Sat 3/1 – Mon 3/31
Since 2008, Lakeland Community College has been hosting annual exhibitions dedicated to the efforts of female artists. In honor of Women’s History Month, these shows are “by women, for women and about women.” From Woman VII is the biggest and most ambitious effort to date. Every year, these exhibitions at the Gallery at Lakeland get bigger and better. This year, however, the show is branching out to over a dozen galleries and studios throughout Northeast Ohio.
Throughout the month of March, local galleries and studios will be hosting all-female exhibitions highlighting the work of local and regional artists. We’ve included as many of their own words as possible. Additionally, we conducted an interview with From WOMAN’s curator, Mary Urbas here.
The first artist reception took place at Lakewood’s Good Goat Gallery. “I enjoy painting humor more than anything,” says Good Goat’s owner A. Nancy Cintron. “My artwork is meant to induce a smile. Although, this new series, Death Shall Not Part Us, is a little more serious, but still conveys happiness… it’s a happy ending, with a new beginning”.
Good Goat’s From WOMAN exhibition features over a dozen women – including Oliver App, Linda Ayala, Diana J. Bjel, Darrelle Anne Centuori, A. Nancy Cintron, Patricia Diaz Paul, Laura Dumm, Forlorn Dolls (Samantha Meyers), Angela Oster, Lindsay Parker, Ana Luisa Sanchez and Victoria Stanbridge.
“I think it’s important to remember that it wasn’t so long ago that women were starved of education and denied any place in history except as mothers and wives,” adds local artist Angela Oster. This series at the Good Goat is an expression of how profoundly grateful I am that I live in a place and time where I can be an artist. The drawings are of children at play – on swings – at the playground – their little faces joyous but also sullen and brooding – it’s about the complexities of being a kid.”
“Traditionally quilts were made to give women a voice,” explains local painter Laura Dumm. “They told stories, they could express their creative side while doing something practical that could not only keep the family warm, but give beauty to their homes and create a heritage that they could hand down to their daughters. I have created ‘painted quilt like stories’ but instead of sewing fabric into a big square I’ve told stories with painted patterns on canvas to create a portrait in a quasi pop art fashion. I chose to do the cat faces because they are complex little creatures with quite singular personalities.”
“Without realizing it until later, I submitted pieces into the show that is a bit past/present,” adds local artist and former partner of WallEye Gallery, Linda Ayala. “One piece is a graphite drawing that some people would recognize as my usual medium, the second piece is my new work in puppetry. I’ve been working on puppet building and performance and am very excited to begin sharing that side of me.”
Thu 3/6 @ Chagrin Falls Public Library
One of the first opening receptions will be Thu 3/6 from 5-7pm at Chagrin Fall’s Public Library. The library will be hosting the work of Tricia Kaman – who is celebrating 25 years on Murray Hill later this month as part of From WOMAN (Sat 3/22 Noon-7pm).
Fri 3/7 @ Willoughby Hills Community Center Gallery
The next day, Friday 3/7, the Willoughby Hills Community Center Gallery will host an artist reception for Janet M Mettee’s watercolors and Stephen Paternite’s photography from 7-9pm.
Sat 3/8 @ FIddlehead Gallery
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Larchmere’s Fiddlehead Gallery will host an event featuring a number of women-owned companies and female artisans. 10% of the sales will be donated to Preterm/Reproductive Justice. Stop by for discussions on current Women’s issues and a chance to share your own stories.
“Our contribution will consist of over seventeen businesses supporting their favorite non-profit organizations by sharing a percentage of their sales for the day to that cause,” says Susan Rozman of Fiddlehead Gallery. “Support your local, independent stores, restaurants & services at this collaborative event and learn more about ways to work towards educating and uplifting women to have their full rights respected! Visit Fiddlehead Gallery from 10-5 and sample Palestinian olive oil and tapenades from Canaan Fair Trade and Sub Rosa Tea throughout the day. Many female artisans from around the world will be highlighted. We will be hosting a wrap-up celebration from 6-8pm with our Merchants and Representatives, Join us.”
Fri 3/14 @ Pentagon Gallery
The next weekend features two openings. On Friday (3/14 5-9pm), Pentagon Gallery hosts Patricia Simmons’ 6 Decades of Flowing Abstraction.
Sat 3/15 @ Negative Space Gallery
On Saturday, Asian Town Center’s Negative Space Gallery hosts a three-woman show curated by From WOMAN organizer, Mary Urbas. Three Visions includes work by Lisa Kenion, Marilyn Szalay and jaymi Zents. The reception on Saturday will take place from 7-10pm.
