Stella Art Camps, a Full Creative Experience.

To Register for any of these camps:

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p682/Stella_Camps_Summer_2018.html

Create Like the Masters June 11-16th 10-Noon 6-10yrs $95: Each day explore a style and technique on a different Master Artist while learning a little art history along the way! Due up: Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, Wassily Kandinsky, Claude Monet, & Frida Kahlo.

INSTRUCTOR: Dani Klein

​World Arts, Music and Culture June 25th-29th 1-4pm 6-8 yrs $115: Create artworks inspired by music from around the globe. “Travel” the world and experience local and exotic destinations… participate in a different cultural tradition each day.
​
This multi media class gives the student an opportunity to learn and experiment with basic art concepts and techniques in a “hands on” environment.
Curriculum to include 2D and 3D projects base on art principles: Color Theory, Design, Composition, Color, Texture, Line, Space, Shapes, Balance & Focal Point, Portraiture, Pop Art, Contemporary
Thailand, Bali: Batik Resist painting
Hawaii: (Paper) Aloha Shirt
Mexico: Amate Bark Painting, (Animal/floral, landscape)
USA: Pop Art, silkscreen on t-shirt, fabric and paper
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Urbas

All Around Art Camp July 9th-13th 1-4pm ages 6 and up $115. 
MONDAY: Create cover for sketchbook/journal, World Art and Culture Project: Aloha Shirt
TUESDAY: Finish drawing animals for Aloha shirt
WEDNESDAY: Paint with watercolor: Tropical island painting Introduction to working with watercolor media: color wash, drip, wax resist and pull out techniques. Create island painting using new skills.
THURSDAY: Painting with tempera paint, Pond painting. Introduction to working with tempera paint, color wheel/mixing, Create painting using new skills.
FRIDAY: Printmaking and Wearable Art: Silk screen printing on t- shirt, Print t-shirt with design created by student. Add hand painting if desired, Finish projects.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Urbas

Textile Design, Create Unique Fabric July 30th-August 3rd 1-4pm 9-13yrs $115:
This class will give the student hands-on experience in the different methods and techniques of applying images, colorants, and other surface embellishments to fabric. The finished fabric can be incorporated into quilts, wearables, home furnishings such as pillows, wallhangings and other unique projects.
Experience the different methods of applying fabric dyes and textile paints including: block printing, stamping, handpainting, mono printing, and silkscreen (and squeegee) printing.
Use the silkscreen as a drawing and printing tool. Experiment with open screen monoprinting and hand cut stencil methods. Transfer your ideas and print your designs on fabric, a t-shirt, tote bag, bandana, or paper. INSTRUCTOR: Mary Urbas

3D Sculptures August 6-10 10-Noon 8-13yrs $95:
This class will give the student a hands on 3D visual experience. Student will create using clay, wire, wood, plaster, plastics, and recycled objects to make a sculpture each of camp.
INSTRUCTOR: Dani Klein

To Register for any of these camps:

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p682/Stella_Camps_Summer_2018.html

Second Friday this May 11th - A Life Full of Color- Opening reception 7-9pm.

This school year we had the privilege of working with the talented students from Riverside High School and their art instructor, Drew Hartmann. We collaborated with their senior Art IV class and discussed the process of designing and implementing an art show.  We met with them 5 times throughout the school year. Each time we discussed their goals, expectations, and progress. At our final meeting on Riverside's campus, 6 artists from the gallery visited to review their portfolios and "art coach them" during their class time  The were able to conference with as many of us as they desired.  We discussed their strengths, weaknesses, purpose, finishing product and presentation of each piece they shared with us. 

On April 30th they delivered their submissions. On May 1st our Board juried them. On May 9th student volunteers, Mr. Hartmann, and myself displayed their work in our main gallery.

MAY 11TH 7-9PM Opening Reception @ Stella's Art Gallery 8500 Station Street Mentor, Ohio 44060. Support these Young Adults by meeting them and seeing their ART in person. LIVE MUSIC by the Headlands Beach Experience in the Atrium. The band has invited any Riverside Senior to jam with them -guitar, percussion...etc. Show will be on display until May 30th. 

