Stranger @ MOCA 1.29 – 5.8, 2016

Across this range of genres and forms, the artists in Stranger consider how we perceive, construct, and understand individual experience through the concepts of “body” and “presence.” They demonstrate the figure’s continued relevance, exploring it as a forceful, unsettled, and inescapable vessel for consciousness.

Huma Bhabha, Valérie Blass, Sascha Braunig, Antoine Catala, Ian Cheng, Simon Dybbroe Møller, Cécile B. Evans, Andro Wekua, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

'Insider Trading' @ Pretension Gallery 1.23 6PM

The fourth version of Pretension Gallery’s Insider Trading series takes place from 6PM–2AM Sat., Jan. 23rd, in Slavic Village. This year’s event will be held in a vacant storefront, converted into a pop-up art gallery for this one-night-only, special event.

This year, more than 40 artists will swap work during this one night only event. None of the works on the walls are for sale. Instead, the artists each draw a name of another artist and everyone leaves with a different piece than they came with. If an artist draws their own name, they get to “steal” any piece in the show. It’s the art community’s version of White Elephant.

The event includes a raffle for the general public, refreshments and live music from DJs Geronamo, Krash Helmut and Matt Casio and performances by Conner Joseph McCready and Nick Brilla.

It's Elemental: Earth & Air @ Valley Art Center 1.22

Valley Art Center's It's Elemental: Earth & Air
Opening Reception is Friday, January 22nd from 6–8PM.

Over 67 works were accepted from 46 artists. Come join Valley Art Center to experience the mood evoked from the artist's perceptions of earth and air. Hope to see you there!

155 Bell Street 

Chagrin Falls, OH
valleyartcenter.org

AAWR Annual Member’s Show 1.15 5:30–8PM

This Friday night is the AAWR Annual Member’s Show. FREE and open to the public,   this year’s show was juried by Anna Arnold, Gallery Director of Wasmer Gallery at Ursuline College. Forty-nine pieces were chosen from one hundred thirty one submitted by members and archived artists. 

Ms. Arnold states, “I am excited after looking at all of the work submitted to the Annual Members Show, which reflects the creative energy, extraordinary skill and ingenuity of Cleveland area artists.The overall quality of the work was high. I was most attracted to submissions that had mastery of a chosen medium, a vitality, a unique style or vision.”

Light refreshments will be served at the opening this Friday Jan. 15th from 5:30 – 8PM. The Artists Archives of the Western Reserve is located on the edge of University Circle at 1834 E. 123rd Street Cleveland, OH 44106, next to the David Davis Sculpture Center.

Pop Goes Cleveland @Third Fridays 1.15

Popeye Gallery's first exhibition of 2016 is their largest group show to date. Pop Goes Cleveland features emerging and established local artists who share a distinctly illustrative sensibility inspired early by comics and cartoons. In addition to professional comic artists and illustrators, Pop Goes Cleveland includes projected animations and large, free-standing sculptural work, as well as acrylic and oil paintings and more.

Celebrate these tremendously talented artists and their work during Third Friday festivities at 78th Street Studios, from 5 to 9PM this Friday, Jan. 15th.

The exhibition remains on view for next month’s Third Friday Closing Reception on Friday, February 19th from 5 to 9 p.m. (Live music presented by Brian Straw at 9 p.m.) Additional viewing hours are available by appointment.

Fandom216: the Art of Sports Kick-off 1.10 1-4PM

Fandom216: the Art of Sports in NEOhio is a series of art exhibits held at Zygote Press, Waterloo Arts and Hedge Gallery from January 10 through February 20. This exhibition will explore our area’s relationship to sports through art, whether it offers critique or honorific exaltation, or something in between. We hope that you will find it engaging as both makers and viewers.

The opening tailgate launch party for Fandom216 at Waterloo Arts will include food, drinks, art, polka by Malphonia, spoken word by youth poet athletes from America Scores, and a live appearence by the Cleveland Browns biggest fan, the Bone Lady! Instead of viewing a game on the big screen we will be viewing an art exhibit dedicated to Cleveland's sports past and present.

Pre-holiday 78th Street Studios Art Walk 12.18

This Friday is the 78th Street Studios monthly art walk, with over 50 art studios, galleries, and businesses opening their doors for a free event for the public, featuring local restaurants and food trucks. Many of the tenants are offering special holiday items found only at the studios. Make sure to stop by with friends, family and even the dog for this family, and pet friendly holiday event. The event is from 5–9PM.

Big Fun Pop-up in Lakewood/Depew Show 12.10

Steve Presser and crew are back in Lakewood just for the holidays. The former Big Fun location has been transformed into a special pop-up holiday store.

“Big Fun will have the usual great holiday gifts that the award-wining store is known for,” Presser promises. “Ghoulardi and Cleveland souvenirs, including mugs, t- shirts, books, etc. are the perfect gift for the local fan. An amazing selection of books, most of which are more than half off, will be offered. Christmas stocking stuffers for people of all ages. It is nice to be in the old neighborhood again.”

