On the way up to Detroit for my recent road trip to check out this years Electronic Music Festival in Detroit (DEMF 2007) I was having a conversation of things artsy and crafty with one of my friends (imagine that!) The discussion actually turned to knitting, sewing and crocheting. My friend sadly sighed that it seemed that knitting was pretty much becoming a lost art. To which I replied that she might be surprised to find out what a resurgence it was making. Book stores craft sections have an ever-growing array of new titles on sewing, indie art fairs are popping up with knitted goodies far cooler than you would imagine, and women are starting to sport a lot more of their own handmade styles.

There’s an ever-growing population of women, many under the age of 35 (And still even those not so young), who are seeking to reclaim some of the arts their mothers enjoyed, but they’re doing it in new ways and making it their own. Those who are interested in these arts may be happy to discover that right in our own Cleveland backyard, such arts are present. We even have a workshop space in Cleveland devoted to as they say “all things stitchy” and it looks like they’ll be opening their doors on June 1st. Check out Stitch Cleveland for their blog, events, and more information. I’ll be adding it to my links section as well for your future reference.

The ever popular WOW Wade Oval Wednesday music series will begin in a few weeks. These weekly family-friendly events are another great way to enjoy the summer in Cleveland. They’re a great idea for a way to spend an early evening with nice weather, chilling listening to some laid back music in University Circle. Grab a drink or a bite to eat and just kick back and relax. The music runs the gamut weekly from blues, to rock, to reggae or Jazz. WOW wednesdays run from June 13-August 29th, from 6-9 pm. See the full schedule and more details atWOW

I recently went on a visit to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens on Mothers day with my husband (and mother of course!) We actually went to tour the estate and gardens, but stumbled across the collection architect designed treehouses and art displays. They were really quite striking! There was a giant pirate ship, a treehouse in which one could make a noisy musical cacophony of sound, and even a treehouse inspired by a Piet Mondrian painting. They stretch across the grounds on a 1.5 mile loop, with several easily adapting to the natural surroundings.

It’s definitely something for the whole family to check out, as these are no ordinary tree houses. The kids that were there that day we visited were having a blast(as well as many of the adults). In addition, what is really fantastic more than half of the treehouses are ADA compliant and accessible to those with more special needs, meaning that they can be explored by all!

The event runs from May 12-October 31. Check out Stan Hywet Hall’s web-site for more information.

When art enclaves in Cleveland art are discussed one usually might hear names like Tremont or Little Italy. Peninsula is a tiny enclave that is often overlooked. Perhaps that is because the arts in Peninsula are infused so naturally with the beautiful surroundings; the galleries and shops blend seamlessly in with the park setting that surrounds them. The area however is definitely a place to visit and enjoy.

Peninsula is home to the Peninsula Art Academy which is a non-profit organization that hosts a large variety of art classes and workshops, as well as having a gallery and working artists studios.
There are also several small art galleries and shops throughout downtown Peninsula, carrying a wide range of art (much from talented local artists!) including sculpture, woodwork, photography, jewelry, paper goods, and more. You can check out a listing of all the galleries and shops at Explore Peninsula for locations and hours they are open. There is also the Downtown Emporium, an antique and collectibles store, Szalay’s farm market, The Crooked River Herb farm shop, and the Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum.

There’s many other things to do, foremost being enjoying the gorgeous surroundings of The Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park system near Peninsula is one the the premiere areas to bike ride and hike. Of course, it is also a reat place to board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a train tour. Be sure to bring the camera!

If you want to just check the area out grab a good pair of walking shoes and head right down Route 303. If you want to be sure not to miss a thing do your research, check out times of operation for many local businesses and attractions as many have limited hours or are only open seasonally, and map out the places you want to visit since many are easy to miss given that they often blend into the surroundings. Be sure to at least make time this summer though to spend a day or afternoon in Peninsula. It’s a great way to get away from “The World” for a bit, relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful areas just South of Cleveland.

It’s Almost Festival Time!

It is very exciting to think that summer is almost here, and that the dreary, cold gray winter is almost a thing of the distant past. What is even more exciting is that with the summer comes the outdoor art festival season. Cleveland is home to many reputable arts organizations and dozens of galleries, so there is no shortage of arts events to attend and explore. The month of June alone has many events worthy of your notice.

The Murray Hill Art Walk is a perfect way to kick off the summer. What could be better than spending a day or evening in the (finally) pleasant weather strolling along a charming street of art galleries, restaurants and shops at Cleveland’s longest running art walk? Dozens of galleries and studios will keep their doors open later for visitors to peruse artwork including contemporary paintings, photography, ceramics, art glass, and sculpture. Attendees can also shop the area boutiques such as the Ann van H. Boutique, La Bella Vita and Gina’s Gallery and Boutique for clothing, jewelry and other accessories. Once you’re done browsing or shopping grab a slice of pizza at the ever popular Mama Santa’s and just watch the crowds go by, or make reservations for one of the area’s many fine restaurants. The 2007 Art Walk takes place on June 1, 2, and 3^rd. Visit http://www.murrayhillartwalk.com for more information and exact times.

The joint Circle Village and Parade the Circle events are Saturday, June 9^th throughout the University Circle area. The parade is the most unusual and unique you can see in Cleveland. The diverse participants include artists, musicians, dancers and representatives from numerous different community groups and area schools. It’s truly a community event. Anyone can participate as long as they follow the event rules, and this definitely enhances the quality of the event. It’s full of pageantry, with bold and creative floats, striking costumes, puppetry, stilt-walking, and performance art. Many of the performers and visual artists spend weeks preparing, and their hard work is evident in the creativity exhibited. Circle Village is a free celebration that happens through the collaboration of University Circle museums and organizations. There are dozens of activities for people of all ages to create or participate in, dance and music performances, and plenty of food. Check out the event flyer

If that isn’t enough for one weekend, on June 9^th and 10^th the Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls will present their 24^th annual juried “Art by the Falls”. This free event gives visitors the opportunity to check out the work of over 130 fine artists and crafters. The event is located in the quaint downtown Chagrin Falls area that also contains galleries, shops, restaurants, and a lovely dose of nature!