Fri 3/21 @ 78th Street Studios
The gifted ladies of 78th Street Studios will join in the fun for this month’s Third Friday (5-9pm). “There are some really talented women in Northeast Ohio and this tour provides a tool to see them all,” says 78th Street’s Eileen Dorsey. “I am proud to be one of the stops on this visual journey.” Participating artists include Eileen Dorsey, Susie Frazier, Hilary Gent, Laurel Herbold, Julie Morgan, Jamilla Naji, Charmaine Spencer, Dawn Tekler and more. Additionally, a number of temporary exhibitions in the various galleries feature a number of local, regional and national female artists.
“Although my gallery will be open during Third Friday as part of the festivities, I also created a special piece for the From WOMAN VII show at Lakeland Community College,” explains Suzie Frazier. “I rarely exhibit my work outside of my own gallery, but I’m really inspired by what Mary has done with this annual exhibition over the years.
“Falling is a triptych about women in relationships,” she continues. “Initially we float in, weightless, aware only of our own feelings. Then we navigate ourselves in the context of others, either aligning like destined peas of the same pod or crossing boundaries that result in conflict. It’s messy at times, but eventually we settle in, experiencing a physical and emotional closeness with others, whether at home or at work. It’s up to each of us to know when that closeness has gone past the pleasure of feeling supported to the point of feeling trapped.”
“HEDGE Gallery is proud to be part of this visual journey, exploring the variety of amazing women artists throughout Northeast Ohio,” adds local artist and HEDGE owner Hilary Gent. “During the scheduled March 21st reception, visitors will be able to view work by female artists Christine Mauersberger and Grace Summanen in the Gallery, and are welcome to stop in my studio, which is located in HEDGE Gallery as well.” Gent’s newest series of paintings, Aftermath, will be on view at The Maria Neil Art Project (3/7-4/20).
“It is always such a pleasure building relationships and sharing ideas with my fellow women in the local art community,” explains local painter Laurel Herbold. “It is a true honor to be ranked among them in this celebration of women in the arts.”
“Having a show dedicated to the innovated female artist of NEO is a great way to bring attention to Women’s History Month as well as the individual accomplishments of those artists,” says local painter Dawn Tekler – whose work is currently exhibited as part of Orchid Mania at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.
Sat 3/22 @ JADE Gallery, Pennello Gallery…
The next day is packed with four artist receptions. JADE Gallery in Chesterland presents Two Artists’ Flow – the artwork of JADE owner Jacqueline DelBrocco and Irene Sukle (3/22 1-4pm). “Painting Energy – Two Artists’ Flow will feature select pieces from the archives of Irene Sukle and some of my most recent paintings,” explains JADE owner Jacqueline DelBrocco. “You can find us on the first floor of the Diplomat building on Rt. 306 in Chesterland which can be accessed from the parking lot behind the building.”
The other three openings on Saturday all take place from in Little Italy from Noon-7pm. First, Pennello Gallery showcases a number of Contemporary American, Canadian and Israeli fine art and crafts. “We are representing 38 female artists,” explains Pennallo’s Sue Cahn. “Our youngest is 15 year old Nikki Belkin, who will be exhibiting her one of a kind hand embroidered sculptural shoes.” Tara Seibel Gallery will feature Sunsets, Here and Beyond.
“I am excited to be hosting one of the many From Women exhibits during the official grand opening celebration of the new gallery,” says Tara Seibel. “Especially to help raise awareness for female artists in Cleveland during Woman’s History Month. The “Sunsets here and beyond” exhibit reflects regional sunsets via paintings, watercolors and jewelry design.”
Meanwhile, Tricia Kaman Art Studio and Gallery celebrates 25 years on Murray Hill. “I strive to achieve artistic excellence with each piece that I complete, explains Kaman. “My goal is to create paintings that capture a mood revealing the unique personal qualities of one individual (both physical and spiritual). At the same time, the paintings reveal something about all of humanity. Another goal of mine is to capture the beauty and elegance of the human form along with the divine elements of the soul. I believe that working with living models allows me to witness and glean glimpses of an individual human soul along with the dimensions of the physical body.”
Sun 3/23 @ The Gallery at Lakeland
On Sunday, it’s time for the big day itself. Everything kicks off at Lakeland with Women of Achievement Awards at 2pm, followed by the artists’ reception from 3:30-5pm. From WOMAN VII includes work by nearly 40 local, regional and national women artists – working in an eclectic variety of media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic wax, drawing, textiles, jewelry, digital art, bronze, enamel, ceramic, assemblage and mixed media.
A number of other galleries won’t be holding artist receptions this month, but they will be open to the public during regular hours. The Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery at Ursuline College proudly presents work by their distinguished alumna Kathryn Holzheimer (Tue-Fri Noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 1:30-4:30pm).
“Katie Holzheimer creates bold, colorful art that brings peace, contentment, balance and enjoyment to the viewer,” explains Wasmer’s Gallery Director Anna Arnold. “Also, an internationally renowned interior designer for Holzheimer Interiors, Inc., she creates unique textured paintings using acrylic paints and brushless paint techniques. Her works have been displayed in juried art shows in galleries throughout the country. Katie not only creates art, but she also teaches art and brushless painting techniques. She will host workshops at Wasmer Gallery in March.”
