The days are getting longer! Well, OK, the sun is just setting later.
Perceptions are interesting to ponder. They’re how we interpret the world around us, assembling the input from our senses to decide where something fits into our reality. As artists, we also have the gift of using our perceptions to create art. We create social commentary, soft, quiet moments, explosive tensions, humor, sadness — all the emotions that make us human.
You do not need to hang work in a gallery to be an artist. Do it for you. Express what you need to release and move on. This is a very cathartic and healing exercise.
Regarding my 2026 resolutions, as promised, I followed through, entering three artworks in the “Black and White Show” at Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby. Two rejections and one clay piece accepted. I will reevaluate the passed-on two, keep an eye on the calls for art and try again.
Lots to share today, so let’s get to it.
The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery, 38721 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, is opening the 2026 season with “LIQUID VISIONS: Watercolor Exhibit,” launching with a reception at 2 p.m. Jan. 17.
The exhibit includes watercolors by Kathy Maxwell, Tim Myrick, Burnell McKenna and Melissa Harris. It will be on display through Feb. 14.
“Kathy Maxwell is a skilled multidisciplinary artist who lends a world of organic whimsy to the watercolor medium,” gallery owner Jacques P. Jackson said. “Shaker Heights artist Tim Myrick, a Cleveland Institute of Art graduate and native of the Florida panhandle, brings a more exacting skill set to the watercolor medium. His magnificent painting “Coventry Street Depot” will be on display.
“If you love motorcycles, you do not want to miss the ‘Cycleportrait’ series from Aurora artist Melissa Harris,” Jackson continued. “She captures some of the softer moments in the lives of bikers while managing the brilliance of copper and chrome.
“Burnell McKenna, a blooming star in the Cleveland art scene, recently relocated to Cleveland from Dublin, Ireland, and has hit the ground running! Her botanical compositions in watercolor lead the way, and soft abstractions follow closely behind.”
The call is out for artists to enter the upcoming return of “Mass Hysteria: Night of 100 Wombs.”
“The uterus- and womb-themed show marked the rebirth of The Art Gallery,” Jackson said. “The exhibit aims to broaden discussion about women’s rights in birth, uterine health and education and the majestic nature of the under-respected organ.”
Media including graphite, digital paint, oils, acrylics, watercolor, ceramic, fiber and glass are encouraged. Artists may submit up to five images to tagofwill@gmail.com before the midnight deadline on Jan. 25.
The Art Gallery offers an interesting selection of sculptures, floral and landscape paintings, jewelry and more. It is an eclectic place filled with traditional art styles mixed with contemporary works and a new bounty of ladies and men’s beaded jewelry.
For more information, call 216-309-5572.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., opened the “Black and White Show” in the main gallery and “ROYGBIV” in the Annex Gallery with a recent awards reception.
The winners in the “Black and White Show”: Christabel Devadoss, Best of Show; Becky Grasser, first place; Darci Paule, second place; and Nancy C. Murnyack, third place. Some might think of a black-and-white show as being dull and mundane. Really? No color? They would be wrong. The powerful contrast between shadows and light provides some of the most striking images in nature and architecture.
In the colorful “ROYGBIV,” the theme revolves around the colors of the rainbow — red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The winner: Tanya Hough, Best of Show for her body of work; and Darci Paule, Runner Up for her body of work. Each artist was required to submit three monochromatic pieces.
Next up is a new concept for a show, “You Got a Friend in Me.” This is a celebration of creative partnership that invites duos — friends, partners, siblings, collaborators of all kinds — to create and submit artwork made together. The theme honors shared vision, trust, dialogue and the magic that emerges when two creative minds meet.
All media are welcome. Stella’s is looking for cohesion and originality of the duo’s creative voice.
The dropoff windows are from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6 and 11:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7. The entry fee is $25, with no limit to entries. Grab a friend and create together.
Complete entry details at stellasartgallery.com. Call 440-266-9111.
The Secret Society Comedy troupe returns to Stella’s for a night of laughs at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Find details and a link for the show at the same website.
Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, is accepting artwork from students for the “Student/Faculty Exhibition 2026.” It opens with a Sensory Friendly Quiet Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 and continues until 8 p.m. Artworks will be up for viewing through March 4.
Details: $10 entry fee; one artwork per student; 2-D pieces must be wired for hanging; and size is limited to 36 inches. Art must be dropped off by Jan. 17. For more information, including the dropoff windows, call 440-247-7507 or visit valleyartcenter.org.
78th Street Studios
The monthly Third Friday Art Walk at 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St. and 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland, is set for 5 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 16.
Surprises and treasures can be found there, and, of course, being immersed in the art experience is worth a visit anytime. However, the monthly Art Walks, with more than 60 of the galleries and creative businesses open and celebrating, add a new dimension.
Learn more at 78thstreetstudios.com.
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