Two shows on tap at Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby | Gallery Glances - The News-Herald
Happy New Year! Are you making any New Year’s resolutions?
The end of the year is like the end of a project. It’s time to review and evaluate, a time when we ask ourselves, “What went well and what did not? What would we do differently?”
There are the usuals; do better; be kinder; quit bad habits; and lose weight. But there is something special about a fresh start for a new year.
Life is serious business, amusingly so. Treat it like a work project this yearl set the goal, then list steps that will make it a reality. Schedule time in your day to work toward that goal. If it’s to improve a skill, make time to practice. Hone your craft. Research online or in person and write it down.
Ever write out a shopping list but forget it at home? We often surprise ourselves by remembering most of the list. The act of having written it down programs your brain to better recall the items. That is why study notes are helpful.
I am going to use this method for my resolutions this year. In fact, I have already started an outline. Okay, so far, I just have two headers, personal and professional. But there is a lot in my head to sort through. And write down.
As I purge through my house and studio, I gather projects in marked bins. For example, there are the special paints, canvases, supplies and my how-to books on paint pouring. I read them last year and learned a lot but have yet to give it a go. Maybe I’ll take a class first.
I often do that when I want to try something. Having someone with experience show you the ropes can help you avoid pitfalls and provide a better understanding of why things are done a certain way. Then go off on your own and experiment.
This is a good time to check out local class schedules at nearby art, community, senior and nature centers, as well as galleries, museums and libraries.
Stella’s Art Gallery
Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, is getting ready for the first pair of 2025 shows. The deadline is this weekend for the return of the “Black and White Show” and the new “ROYGBIV Show.”
“Black and White” is open to all mediums but limited to black, white and all shades of gray, including the frame. it will be on display in the main gallery.
The “ROYGBIV Show” will be presented in the Annex Gallery and be quite the opposite. It revolves around the colors of the rainbow — red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Participating artists will create three pieces of monochromatic artwork on 10-inch squares. Each square will use a different color. All pieces must be unframed and wired on the back, ready to hang.
Artwork will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 and 3 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 4.
Entry details and the theme of 2025 shows are at stellaartgallery.com. Or call Stella’s at 440-266-9111.
Works in Pastels & Oils” by Susan Porges, from Jan. 6 through 30. A public reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 17.
Porges’ primary mediums are pastels and oils. She is a Master Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies and a juried member of the Pastel Society of America and the Oil Painters of America.
The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, as well as before performances and during intermissions.
For more information, call 440-964-3396 or visit ashtabulaartscenter.org.