Lakewood’s Good Goat Gallery opened their From WOMAN exhibition earlier this month (runs through the end of the month). “I enjoy painting humor more than anything,” says Good Goat’s owner A. Nancy Cintron. “My artwork is meant to induce a smile. Although, this new series, Death Shall Not Part Us, is a little more serious, but still conveys happiness… it’s a happy ending, with a new beginning”.
Good Goat’s From WOMAN exhibition features over a dozen women – including Oliver App, Linda Ayala, Diana J. Bjel, Darrelle Anne Centuori, A. Nancy Cintron, Patricia Diaz Paul, Laura Dumm, Forlorn Dolls (Samantha Meyers), Angela Oster, Lindsay Parker, Ana Luisa Sanchez and Victoria Stanbridge. The opening reception takes place Saturday 3/1 from 4:30-9:30pm.
“My work has been dealing with sexuality and the transition I see going worldwide,” explains local artist Oliver App. “This is a very electric time for sexuality and embracing who you really are and I’m excited to be part of it in my life and in my art!”
“I think it’s important to remember that it wasn’t so long ago that women were starved of education and denied any place in history except as mothers and wives,” adds local artist Angela Oster. This series at the Good Goat is an expression of how profoundly grateful I am that I live in a place and time where I can be an artist. The drawings are of children at play – on swings – at the playground – their little faces joyous but also sullen and brooding – it’s about the complexities of being a kid.”
“Traditionally quilts were made to give women a voice,” explains local painter Laura Dumm. “They told stories, they could express their creative side while doing something practical that could not only keep the family warm, but give beauty to their homes and create a heritage that they could hand down to their daughters. I have created “painted quilt like stories” but instead of sewing fabric into a big square I’ve told stories with painted patterns on canvas to create a portrait in a quasi pop art fashion. I chose to do the cat faces because they are complex little creatures with quite singular personalities.”
“Without realizing it until later, I submitted pieces into the show that is a bit past/present,” adds local artist and former partner of WallEye Gallery, Linda Ayala. “One piece is a graphite drawing that some people would recognize as my usual medium, the second piece is my new work in puppetry. I’ve been working on puppet building and performance and am very excited to begin sharing that side of me.”
Devout Home: Global Elements, Modern Style hosts an exhibition of new work by Lorelei Skizenta in Rocky River.
Case Western Reserve University’s Gallery@MSASS (Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences) is currently showcasing the work of Melinda Placko and Bernadette Glorioso. “For the celebration of Women’s History Month, I have invited two talented Cleveland area artists, Melinda Placko & Bernadette Glorioso to exhibit their work,” explains MSASS’s June Hund – whose own work is part of the exhibition at Lakeland. “These women are busy. Besides being totally immersed in their creative expression; they are mothers and wage earners.”
“We created collaborative art specifically for this exhibition titled Birds of Summer,” adds local artist and President of the Cleveland West Art League, Melinda Placko. “With a bold color pallette and lots of movement, the piece mixes drawing and painting and is an ambitious fourteen feet long. It hangs alongside a large number of of individual paintings, collage and mixed media work.”
On Saturdays throughout the month, Alpaca Fiber Studio will be hosting workshops with owner Robbie Grodin. “Using Nuno felting techniques, you will be delighted to watch as students transform layers of hand-painted silk, sumptuous alpaca (locally raised) and merino rovings, into gorgeous flowing fabric,” explains Grodin. “Watch as wool fiber SLOWLY migrate through the weaves of silk and begin to shrink, trapping the silk into making a new fabric.”
For too long throughout history, female artists were denied access to education and opportunities due to the arrogance and ignorance of their male counterparts. This collaborative effort is one of the largest and most ambitious of its kind ever. Additionally, the scale and scope of this gallery tour helps eliminate the artificial barriers of Northeast Ohio. These events help unite us as a community.
So be sure to mark your calendars, map out your route and support the efforts of our region’s extremely talented ladies.
(NOTE: Although not officially listed, other female artists exhibiting their work in March include Jenna Fournier’s See No Evil at Gallery One Sixty in Waterloo and Lori Keller’s Artificial Worlds at the Jack & Linda Lissauer Gallery at The Shaker Historical Society (via The Maria Neil Art Project).
(Images courtesy of Victoria Stanbridge, Oliver App and A. Nancy Cintron)
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.
Lakewood, OH 44107
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Cleveland, OH 44120
Cleveland, OH 44118
Cleveland, OH 44114
Cleveland, OH 44102
Chesterland, OH 44026
Cleveland, OH 44106
Cleveland, OH 44106
Cleveland, OH 44106
Lakeland Community College, Kirtland, OH 44094
Cleveland, OH 44124
Cleveland, OH 44124
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Old River Shopping Area, Rocky River, OH 44116
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106