Gallery Watch April 17, 2007

Did you know…. that the Lakewood Civic Auditorium’s ceramic art façade “Early Settler” or Johnny Appleseed as many of us affectionately refer to this Lakewood icon was designed by respected artist Viktor Schreckengost? If you recall, Viktor Schreckengost (born June 26, 1906, in Sebring, Ohio) is the father of industrial design, a long-time teacher at Cleveland Institute of Art and creator of the Jazz Bowl, designed for Eleanor Roosevelt. His Early Settler sculture is the largest freestanding ceramic sculpture in the world.

The unveiling in April, 1955 was part of Lakewood’s Pride of Progress Month, and companion to the production of “Seeds of Progress”. The title, "Seeds of Progress" is taken from the inscription cut in the granite in the outer lobby of the Civic Center which reads as follows:

“On this site a century ago
Dr. Jared Potter Kirkland,
Lakewood's noted naturalist
Through ingenuity and courage
Successfully sowed seeds
Of agriculture of science -
The glory of the Ohio settler.
In this building
Lakewood Civic Auditorium
Let us sow seeds of culture -
Of speech of drama of song -
That all who enter
Will reap a harvest from ideas
Which are planted here.”

The inscription was written by students and faculty members back in the 50’s when the details of the building were in the planning stage. Thus, "Seeds of Progress" and “Early Settler” serve to remind us of the uses and possibilities for this auditorium in sowing various seeds such as those of song, dance, performance and civic responsibility by spreading ideas and discussion.

With this in mind, is it time for us to pick up where we left off 50 years ago? Could we work together again to plant “seeds of progress” in our city in new and dynamic ways to celebrate Lakewood’s Pride of Progress Month as they did so enthusiastically back in 1955? I am reminded of the quote from the Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams when he says “Build it and they will come”. I am leaning toward the notion that if we put an action like this in place we might be pleasantly surprised at the outcome --- we have resounding talent in this city. Perhaps another vehicle to showcase this fact might be in order. What do you think?

Upcoming Events:

Beck Center for the Arts 17801 Detroit Avenue 216.521.2540 The Beck is currently seeking art submissions to be considered for exhibition during their 2007-2008 theater season which runs from September though August. Exhibits are needed for the Jean Bulicek Galleria in the Beck Center’s Main lobby, the Galleria located in the waiting area of the center’s Music Armory Building and for other possible exhibit areas. Exhibits typically last for four to six weeks, and are promoted to the community through press releases, website posting, newsletters, postcards, and other means of communication. Contact John Coyne at the Beck Center for more info.

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

Cleveland Artist’s Foundation 17801 Detroit Avenue—inside the Beck Center 216-227-9484 Joseph B. O’Sickey, Menageries and Other Worlds: A Retrospective Exhibition 1941-2007 opened Friday, April 13 curated by William Busta. This significant exhibition surveys works of O’Sickey throughout seven decades – his sketches of India and Africa from his years in the Army during the 1940s; advertising and design work from the 1940s and 1950s; continuing series of landscape, still-life and garden paintings; and recent work based upon circus themes. An Opening Reception with the artist is scheduled for Sunday, April 22 at CAF from 3-5pm and the exhibit runs through June 9, 2007. A catalogue of the exhibition is being published. Gallery hours are Tue-Sat, 12-5pm. Closed Sun & Mon

Local Girl Gallery 16106 Detroit Avenue 216.228.1802 Think Spring Benefit Auction Saturday, April 21 from 7pm-10pm. This is a spring inspired auction to benefit the "Friends of the Mentally Retarded." $5.00 donation at the door and plenty of art to bid on!

Also at Local Girl, Spring Artist Exchange Sunday April 22nd, 2007
11am-1pm
Is it time to do some spring cleaning?
Ready to unload all those art supplies you haven’t used in ages?
Are you ready to get more supplies without spending money?
Just want to donate them to the gallery to be used in classes, benefits, community projects?
Come join Local Girl Gallery for an Artist Exchange.
Bring in all of those items that are clogging your creative “art”eries, but are too good to toss. Exchange them for items you can use to express yourself.
And…
Meet your fellow artists, exchange ideas and perhaps put a face with the art you love to see and buy at Local Girl. Coffee, tea and cookies provided too.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12-5pm, Friday and Saturday, 12-6pm.

Pop Shop Gallery and Studio 17020 Madison Avenue 216.227.8440 The Butterfly Effect -- April 21st from 6-9pm. The Pop Shop Gallery is proud to present it's first benefit show entitled The Butterfly Effect. This show in part with the Debra foundation (www.debra.org) will house many donated pieces by many up and coming artists to raise money for families dealing with Epidermolysis Bullosa. The name of the show is inspired by the nickname of the disease which is known as the butterfly disease. The Debra foundation is dedicated in finding a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disease characterized by the presence of extremely fragile skin and recurrent blister formation resulting from minor mechanical friction or trauma. This condition is not contagious. An estimated 1 out of every 50,000 live births are affected with some type of EB. The disorder occurs in every racial and ethnic group throughout the world and affects both sexes equally. This is a one night only show on April 21st from 6-9pm. There will be many raffles, silent auctions, and great art work available to raise awareness for EB. An after party will follow this event held at Mullen's (located next to the gallery). As a side note, gallery owner and artist Richard S. Cihlar is one of the butterfly children and has lived with EB for the past 26 years. Hours: Monday-Friday 4 pm-8pm, Saturday 2 pm-6pm.

Wobblefoot Gallery and Frame Studio 1662 Mars Avenue 216.226.2971 Wobblefoot’s featured artist this month is Jim Stracensky. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.

MUSICOpen-Mic Night—Every Thursday Merry Arts Pub & Grille, 15607 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 226-4080, 10pm 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 3, Issue 8, Posted 6:43 PM, 04.09.2007