West Woods Nature Center features work by two photographers

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas is just 27 days later.

I have to admit that I was a little surprised by the realization myself. I started collecting gifts at the Village Peddler Festival in September at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, local shops and galleries. Now I have to remember where I put what and who those gifts were for. Normally I have a container where everything goes and is even sorted by recipient. And a list. And a schedule of meetings.

Not a normal year. It’s been a strange few months for me, one with good, bad and strange months. We all encounter clusters of strange events from time to time. Eventually, things settle down, we get things back on track and life goes on.

Today I would like to share what really helped me and what might help you too: art therapy. The process of creating for its own sake is a way to release frustration and express feelings. Whether it is hitting a ball of clay to the wedge, the gentle movements of a brush or the touch and rhythm of knitting or weaving. Also think about music (listening or playing) and writing, putting pen to paper or letting your fingers dance across the keyboard and telling yourself how you feel.

Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby is home to several art therapists, including owner Dani Klein and artist Diane Fleisch Hughes. They work together to form art therapy groups. For more information, call 440-266-9111.

Hughes has served on the Buckeye Art Therapy Association board of directors for eight years. She suggested the following places for more information: arttherapy.org and buckeyearttherapy.org.

November is Suicide Awareness Month. The upcoming holidays are very difficult for people suffering from isolation, poor health or the overwhelmingness of life in general. The recent loss of loved ones makes any first holiday without them especially difficult. Be nicer than necessary. We cannot see the emotional baggage that others are carrying. We can be compassionate for no reason. Make it a habit.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Compassion is a muscle that grows stronger with use.”

Small Business Saturday is November 30th. Remember to shop local as much as possible. It will keep our communities strong.

Geauga Park District

Geauga Park District just opened a winter show featuring photography by Vic Weizer and Dwight Boyer at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township. “Vic Weizer & Dwight Boyer” is on view through February 9.

Weizer, a Cleveland Heights resident, has a passion for birds of prey in their natural habitat in Northeast Ohio. Boyer’s focus is on a greater variety of wildlife across the country, making this exhibit a blend of nature and its wild creatures. Some artworks are printed on metal, others are framed. All pieces are for sale.

Weizer has spent decades patiently searching for birds in their native habitat, watching and waiting for that perfect moment. He stated that

“Trying to photograph wild birds of prey can be an exercise in humility and frustration, but the rewards outweigh the challenges,” he says. a web page about the show. “These images are simply my way of sharing what I have been fortunate enough to see.”

Boyer from Madison is a newcomer. His photographic journey started in 2018 and he has already won numerous local awards. His eye for detail and love for the outdoors drive him to look for the perfect photo that tells a story and evokes emotions.

For more information, call 440-286-9516.

Valley Arts Center

Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St, Chagrin Falls, announced the winners of the 53rd annual “Juried Art Exhibition” at a reception with more than 350 guests. The annual contest, with more than $3,500 in cash prizes, is open to artists living within 250 miles of Chagrin Falls.

Here are the winners: Jose Luis Quinones, Best in Show; David Heatwole, first place; Gwen Waight, second place; Mark Giangaspero, third place; Maeve Billings, Victoria Welling Prize; Sean Mabin, Maxine Agger Kopecky Prize; Suzan Kraus, Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award; Jill Yanik Eisert, Darlene Jackson Watercolor Prize; Robert J. Putka, Dorothy “Lee” Leary Award; and Michael W. High, Paula Marianek Award.

Various artists were also recognized with honorable mentions. They are Susan Griffin, Tom Megalis, Sharon Frank Mazgaj, Fallon Hartleib and Rob Crombie.

The artwork can be viewed until December 16.

The next phase of the exhibition’s programming is the event “Ekphrastacy: Artists Speak + Poets Respond” on December 5. This will bring visual artists and poets together in a dialogue in which the poets respond to selected pieces, providing an extra dimension to the exhibition. works of art.

Guests will hear from both the artists about their inspirations and the poets about their creative interpretations, celebrating the synergy between visual and literary arts. Free tickets are available at bit.ly/vacpoetrynight.

For more information, call 440-247-7507 or visit valleyartcenter.org. VAC also has a very nice gift shop.

Stella’s Art Gallery

Here’s what’s new at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave. The winners of ‘Bricolage’ have been announced and the show will be on view until December 2.

Congratulations to Chris Herakovic for his best-in-show sculpture. Other winners include Louanne Bole-Becker, first place; Rachel Kabeliz, second place; and Julie Krofcheck, third place.

‘Anything Goes II’ by Pottery Heads will remain on display in the Annex Gallery until December 6.

Register young believers for the Christmas workshop with Santa Claus and artists from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM on November 30. Santa and Mrs. Claus will sing songs, read stories and listen to the children’s Christmas wishes, then help them make a Christmas memory.

It is suitable for children in kindergarten and above, but preschoolers are also welcome with a parent or grandparent. Registration is required.

The call for art for a new show, ‘Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards All’, is out. Artists are being asked to create peaceful works of art that will convey a sense of hope as we leave the old year and usher in the new with a sense of optimism.

The categories are 2D and 3D. Artwork will be accepted on December 5, 6 and 7.

The Makers’ Market returns on December 13. More information at stellaartgallery.com.

Ashtabula Arts Center

The Ashtabula Arts Center2928 W. 13th St., is hosting “Hope in Artistry: Suicide Awareness & Prevention” this month. It was created by the Ashtabula County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Ashtabula LOSS Team to support suicide survivors. The exhibition serves as a conversation starter to raise awareness in the community through an artistic outlet.

Call 440-964-3396 for more information.

Helicopter Daughter gift shop and boutique

The fourth annual “Merry Matchworks Holiday Show” will be held December 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Matchworks Building, 8500 Station St. Suite 285, Mentor, and benefits Sub Zero Mission. There is a free gift for the first 100 visitors.

Voted Cleveland Magazine’s Best Boutique in the East for 2024, Helicopter Daughter Gift Shop offers unusual products focused on cancer comfort, caregiving, grief management and assistance for those facing these challenges.

The three-story building will be filled with local artisans and makers selling stained glass, ornaments, jewelry, specialty foods, wood, ceramics and more.

There will be holiday music, a photo area, raffles, treats and holiday drinks.

The $2 donation will go to Sub Zero Mission to help these people while helping the homeless stay warm. Donations will also be accepted during the event. Visit subzeromission.org for a list of needs, including the “Stay Alive Five”: hats, coats, gloves, boots and sleeping bags.

For more information, call 440-725-1571 or visit thehelicopterdaughter.com.