During mid-June The Clifton Arts and Musicfest is definitely worth a visit as it contains elements of a great block party. On June 16^th Clifton Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic between about West 112^th street and West 117^th street and lined with the tents of over 100 artists and crafters. This juried art festival has a festive atmosphere with live music, entertainment and lots of food. Area businesses participate as well, often having sales or special events.

Last but certainly not least is The Boston Mills Artfest. The nationally recognized art festival is so popular that is held on two different weekends during the summer, with the first being in June. This year the event preview night is on June 28^th, and the general show days are June 29^th and 30^th. This is a highly competitive juried event for artists, and the result is that visitors get to view work by over 160 artists from Northeast Ohio and around the country. The artists represent a mix of categories including glass, watercolor, oil, sculpture, metal and even furniture. The preview show is an opportunity for adults to check out the art along with a wine tasting; admission is $35 with a reservation. Visit the Boston Mills Artfest site for more info.

Whether or not you’re looking to make a major art purchase, these are great ways to get out and enjoy the summer and to find out what our local artists are doing. Each event has its own flavor and personality. With so much happening there surely are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the art and creativity that the Cleveland area has to offer.

It’s time for the third annual “On The Rise” awards. This is your opportunity to vote for your favorite emerging designers in a variety of media including handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, clothing and more!. By voting you have the chance to win a $500 shopping spree at ravinstyle.com

The top designer will be featured on stylebakery.com and have the opportunity to show their work at New York’s Fashion week!
Give Cleveland some recognition and keep your locals in mind when voting. We have many talented designers right in our own backyard.

VOTE NOW:

I do not usually subscribe to lovely chain mail, let alone blog chain mail….Here’s the tag that I was given:
I am to list ten (somewhat) interesting and (relatively) unknown facts about me/opinions of mine/habits/etc. and then tag ten others to do the same.

Fine, Mr. Eastman of “Music on Your Pizza”. Here goes (Though, I’m such an open book, I’m finding it very difficult to think of things relatively unknown):

1. I’m obsessed with cleaning, though you wouldn’t know it from my house or my car. I compulsively pick things up, or have a need to dust things off. I also am considerably messy about leaving things around, so those things tend to counteract one another.

2. I’m actually rather shy and insecure at times, but I have a tendency to talk nonstop when I’m nervous, or to keep a conversation going, and don’t like silence in the company of others, so you’d never know it.

3. I built entire miniature cities in my basement as a child for HOURS (an hours). I’d barely surface to the main floor for lunch. I credit this constant working with tiny things for my fine motor jewelry skills and vision for tiny details I have know.

4. Things that take little skill that are passed off as art annoy me. Consider the following made-up example–> the canvas that is just entirely painted green and called “grass”. Stuff like that. ugh.

5. I’m such a wanna-be modern hippie. I love the idea of sustainable energy, organic food,”green” homes etc..but am having a tough time incorporating the ideas into my lifestyle. I carry plastic water bottles to work every day, live in a condo where there is no recycling, drive too many places, and leave too many lights on. I’m mastering this buying of organic food though.
Thank you Heinens and Farmers markets!

6. I’ve only recently discovered just how much of an presence the indie art world has online. (Isn’t that sad!) Indie is HUGE online!

7. My entire house practically has been furnished by Crate and Barrel!

8. I refuse to pay full price for just about anything! (Unless it’s handmade!)

9. With the exception of one class in college, I’m pretty much entirely self-taught when it comes to my jewelry-making.

10. ummm…my favorite animal is a dolphin?

Ok, so now here’s who is tagged. (sorry!) Blogacide (let’s see if you read either blog!), Miss Malaprop, Imagine Studios, Bear Tracks Art, JMN Pottery, Make It, Fabulously Green, Dreams and Jewelry, Modish, and Oh My That’s Awesome.

The Pop Shop Gallery in Lakewood will be celebrating it’s second anniversary with a show of local, contemporary artists on May 19th from 6-9 pm. Among the work to be included is graffiti art, photography and more. I noticed on another blog, that Shannon of Imagine Studios will have a gorgeous set of three trees on exhibit entitled “tear, tears and more tears”. Though to me they are evoke more of a feeling of solitary calm. Check them out here: Imagine Studios

Come check out the artwork, enjoy some appetizers and refreshments, support your local artists, and help the Pop Shop celebrate this accomplishment!

The Pop Shop is located at 17020 Madison Avenue.

My apologies for the recent lack of art and culture news and event postings. I recently had a new job interview (say some prayers, cross your fingers for me!), am preparing some work for the summer art festivals, recently bought an entirely new inventory system and am in the process of inputting all my materials and finished pieces, and revamping much of the look of my jewelry web-site http://www.valerietylerdesigns.com . (Not too mention still working at my old full-time job!)

I believe I have an article coming up in a local web magazine about some major art events. I’ll keep you posted on that and as soon as the issue is available provide you with the link.

Stay tuned! I haven’t forgotten about you!

For those of you looking to get a jump on the outdoor art festival season the Berea Mayfest is Saturday, May 19th from 10am to 5pm.  This show is held annually by the lovely Coe Lake and is free.  There has been little information as to how many artists there are this year, but usually the event features work by the members of the Berea Fine Arts Club.