The former location is filled with an eclectic selection of unique holiday gifts. Items include holiday goods, Cleveland-themed items, art books, adult coloring books, vintage t-shirts, hundreds of LEGO items, a collection of more than 6,000 miniature VW Beetles and Minibuses, and items from City Buddha and Blaze Gourmet.

The pop-up shop is highlighted by two new and very special collections that Presser is displaying for the very first time.

“I got a call from a friend who wanted to know if I could help a close friend of hers liquidate a toy collection of her friend's father, who sadly passed away,” Presser reveals. “Well, it was actually two collections that the father had a passion for. One was over 100 complete Lego buildings and a ton of accessories. The other was his real love—Volkswagen Beetle Bugs. The collection is over 6,000 individual VW bugs, beetles, vans, campers, etc. These two wonderful collections will be featured at the Clifton store and will be for sale.”

Additionally, the walls above the retail shelves are filled with a special retrospective of acclaimed local artist Dana Depew’s artwork. Looking Up to Dana Depew opens with a special reception this Thursday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 9PM.  Most of Depew’s work in the shop is priced at $100 or less, and is available for sale in the shop before Thursday’s reception.

The pop-up Big Fun holiday shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 8PM. and 11AM to 1PM on Sunday. Thursday evening’s reception is free and open to the public.

(Big Fun Pop-Up Holiday Shop) 

11512 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood

JUNTOS Art Exhibition at LCCC Opening 12.12

"Flor de Maga: Rita Moreno" by Joe Ayala

JUNTOS is Spanish for together. In this spirit of collaboration with the Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery at the Lorain County Community College and the Museum of Hispanic and Latino Cultures. JUNTOS brings together over 50 talented and unique artists in our region for the museum's first art exhibition benefit. A portion of each sale will go towards the museum to help establish a permanent home.

Join us at 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 for the Opening Reception on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 4:30pm to 9:30pm.

If you miss the opening reception there will be additional hours on:
Sunday, December 13, Noon–3PM
Monday–Friday, December 14-18, 10:30AM–2:30PM
Friday, December 18, 5:30–8:30PM
Saturday and Sunday, December 19–20, Noon–4PM

Cleveland Bazaar @78th Street Studios 12.12–13

The Cleveland Bazaar will host 135 talented vendors on all three floors of the 78th Street Studios on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13.

The juried show will feature a variety of work including jewelry, paper goods, pottery, wearable art, candles, wall art, clothing, accessories and more. You'll find delightful things over 170,000 square feet of artist's studios, art galleries and design spaces.

Show hours are 10AM to 9PM on Saturday and 10AM to 6PM on Sunday. Admission is free.
Look for The Proper Pig food truck outside and Spice Kitchen inside the building as well as coffee by Rising Star and nitrogen-frozen ice cream by Piccadilly Artisan Creamery.

Kata Kata Show & Demonstration 12.5, 12.6

The Verne Collection and the Morgan Conservatory invites you to a once in a lifetime chance to meet the young "treasures" of Japan.

61 years ago, the Verne Gallery introduced the hand stencil dyed prints on handmade paper of Keisuke Serizawa to the United States. In 1956, the Japanese were afraid the crafts of the past would disappear. They designated 33 people as Living National Treasures. Serizawa (1895-1984) was the master of stencil dyeing, a process called kataezome,and was given a small stipend to train apprentices before he passed away.

Nobuyuki Takai was the last pupil directly connected to Serizawa and his students. Chie Takai ( Kata Kata) is the daughter of Nobuyuki Takai. She and her husband Takeshi Matsunaga are the last couple continuing on this great tradition.

Opening
Saturday, December 5th, 6-9pm at the Verne Collection: The Verne Collection invites you to celebrate the holidays with the first major show ever of Kata Kata in the United States. Please bring your family for a night of whimsy and fun. Come and meet Kata Kata and also see the works of Chie's father Nobuyuki Takai.

2207 Murray Hill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106 (Free Parking in Parking Lot 47 just down the street.) 216-231-8866

Kata Kata Stencil Dye Demonstration
Sunday, December 6th, 2pm at the Morgan Conservatory: You and your family are invited to watch the process of this great Japanese craft and art form as Chie Takai and Takeshi Matsunaga demonstrate hand stencil dyeing for the first time in the U.S.

1754 East 47th St., Cleveland, OH 44103 (Secure Parking E 45th garden entrance (one-way running south between Payne & Commerce). 216-361-9255

Big Lebowski @Cedar Lee Sat., 12.5 9:30PM & MID

Big Lebowski night at The Cedar Lee Theatre is Saturday, December 5th, 9:30 PM & midnight. C'mon, be a little achiever!

