Gallery Watch

I had the pleasure of experiencing some "Pop Art" this Saturday at Local Girl Gallery and the Pop Shop. For those of you not too sure what I'm talking about, let me fill you in. Pop Art is an art movement and style that had its origins in England in the 1950s and made its way to the United States during the 1960s. Pop artists center upon familiar images/icons of the popular culture such as billboards, comic strips, magazine advertisements, and supermarket products to create their art and message. Some Pop Artists that come to mind are the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

So, anxious to indulge, I popped into Local Girl Gallery for their Children's Workshop. This was a 2-day event (September 9th and 10th) that benefited the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) with funds earmarked for a young girl by the name of Natasha Rader. My late arrival at 4:30ish, allowed me to see many of the finished products. The students, with the guidance of Bob Levkulich, a friend of the Rader family and the genius behind this wonderful idea, assisted the children in crafting memory boxes from common everyday items of their choosing. I asked Bob if the children had brought their own trinkets for the purposes of creating their piece- and he said some brought things like photographs and other items; but, it wasn't necessary, as he had gone thrifting to find an array of goodies for the children to use in order to create their masterpiece.

Then off to the Pop Shop Gallery and Studio for the "All Mixed Up" Show --A solo exhibition of mixed media works by gallery owner Richard S. Cihlar. Great attendance in spite of having to compete with the Ohio State/Longhorns' Game. Works are attention grabbers and inspire both whimsical and thought provoking conversation. My favorite was a work in which Pop Artist Andy Warhol was the focal point- go in and find it and see if you agree. This Opening Reception was a combination Show Opening and Birthday Party for Rich. This show will run through October 7th.

QQ (Quick Question of Richard Cihlar, POP Shop Gallery Owner)
--What do you hope to see happen in the Lakewood art scene in the next year?

"I hope to see more artists move in to the area, open up more galleries, paint more murals. Have artists help the businesses with decorating and really jazz the city up. Lakewood can do it, it has the resources, it just needs the kick. And with any luck I'll be the one stirring a lot of that creativity up."




Must See Events for September 19 to September 25th and beyond

ART

Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Avenue
216.521.2540
"Paintings and Prints," Marge Arthur, September 1 - October 27, 2006
Painterly surfaces evoke tensions and moods that suggest a sense of time, place, or event. Shoe forms are used as metaphors that represent humanity and become the main characters in narratives and psychological landscapes.


bela dubby
13221 Madison Avenue
216.221.4479
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am - 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-midnight.

Local Girl Gallery
16106 Detroit Avenue
216.228.1802
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12-5pm, Friday and Saturday, 12-6pm.

Pop Shop Gallery and Studio
17020 Madison Avenue
216.227.8440
"All Mixed Up" Show through October 7th.
Hours: Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 2pm-6pm.

Wobblefoot Gallery and Frame Studio
1662 Mars Avenue
216.226.2971
Call to Artists! Wobblefoot will be hosting another Juried Art Show. All artists should contact the gallery for entry forms. First place will be $500.00 Second place $250.00 Third place 150.00 and an Honorable Mention.
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.


MUSIC
Waterbury Coach House 13333 Madison Ave.
Wednesdays with Gerry Keating (vocal) and Neil Kammiller (keyboard). Fridays "Jazz you like it", featuring Doris Long (vocal) joined by Neil Kammiller (keyboard) with guest musicians on drums & guitar. 7:00-10:30 p.m.

Winchester Tavern & Music Hall 12112 Madison Ave (216)226-5681
Thursdays, Acoustic Open Mic Night (if there is no show)

DANCE
Contra Dance, October 7 Lakewood Masonic Temple, 8pm, Margaret Glenn (Caller), band Mud in Yer Eye.

Gallery, dance and Music news and event information should be forwarded to gallerywatchgals@yahoo.com. Every effort will be made to include it in our next column.
Read More on Gallery Watch
Volume 2, Issue 19, Posted 9:09 PM, 09.11.06