Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby has two shows

August certainly has been an interesting month: art festivals, the Ohio weather roller coaster and back to school.

There are more than school supplies on the shelves. Craft stores are loaded with fall- and winter-holiday pieces and parts, encouraging crafters to fill their carts with everything that sparks their creative juices.

Pop-up shows are in the works and provide a great opportunity to support our local economy, artists and craftsmen. You will find them in churches, libraries, schools, artists’ homes and studios and, of course, gallery shops.

Consider a custom piece depicting a favorite pet, family home or family portrait. Timing is critical for getting custom work in motion, and the clock is ticking. Ask at your favorite gallery for an artist working in your media of choice.

This opens the door to what can be the most difficult decision for many artists: how to price your artwork. Basing the price on hours spent creating is rarely feasible. We want our work to be appreciated by someone willing to place as much value on it as we do and yet keep it affordable. Please consider that hen you shop for one-of-a-kind artwork.

Many articles, books and workshops have been created on this topic. Still, a question remains: “How do you place a price on Art?”

This brings me to a unique show running at Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby.

Stella’s Art Gallery

“The Sacred Gift of Art — An Experiment” is on display Annex Gallery at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., and addresses this very issue.

Initiated by Stella’s artist Brett Wessler, the show features 10 of the Stella’s artists presenting a collection of work without price tags, and yet every piece is available for purchase.

To best describe the artists’ feelings towards the show, I quote the entry sign to the Annex: “Each of us makes art because that’s who we are. Our art is a reflection of our unique vision of the world — selling our art is an added bonus! And when we sell a piece, it means someone else’s view of the world is touched by ours.

“We encourage anyone who wants to acquire a piece from this show to set their own value on our work. We trust you to offer what you feel is a fair exchange for an artist’s gift of creating it, respecting our time, talent and vision. We ask that you give from your heart, as we have given from ours.”

The concept for this show is based on two books examining art as commodity, “The Gift” and “Sacred Economics,” it puts you to the test.

Check it out. There are pieces I’m considering, but it seems as difficult for me to put a price on someone else’s work as it is to price my own.

On to the winners of “Art Inspired by Northeast Ohio.” Sheri Lawrence received Best in Show honors. Other winners: Tracy Parsons, first place; Mike Watkins, second place; and Michael Dlugolecki, third place.

The show was juried by John Sargent, who proved to be a tough juror, accepting only 26 of the 67 entries. This made me feel pretty good, as mine was the only 3-D piece accepted into the show. Bu, no, I’m not on the winners’ list – this time.

Next up is the eighth annual “Photographer’s Only.” This is a juried show with cash prizes and ribbons. The categories are Landscapes, featuring photos of land or sea/ocean/lake; Portraiture, featuring photos of a human or animal; Architecture, featuring photos of buildings or cities; Macro, featuring photos of anything close up; and Wildlife, featuring animals but not in a portraiture state.

Drop off entries from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 and 6 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 7. The awards reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13.

Save 10 percent on printing at Capture on Labs, 4574 Hamann Industrial Parkway, Willoughby, when you say you are entering Stella’s show. Call the business at 440-622-5990

It’s time to plan for the eighth annual “Odd Ball Show,” coming up in October. For more information on shows and classes, visit StellasArtGallery.com or call 440-266-9111.

Valley Art Center

Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St. Chagrin Falls, is looking for artists wishing to sell items priced at less than $250 for “Holiday Shop 2024.” The call for art is open to all Northeast Ohio artists in all mediums, and applications are due by Sept. 20. There is no entry fee.

For more information, call 440-247-7507 or email artshop@valleyartcenter.org with the subject “(your name) Submission Question.”

Big Creek Clay

It’s fun to get out and about on an art adventure. I recently visited Big Creek Clay, 12021 Ravenna Road, Suite 8, Chardon. This is a new source for clay enthusiasts at any level and art lovers.

The shop just opened in May and has yet to reach its full potential, but it was an interesting stop. Let’s just say I did not leave empty-handed.

Owner Abby Blake has a well-organized shop selling clay, glazes, tools, consignment artwork and more. Plants were mentioned its website, BigCreekClay.com, but I’m a bit of a plant snob, so nothing new for me. Nonetheless, they were all healthy and diverse.

There is plenty of work/classroom space with wheels, slab roller and more for classes and open studio space. Class offerings are not limited to clay. Learn more at the website.

If you are looking for something specific, call ahead. BCC is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with evening hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and by appointment on Saturdays.

Blake is accepting more consignment artists. For more information, call 216-346-5629 or email Abby@BigCreekClay.com.

Fairmount Center for the Arts

At Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Russell Township, the 48th annual “Fairmount Art Exhibit” will close with an awards reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 23.

Learn more at fairmountcenter.org or call 440-338-3171.

Ashtabula Arts Center

“Paintings From Life” is the August exhibit at Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 13th St. It’s a retrospective of works by Tricia Kaman that will remain up for viewing through Aug. 30.

For more information, call 216-559-6478 or visit triciakaman.com.

Originally Published: August 22, 2024 at 8:59 a.m.