Here’s a look at the new! improved! gallery, and work from Turning Point: a show of wood. The opening reception was wonderful, with artists and patrons enjoying light refreshments and original art.
This Valley, this beautiful valley, along the river called Cuyahoga has long been the home of dreamers, artists and other independent thinkers. Early settlers came here with little more than a few possessions and a dream. They carved out a life along the river, working with their hands and hearts, manifesting their vision.
As artists, we craft our visions, using paint, paper, clay, fiber, metal or a mixture. We take a leap of faith, sharing our vision with the world. Visions of the Valley is an exploration of how each of 17 local and regional artists sees the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. We invite you to join us at the Peninsula Art Academy, across the street from our Elements Gallery, in the Village of Peninsula, Ohio, population 602.
I love color and texture; the way different materials and surfaces react to light. A symphony for the eyes and a feast for the spirit. In the studio and gallery, we have lots of new work. Here’s a closer look at a few pieces.
I have mused about art many times, both here and internally, it’s creation and what it brings to my life. I have posted variations on this post as I continue to think about art. What is it’s purpose? Does form follow function? What makes a piece work—or not? And why should I buy it. Why buy art?
My friend Cat Bennett has addressed the question thoughtfully and eloquently:
Why buy art?
-To lift your spirit
-To expand your spirit
-To meet your spirit
-To brighten your day
-To brighten your home
-To brighten your life
-To honor an artist
-To declare your value
-To have fun
-To know yourself
-To inspire yourself
-To inspire others
-To share your wealth
-To laugh
So many reasons.
Art feeds the spirit and soul; it brings light and life to being. Art can make your heart sing and your spirit soar. Something that comes from the heart through the hands. It is no accident that there is art in heART.
When you support an artist, you affirm the creative spirit. You have the opportunity to see the world in a different way, as the artist’s vision is manifested in the piece he or she has made.
When you buy art, you support your local economy, both the economy of your community and the economy of the spirit. You enrich your life with the feeling and intent the artist has instilled in the piece. You can know that you are buying something that was made with care, one at a time, by hand.
Look for the mark of the craftsman, that which lets you know that the piece was made by a person and not by a machine. That which lets you discover the beauty in imperfection and in the profound nature of being. That which embraces the natural cycles of life and authenticity.
These skilled hands wish you and those close to you happy, healthy, peaceful and loving days; and healing and peace to this amazing blue planet we call home.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS: BUY ART.
As always, please feel free to leave a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.
Take a look at My Town Monday to see what others have to say about the places they call home
By fromskilledhands (
March 27, 2010 at 7:44 am)
· Filed under Art, Art, PS22 Choir
I have been keeping the faith that art is alive and is an essential part of all our lives for a long time. If you ever wonder if this is true, look at and listen to these kids for 3 minutes and 52 seconds.