If you are an art teacher and would like to collaborate next school year, email Dani Klein at StellasArts@gmail.com 

Meet Diane Fleisch Hughes, an Art Therapist and a Stella's Art Gallery Artist.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”  Thomas Merton

      I have been an artist all my life, I remember collecting sketchbooks as a youth and my parents enrolling me in all kinds of different art classes. It is where I felt most comfortable and in control. All of that practice led me to art school (FIT – NYC BFA in illustration) and continuing my practice as the years went by and life happened.

        

     I went back to school after my four children had reached a certain age, in order to satisfy my creative side as well as be involved in a helping profession that served others. I found that through the Art Therapy and Counseling program at Ursuline College. Not only does this profession help with the mental health of others, but it encourages self-care and sustaining individual creativity. In other words, I can heal others and also satisfy my own self expression.

  

                                 

    My subject is the figure. I am fascinated by the shapes, lines and colors that make up the human figure. The figure in its environment. How it fits, how it reacts, what colors embody both of those elements. I am a mixed media artist, using objects, papers, different paints and materials to tell the story of a person or group of people in their environment. I find that this is a good way to process the service learning trips I have been on where I have traveled with a group of Art Therapist to places like El Salvador, Zimbabwe Africa and the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. After completing these trips and working with the people there, I am able to create paintings about how it felt to be there, the people who had a great impact on me, the life and the land that I was exposed to. It is a humbling experience when strangers from another country let you into their lives and share their story. I hope that shows through my artwork.

                            

    I work full time as an Art Therapist at Julie Billiart School – a K-8 school for special needs children.  I encourage the children to express themselves, think out of the box, try new things, sensory play, social skills, collaborative play and community involvement. They amaze me every day with their unique imaginations and courage as they try to help themselves and others. I also see private clients at the Fine Arts Association and hopefully, soon, at my studio in the Matchworks Building. I am a big advocate of community based art – working together to build and strengthen community while creating a beautiful collaborative piece. It is a non-threatening way to give back, get involved or find a safe space within a group of like minded people.

Upcoming events – I have been invited to be a part of the New York Studio Schools Drawing Marathon in June. This is a two week intensive drawing workshop that is shared among twenty artists.  The drawing is every day from 9am – 6pm with critiques in the evening from 7pm – 9pm. I am excited and nervous (and exhausted!) just thinking about it!

   I will also be a part of a group show at Stella’s Gallery - Size Matters! In June, reception Friday June8th.

Please come visit my studio and the gallery at Stella’s in the Matchworks Building! Until then, I will see you around Cleveland at all of the art events, please stop and say hi!

                                                

Great things on the Horizon

Next week is chalked full of action at the Gallery. Starting with our clay classes on Monday and Tuesday we will begin glazing our bisque pieces. If you haven't seen our clay piggy banks, here's a photo of some of them. They are so cute and I'm liking the way they have turned out. 

We will be teaching a wine and paint class at Steele Mansion on Tuesday night. You can call them to make reservations at  (440) 639-7948. A great way to kick off the first day of Spring. Here's a photo of the painting we will make. 

We will also be preparing for our Kicking it with Kenny debut on Wednesday March 21st. We will be live on Fox 8. Kenny is showcasing the Matchworks building. If you were not aware, we have created a nice destination place in Mentor. There's Fourk at Matchworks -great food!, Sparkle and Shine Make up Studio, Perkatory Coffee Shop, Vipassona Salon, and a variety of Artist studios located on the first, second, and third floors. 

Then, on Friday we are celebrating our year anniversary. Join us on March 23rd 7-9 for a night with the artists, live music by Vinnie and Crew in the atrium, refreshments, and a chance to paint a 20 ounce wine glass all for free. If you have never painted on glass, no worries, we will be there to help you! 

Also, we will have a special night of "Free Art Friday". Free Art Friday is artwork hidden around the building. If you find it, its yours, for FREE! -Artwork is marked as Free Art Friday in brown and pink bags. Lots to do and experience in our building! 

The link below was a wonderful write up by Cathee Thomas about our event and others happening in the area. 
http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20180313/FEATURES/180319772#.WquoNzrttYg.email


AND if you are looking to see what we have happening next, see our website. You'll find events, shows, and classes along with our location and hours. 

https://www.stellasartgallery.com

SECOND FRIDAYS AT THE MATCHWORKS BUILDING MARCH 9TH 7-9P

We have a lot happening in the Matchworks building during March's Second Friday.  Art, Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Music, Henna and more!

by Tracy Zakraysek

At Stella's Art Gallery we are revealing our show called Art Inspired by Women in honor of those women whom have influenced our lives. It's a fabulous visual representation of our gratitude towards them.  The reception is from 7-9p. Enjoy the art and complimentary chocolate treats in the first and third floor studios. 

