Summer is a great time to appreciate art: Valley Views

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Looking for some artistic inspiration during these dog days of summer?

Fairmount Center for the Arts (FCA) and Valley Art Center (VAC) are both hosting showings of works by award-winning area artists.

FCA opens its 48th annual art exhibition Aug. 6, on view through Aug. 22. A closing reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23.

VAC is showing works of two local artists, David Kuntzman and Kenn Hetzel, now through Aug. 28. Through their art, the two men provide a juxtaposition of linear mathematical grid paintings and 3D sculptures created from stones and other natural materials.

The artists were prize winners at the VAC’s 50th juried art show in November.

The FCA exhibition will showcase a variety of artistic styles and media, selected for inclusion by jurors encaustic painter Dawn Tekler, metalsmith worker Rachel Smith and arts educator and artist Michelle Marschall.

You can expect to see paintings, graphics, photography, fiber and sculpture at the Russell Township center.

Bus Bee Trunk Show: VAC is also hosting a special trunk show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 featuring the work of Sarah Bullington.

The Medina artist is a long-time student at VAC and is a local jewelry and mixed media artist.

She has been completely blind since age 3, but creates with the intention of reflecting her faith, love and strength.

Be a creator: Join Cleveland-based fiber artist Maggie Latham from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 3 for a workshop at VAC in dying fabric with natural dyes.

Latham will cover the history of dyes. During the hands-on workshop, you will learn the soy milk and alum mordant processes, create a dye vat and use immersion techniques to dye fabrics.

You will also learn how to enhance your creations with modifiers to create a vibrant array of dyed fabrics.

The workshop is open to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned fiber enthusiasts. The cost is $95.

Contact valleyartcenter.org or 440-247-7507.

Fridays at Fairmount: Enjoy a mash-up of art and music for your Friday night happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 9 and 16 at Fairmount Fine Art Center.

You can view the center’s 48th annual juried art exhibition inside, then step outside to sip on libations and listen to live music on the patio.

The exhibition showcases paintings, photography, fiber, sculpture, drawing and other modalities created by accomplished area artists.

The show opens Aug. 6 and is on view through Aug. 23. Visit fairmountcenter.org for viewing hours. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. The center is located at 8400 Fairmount Road.

‘Close Encounters’ screening: The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival invites you to watch the Steven Spielberg classic film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” at 7 p.m. July 26 at its facility at 3 North Franklin St. in Chagrin Falls.

Tyler Davidson, producer and president of Low Sparks Films, will host a post-film question-and-answer session.

The plot has an Indiana lineman’s life turned upside down after having a close encounter with a UFO.

Tickets are $15 and include a Devil’s Tower cocktail or mocktail.

Theater masterclass for teens: Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is holding a class for students in grades 6-12 who are eager to enhance their theater audition skills.

The class runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 and 24.

Led by theater professionals Emily Stack, director; Jonathan Gordon, musical director; and Sarah Gordon, choreographer, this intensive eight-hour workshop spans two consecutive Saturdays.

Participants will delve into a comprehensive curriculum aimed at refining every aspect of auditioning, from choreography and musical performances to delivering captivating monologues.

The curriculum includes selecting material for individual talents, vocal exercises and techniques, movement training, memorization strategies, character development and resumé guidance.

The workshop concludes with a mock audition in a supportive environment, with constructive feedback from instructor and peers.

Each student will receive a professional headshot photo, essential for future auditions.

Register at cvlt.org/youth or 440-247-8955. The cost is $350. Classes will be held at the Main Stage Theater, 40 River St. in Chagrin Falls.

To post your news and events, contact Rusek at [email protected].

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