hathaway Brown School, Chagrin Falls High School, Shaker Heights High School, Orange High School, and more.
"The Emerging Young Artists Exhibition is not just a showcase of young talent but a celebration of the future of art," said Julie Polsinelli. "We are excited to be part of the journey of these young artists as they begin to establish themselves in the art world."
Admission to the opening reception is free, and light refreshments will be provided. The event will take place on Friday, March 31st, from 6-8 PM, at Valley Art Center. Don't miss this opportunity to support the rising generation of artists in Northeast Ohio and beyond!
Recent Exhibitions |
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Student/Faculty Exhibition
Painting Instructor Rob Crombie, Sunrise, Oil Painting.
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Each January, the Valley Art Center celebrates the talents of our faculty and students with the Student/Faculty Exhibition. Every student, staff member, and instructor who has been active at Valley Art Center in the last two years was invited to include one work of art in this exhibit. This popular annual exhibition showcases the diversity of classes and mediums offered by our talented faculty and is a platform to celebrate the successes of our students.
Over the past year, Valley Art Center has offered over 400 classes and workshops, taught by 30+ professional instructors, to over 1500 students. Please join us to experience all the wonderful ways our students and faculty make us the creative visual hub of the Chagrin Valley. The exhibition features work from more than 100 Valley Art Center artists! |
Rendering: A Digital DiscourseArtificial Intelligence is a hot topic in the art world and beyond. The Valley Art Center is opening a space to create a discussion by bringing together local digital artists (Steven Gutierrez, Greggory Hill, Matthew Pylypiv, Pam Spremulli, and Jessica Wascak) for the exhibition Rendering: A Digital Discourse.
Valley Art Center's intention is not necessarily to take a stand on AI or conclude on its relevance or place in the arts community, but rather to open a dialogue and have relevant and current topics as a center of programming at VAC. The Valley Art Center's two exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore the creative potential of both student and faculty artwork and digital and AI artwork. By showcasing both types of artwork in one space, the Valley Art Center provides a platform to bridge the gap between traditional and new art forms. This dual exhibition allows viewers to appreciate the diversity of creative expression while also sparking a dialogue about how technology can be used to create art. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students and faculty to learn from each other's techniques and gain insight into exhibiting in galleries once an artwork is created. Ultimately, these dual exhibitions serve as an inspiring reminder that creativity knows no bounds. This culminated in an Artist Panel on Digital and AI Art on Friday, February 10th at 7pm. Four of the exhibition artists delved into their own relation to the digital artworld before taking questions from the audience. Here is a recording of this panel.
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51st Annual Juried Art Exhibition
Jurors:
Casey Monda, Casey Monda Art Advisory
Arnold Tunstall, Director, University Galleries, Myers School of Art, The University of Akron
Mark Yasenchack, Mark Yasenchack Studio
Casey Monda, Casey Monda Art Advisory
Arnold Tunstall, Director, University Galleries, Myers School of Art, The University of Akron
Mark Yasenchack, Mark Yasenchack Studio
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Ekphrastacy
Artists Talk - Poets Respond Thursday, December 1 | 6pm In connection with the Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Valley Art Center hosted Ekphrastacy – Artists Talk + Poets Respond on December 1, in partnership with Heights Arts. The series, which is modeled after the Greek term Ekphrasis, or a poem that is a vivid description of a work of art, is a celebration of both visual and spoken word artistry. Says Heights Arts Executive Director Rachel Bernstein about the program, "We are very excited to once again share this signature program with Valley Art Center. Hearing artists talk about their work and then poets contributing similar or perhaps completely different interpretations, provides all who attend- artists, poets, and audience members alike, a much deeper appreciation of the works themselves, the process of creating them, and their impact on those that view them." This program traveled to Valley Art Center to bring together poets who responded to works of art within the exhibition. The program was led by current Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate, Ray McNiece, along with Cleveland poet Siaara Freeman, and former Cleveland Heights Poets Laureate Christine Howey and Dr. Mary E. Weems. These poets composed and read poems directly inspired by the exhibited works, creating an interesting and engaging dialogue while surrounded by the art. The Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate is conferred by Heights Arts and is the longest-running poet laureate program in the state. In early 2023, the 11th Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate will be chosen for a 2023-2025 term. |
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Award Winners
Best in Show: Joseph Ryznar, I Mowed, It Rained, It Cleared: Puddle on Concrete
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1st Place: Drew Ippoliti, A Fugitive from the Law of Averages
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2nd Place: Drew King, Two Rivers
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3rd Place: Meagan Smith, Hardanger Fjord 1
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Victoria Welling Award: Kimberly Chapman, That’s the Way to Do it! Punch and Judy, Wrong since 1662
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Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award in Abstract Painting: David Kuntzman, Dedekind
Darlene Jackson Watercolor Award: Donna Bargar, Crow #1
Honorable Mention: Will Wilson, The Forest
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The Paula Marianek Award - Excellence in a Piece That Incorporates the Mediums of Clay, Drawing, or Pastels: Debrah Butler, Silence
Honorable Mention: Mary Defer, Spiderwort
Honorable Mention: Jann Dieringer, Once Upon A Time
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Accepted Artists
Keegan Adams
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Tom Jackson
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Charles Deihl Retrospective Exhibition
September 9 - October 19, 2022
An expansive exhibition of works by lifelong artist and accomplished professional, Charles "Bud" Deihl.
Listen to the recording of the Artist Talk with Charles "Bud" Diehl below to hear from the artist himself or scroll below to see installation images and learn more.
Listen to the recording of the Artist Talk with Charles "Bud" Diehl below to hear from the artist himself or scroll below to see installation images and learn more.
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Photo: Michael Steinberg.