Live music by Dustin and henna by Stronghold Creations will be in Perkatory. You can grab yourself a cup of specialty coffee or tea and snack on vegan, gluten free, or other tasty treats while enjoying the ambiance. 

Grab dinner at FOURK at MATCHWORKS while you are here. They have delicious chocolate desserts and drinks. 

We even have a Helene's Sweet Creations visiting for the night. She'll have her homemade Easter candies and St. Patrick Day goodies ready for you to purchase. ~I am very excited for some good, homemade chocolate after this crazy snowstorm....call it cabin-fever-eating...but a little chocolate would bring me a bit of sunshine right about now! 

But most importantly, make sure you stop in the Gallery and share your story. We want to hear it! Tell us whom has inspired you to do your best. Was it your mom, sister, grandma, or wife? Perhaps a teacher, musician, or leader has made an impact on you. Whatever your female influence is, let's celebrate them during Women's History month by sharing your stories. Feel free to add to our Tribute wall during our reception.

Meet Julie Cook, A Lake County Artist and member at Stella's Art Gallery

If you hear a voice within you say, 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. Vincent Van Gogh

This is one of my favorite art quotes and it comes into my mind often.  You may wonder why. When asked, I say, “I just started painting six years ago!” My children are grown and out on their own. (I can’t say I started as late as Grandma Moses though!)  I had started a “faux painting” business to help raise money and support an organization that works with at-risk children on the Thailand/Burma border. My daughter and son-in-law work with these children and give them an education, job skills and much more. While painting a customer’s wall, I decided to experiment some techniques on canvas. I only had tools and paint from either doing “faux” painting or wall painting and leftover paints from when my children were at home.  I couldn’t stop experimenting! In two or three days I

had about 5 or 6 paintings done. I was “shocked” at the results and showed my customer. She told me I should paint more and try and sell the paintings to raise money. She called me “an artist” and I disagreed, because I had no training and was just having some fun. I have always loved to create things, and knew I was handy with all sorts of tools but had never considered trying to do what I would call “art” until then. Even as a student in junior high I was not recommended to be one of the students who could take art in High School. I suppose this is where the voice within me said “you cannot paint” or you cannot do “art”.

After seeing what I had painted, my customer suggested that I should pursue what I had just now discovered about myself.  As I did, and the voice was silenced!  I approached a small gallery in the Tremont area of Cleveland, and they took several paintings. I was overjoyed when I heard my first piece of art sold in a gallery, but later found out that I needed to rework my prices because I think I only made $5 to donate to the charity I support.  My art sold well at that gallery until they closed a couple years after that.

“Practice any art, however well or badly, not to get money or fame, but to find out what's inside you.” Kurt Vonnegut

Working at this “artist” thing has certainly made me grow in many ways. I have something to talk about now, and I am driven to continue even when I’m uncomfortable because I know sales of my work help others who are in such need. I am discovering more about myself and enjoying the process.

Most of what I paint are images from my imagination or a combination of things I’ve seen, places I’ve been, or an abstraction of that.  Being self-taught and starting out with unconventional tools gives me lots of different ways to express what is inside me. I’m often told that my art carries a lot of emotion, and perhaps that is true. I do not know how to paint without my feelings. I hope that my work draws people in. I believe that God allowed me to discover my gift at this time in my life for a reason. I have time to work on my paintings and I have a reason to continue.  I hope my art brings joy, brings life, peace, happiness, fun, or good memories when it’s observed.

“To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.” Robert Schumann

I am still learning as I am constantly experimenting with new ideas and techniques. I do a variety of work, mostly in acrylics but I also do mixed media pieces.  Most of my work is not drawn out first or even sketched on paper before hand and often starts to take shape and develop as I move the paint around. Often it changes as I’m painting and sometimes it changes course more than once. I also love to play around with wood and tools for building projects that come up.  And I’ve just recently taken a pottery class from Dani, at Stella’s Arts, and I think that brings out different type of experiments to do! I saw a pastel kit on sale and ordered that as well! Being an artist here at the gallery has given me more incentive to learn and develop my work. I think I will always be somewhat “unconventional” in the way I create my work, but I certainly admire the variety and skills I see here.