Little Italy Winter Wonderland Art Walk 12.4–12.6

Art by Tara Murphy Seibel

While on the December Little Italy Winter Wonderland Art Walk Friday thru Sunday don't forget to stop by the Tricia Kaman Studio, room 202 in The Schoolhouse for custom silhouettes, original paintings and giclee prints. Silhouette hours are Sat. 1-9PM, Sun. 1–5PM. Walk-ins accepted, or call ahead for an appointment (216.559.6478).

Cleveland Bazaar @78th Street Studios 12.12–12.13

Cleveland's largest indie craft show is coming to 78th Street in December. The Cleveland Bazaar will be in the 1st Floor SmARTspace on December 12th and 13th. Get all your handmade holiday gifts in one day, with over 100 vendors and businesses to choose from. Make sure to visit Eileen Dorsey in Suite 105, who will be serving up some extra holiday cheer. Bazaar hours are Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 10am- 6pm.

VAC Holiday Art Sale Open House 12.4 & 12.5

4th Annual Short and Sweet Holiday Shop

Back by popular demand! The Brooklyn Centre Naturalists and Art House are hosting our 4th Annual Short and Sweet Holiday Shop in December.

Shop dates:

Friday, Dec. 4th
4–8PM

Saturday, Dec. 5th & Sunday, the 6th
11AM–4PM

Friday, Dec. 11th4–8PM

Saturday, Dec. 12th & Sunday, the 13th 11AM–4PM

For the most up-to-date information visit: Short and Sweet Shop FB

Come visit The Short and Sweet Holiday Shop and you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety, quality, and workmanship of pen and ink holiday cards, knitted and crocheted goods that run the gamut from baby blankets, to neck warmers, scarves and hats for everyone on your list. There are sun catchers and whimsical critters out of stained glass. All kinds of jewelry--beaded, crocheted wire, fused glass. Choose from jams and jellies, soaps and salt scrubs, aprons, purses, books, ceramics and much, much more.

Art House
216.398.8556
3119 Denison Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44109

Small Business Saturday 2015 is 11.28

Saturday Nov 28th is Small Business Saturday®, dedicated to celebrating small, local business. If you're a small business learn how to take advantage of the free downloadable marketing materials on ShopSmall.com to help you make the most of Small Business Saturday.

Friday Events @ 78th Street Studios 11.20 & 11.27

Art, discounts and  raffles this Friday and Next! This Friday from 5-9PM is the 78th Street Studios monthly art walk. Over 50 businesses open their doors for this free public event. 

Next Friday, several select galleries and businesses will be open for Black Friday from 3–7PM. We will be offering exclusive discounts at each business. Mention code: Gobble Gobble at the Eileen Dorsey Studio and receive 10% off your total purchase! Spend over $50 at any space in the building from now until Black Friday for a chance to win a piece of art! Just bring your proof of purchase to the Eileen Dorsey Studio for your ticket. More info.

"A Christmas Art Show" 11.20

"Ovaltine" by Billy Nainiger 

One local artist has taken his "A Christmas Story" love to new heights. Billy Nainiger has created "A Christmas Art Show," a collection of works inspired by the film. The solo show will open at E11even 2 inside 78th Street Studios with a reception from 5 to 9PM on Friday, Nov. 20. There will be a closing reception on Friday, Dec. 18.

Nainiger, who is co-owner of E11even 2, has spent the last five years focused on artwork dealing with pop culture favorites such as the Beatles and "The Big Lebowski." He shifted his focus to the local movie classic last year, creating mixed-media pieces centered on the holiday favorite.

His ACS works include irreverent takes on beloved characters including Ralphie, the Old Man and Scut Farkus, brought to life through the use of spray paint, latex and found objects.

Nainiger also painted one of the most famous local characters in the movie, Patty Johnson LaFountaine, who plays the mean Higbee's elf.

"I will be there throughout the event chatting with folks, posing for pics, and signing poster replicas of my painting," says LaFountaine, who sounds a lot nicer than her character. "I think it will be a BLAST."

The gallery show will be set up in two sections, with half featuring Nainiger's works and a half featuring a re-creation of the "Christmas Story" house's interior. Ornaments, cards and limited-edition prints of Nainiger's works will be for sale.

WCF 6th Annual Scrabble Tournament 11.21

Saturday, Nov. 21st is the date of the 6th Annual WCF Scrabble Tourny hosted by Vikki Nowak and Todd Webster. This year at the BottleHouse Brewery in Cleveland Heights, registration is available online!

The fundraiser is attended by beginner, average, and expert Scrabble players alike! Don't let the word "tournament" scare you; this event is fun and filled with the most incredible auction items and prizes. This year there will be:

• 26 Restaurant Gift Cards - Each Valued at $100
• 26 Bottles of Wine
• A Troy Built Single Stage Snow Thrower - Valued at $425
•A Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two - Valued at $450

Raffle tickets for the balloon ride and snow thrower are both available online and are only $10 each. PLUS each ticket purchased (and all money raised through the event) will be matched at 100% by our anonymous match sponsor. Support the work of the Waiting Child Fund and win some amazing prizes!