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Photos: Michael Steinberg.
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Valley Art Center is pleased to present the Retrospective Exhibition of over 90 works by Charles “Bud” Deihl, artist, painter, sculptor, educator, and long-time VAC instructor. For locals of Chagrin Falls, the artists work can be seen year-round in the fantastical mural which adorns the VAC’s 62-foot-long east wall. From graduate school drawings in the 1950s to award winning oil paintings of recent years, this exhibition tells the visual story of a lifelong artist and accomplished professional. As the exhibited works are enriched by his genuine, honest narration, the audience has the unusual opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his life and art, in his own words. The complete stories within Charles Deihl's artworks, however, are left to the viewer's imagination.
Bud describes his painting technique as modified realism, although the subject matter is often surrealism. In Bud’s words, “My paintings tell stories, but the stories are unclear, unfinished, obscure. The titles of the paintings - thus, the titles of the stories - sometimes offer some insight, but my hope is that viewers will be compelled to look at the paintings, accept that principals have been violated, and enjoy the experiment of the core idea.” As Ron Kroutel, Professor Emeritus at Ohio University explains, “You don’t leave Charles “Bud” Diehl’s paintings feeling hungry. They are a rich, satisfying feast on many levels. His mastery of technical skill and compositional structure are of the highest level. His playful and sometimes jarring use of subject matter whets the viewer’s appetite for more, and there is more, a complex and subtle reference to art history from Johannes Vermeer to Vito Acconci.” |
Valley Art Center is excited to present “Where Are We?” an exploration of Surrealism. Wander with us through dreams and the landscape of the unconscious.
Juried and curated by John McCutcheon of Sean Christopher Gallery in Columbus, Ohio.
This exhibit is free and open to the public 10 am - 4pm Monday-Wednesday, 10am-7pm Thursday, 10am-4pm Friday, and 10 - 2pm on Saturday.
Let's get weird.
Juried and curated by John McCutcheon of Sean Christopher Gallery in Columbus, Ohio.
This exhibit is free and open to the public 10 am - 4pm Monday-Wednesday, 10am-7pm Thursday, 10am-4pm Friday, and 10 - 2pm on Saturday.
Let's get weird.
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Exhibiting Artists
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Rachel Liberati Juniper Mainelis Gabi Roach Jordi Rowe John A Sargent III Jean Schnell Rita Schuenemann Kathy Simone Joe Stavec Katie Taylor Seth Wade Kristina Walter Hannah Wyman Delainey Wyville |
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Where Are We? An Exploration of Surrealism
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Assistant Director & Gallery Manager Julie Polsinelli walks through Valley Art Center's exhibition "Where Are We? An Exploration of Surrealism" on view until August 24, 2022. Julie explores the history of Surrealism before highlighting some of the works in this weird and wonderful exhibition!
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What a fantastic Opening Night! Thanks to all the artists and guests who came out! Special thanks to Lynn Lofton for her Exquisite Corpses experiment, Michael Steinberg for photographs, and Janet Ingold Floral for the amazing surrealist floral display! |
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Salvador Dalí Event Thank you to all who came out to our One Night Only Dali Etching Viewing and Lecture!! A very special thanks to Casey Monda of Casey Monda Art Advisory for her lecture which was an enlightening- and exciting!- exploration into Surrealism and our continuing "Where Are We?" exhibition. We look forward to presenting more lectures from artists and art historians!! If you were unable to attend, you can watch the lecture here.
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ART HEALS by Art Therapy Studio Client - Artists
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Emerging ArtistsFeaturing emerging artists from local high school and college art programs, including;
Chagrin Falls High School Brush High School Excel TECC at Orange High School Shaker Heights High School and Lakeland Community College. On display April 1 - May 11, 2022. Awards Reception - April 8, 2022, 5 pm - 8 pm |
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Chagrin Falls Unity Mural
This mural was created by 39 Portfolio Preparation students from Chagrin Falls High School and includes students studying photo, 2D and 3D design. The mural was sponsored by the Chagrin Educational Foundation. Lead Designer Delainey Wyville began by using original photographs of downtown Chagrin and creating a schematic drawing of the mural plan that was later laser cut out of wood before constructing the mural. Students were challenged to create a surrealistic cityscene incorporating aspects of Chagrin architecture that interconnected artistic disciplines. Students worked to give each building a distinct theme while also unifying with the entire mural as a whole.
The mural will be installed in Chagrin Falls High School later this year.
Special thanks to the Educational Foundation and David Kimball for helping incorporate use of the Innovation Center into this mural.
The mural will be installed in Chagrin Falls High School later this year.
Special thanks to the Educational Foundation and David Kimball for helping incorporate use of the Innovation Center into this mural.
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36” X 120” X 4”
Acrylic, Paperclay and Mixed Media on Wood Panel Lead Student Designer: Delainey Wyville Student Artists: Anna Baker, Kate Bartlett, Paelyn Benz, Maeve Brennan, Logan Brownell, Erin Burchard, Casper Calder Anna Campbell, Amelia Charlton, Peyton Gellin, Mila Gresh, Rose Hoelzel, Samantha Holtz, Clara Ives, Marie Kanzinger, Will Keegan, Stella Kronstain, Megan Larkin, Abigail Laws, Tina Logan, Hunter Longo, Sofia Maas, Ceclia Mergenhagen, Robert Munz, Riley, Myers, Isabel Nerpouni, Oakleigh Niethammer, Liam Oettinger, Jenivy Par, Samuel Partain, Quinn Purnhagen, Elizabeth Rankin, Maya Rooney, Will Rossi, Ella Spremulli, Charlie Taylor, Sam Winans, Caitlyn Young, Camille Zitney |