You can see her artwork at Stella's Art Gallery. You might even find her doing a demo, taking a class, or just hanging out at the Gallery located in the Matchworks Building. 

New Events, Classes, Workshops, and Field Trips for February and March

Exciting things happening at Stella's Art Gallery! In addition to being able to find wonderful local art for your home, office, or for that perfect gift, you'll have an artful experience during your visit. We offer a variety of workshops, paint and sips, classes, Art Clubs, private parties and even field trips. Sometimes you may even find an artists working in the building.

Events:

Second Friday's at the Matchworks Building 

Every Second Friday of the month we have an event in our building, The Matchworks in Mentor, Ohio.  This event maybe a special class, like February 9th, that does need registration; or it can be a free event, like an opening to a new show. Let me share what we did for February. It's was couples night.  They started their  evening with Jessica Spuziilo's Photography and had a professional 8 x 10 photograph taken. While waiting to be photographed, Vipassana Salon pampered them with massages. Then the couple painted a set of two wineglasses and enjoyed a candlelit dinner in our atrium. Food cooked by the chefs at FOURK.

March 9th starting at 7:00 is our Birthday Bash and Women's History month celebration.

Call for Art
Artists See our website for future calls. All submissions require an entry fee and will be juried.
https://www.stellasartgallery.com/call-for-art.html


February 1 Day Workshops

2/13 Watercolor Birch Trees with Diane Carswell https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p630/2%2F13_Watercolor_Birch_Trees_with_Diane_Carswell.html 

2/16 or 2/20 Snowy Barn Watercolor Workshop with Diane Carswell

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p636/2%2F16_or_2%2F20_Snowy_Barn_Watercolor_Workshop_with_Diane.html

2/17 Intermediate Watercolor Workshop with Jodi Baldacci

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p624/Sat_2%2F17_Intermediate_Watercolor_Workshop_with_Jodi_Baldacci_.html 

2/24 or 2/27 Cardinal Watercolor Workshop with Diane Carswell

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p637/2%2F24_or_2%2F27_Cardinal_Watercolor_Workshop_with_Diane.html

2/24 Intro to Oils with Jodi Baldacci

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p640/Sat_2%2F24_Intro_to_Oil_Painting_Workshop_with_Jodi_Baldacci_NEW%21.html

2/25 Kids Paint Class with Nancy Nelson-Brotz

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p605/2%2F25_Kids_Paint_Class_February_2-3pm_with_Nancy.html

NEW 6 Week Classes start February 26th 

2/26 or 2/27 Clay 6 Week Class with Dani ( Mondays: February 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, April 2nd or Tuesdays: February 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, April 3rd). 

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p616/2%2F26_Hand-building_Clay_Class_with_Dani_starting_week_of__February_26th_%28see_info%29.html

2/27 Intro to Watercolor 6 Week Class (Feb 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and April 3rd) with Jodi Baldacci

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p622/2%2F27_or_3%2F3_%22Intro_to_Watercolors%22_with_Jodi_Baldacci_Choose_Sat_Workshop_or_Tues_6-Sessions.html

2/27 Intro to Charcoal with Nathan Hager

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p623/2%2F27_Intro_to_Charcoal_with_Nathan_Feb._27th_-_April_3rd.html

February Field Trip and ART Clubs  
Off Road with Arin to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens February 24th 1-4. To register Click the link below. 
https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p617/Off_Road_with_Arin_-_once_a_month.html

Kids Friday Art Club with Nancy Brotz

Every Friday kids come for art. Registration necessary. All full for February, now open for March registration.https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p625/Kids_Friday_Art_Club_with_Nancy_Brotz.html

First Tuesday of the Month Art Club with Nancy Nelson Brotz 

March's project can be seen in photo below

https://www.stellasartgallery.com/store/p576/Tuesdays__Art_Club_with_Nancy_11%3A30-12%3A30.html

To host your private party at our gallery or at your location, Email Dani at Stellasarts@gmail.com

IT'S BEEN AWHILE!

Hello All,

As many of you know, we have put our energies into our brick and mortar located in Mentor. You can find us in the historic Match Works building 8500 Station Street Mentor, Ohio 44060. We will be updating our Blog Very soon! Until then, come visit us! There's A lot to see and do in our building. We have a coffeeshop right next to us. You can bring your favorite cup of Joe right into the Gallery with you....such comfort on a brisk day!

Thank You!
Dani