Spring is such a great motivator. The increasing sunshine, birds singing and green pops of color in the woodlands and gardens feed our anticipation of a glowing new season. Ahh, the balmy breezes and fragrances of spring fill us with an urgency to step outside and soak it all up.
But remember, this is Ohio, so enjoy it while you can — we all know snowflakes will be in the air again. This can be a good thing if you haven’t gotten that special wintery shot for Lake Metroparks’ 39th annual Amateur Photography Contest. I’ll remind you before the May 30 deadline.
A frequently asked question: Where is the line drawn between a professional and an amateur? A professional is one whose primary source of income — 50 percent or more — results from his or her photographic work.
Spring hikes and slow strolls through Northeast Ohio’s Emerald Necklace of parks offer many opportunities to view wildlife and natural features, such as gorges and waterfalls. No shortage of photo ops there. Add the bonus of stopping into the visitor center to view nature-oriented art shows and informative displays, as well as, perhaps, hitting the gift shop for a little souvenir. I love to collect magnets when I travel — magnets and memories.
Entry deadlines are closing in for several shows, new ones are opening, and spring and summer classes are being posted.
Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, is home to “Picture This! A Road Trip Through Ohio,” presented by members of the Western Reserve Photographic Society. The show will open with a meet-the-artists reception from noon to 4 p.m. on March 14.
Take a photographic tour through Ohio’s 88 diverse counties, discovering quaint towns, bustling cities, museums, theme parks, historical sites, sports venues, parks, vineyards, Lake Erie and more. See what our great state has to offer. “Picture This!” will be on display through May 10.
Participating WRPS members included in the show: Al Krall, Lynn Bunting, Ken Bunting, Earl Linaburg, Jackie Sajewski, Tom Adamo, Marty Kreger, Dee Hudson, Dick Kennelly, Tom Judnick, Sandy Judnick, Carly Peters, Denise Molesch, Dee Riley, Steve Miller, Nancy Murnyack, Bill Butler, Carol Hoffecker, Jim Kelly and Dianne Kelly. Artwork will be for sale.
The nature center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Learn more at lakemetroparks.com or call 440-256-1404.
The deadline to enter Geauga Park District’s community art show, “On the Wing…Nature That Takes Flight,” is March 12.
The show will be on display at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township, from the opening reception, 1 to 3 p.m. on March 28, through July 26.
The theme of nature that flies and/or has wings is rather broughd. It could be a bird, or it could be a maple seed, maybe even a ballooning spider. Also, the flight focus must occupy two-thirds of the composition.
Capture the beauty, motion and energy of natural flight in drawing, painting, photography and other media. Two entries per artist will be accepted. Note that there is a youth category for artists 12 and under.
Complete entry details at bit.ly/gpd-events-shows or call 440-286-9516. All entry applications need to be submitted online, with drop-off directions following acceptance into the show.
Here’s another deadline. Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, is looking for “Art Inspired by Music.” Artwork will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 6 and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 7.
How do you connect to music? Express what inspires you while you create, from classical to country, rap to rock-n-roll, and everything between. Let it speak — or sing — through your art. Include the genre, band or song in each title.
Jurors for the show will be artist Diane Fleisch Hughes and musician Bob Hughes. An Awards reception is set for 7 to 9 p.m. March 13.
Cleveland photographer Natalie Souza is the March artist being featured in the Annex Gallery. Her work encompasses a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, abstracts, florals, cityscapes, creative portraits and seasonal themes.
“My work focuses on celebrating the beauty around us and evoking emotions through harmonious colors and shapes,” she writes in her biography. “I am continually developing my style while exploring diverse approaches to photography. This constant evolution reflects the ever-changing world that inspires me.”
The April show at Stella’s is “The Four Seasons.” Artists are encouraged to reflect on themes such as transformations, cycles of nature, time, memory, climate and personal or cultural connections. Literal or abstract, traditional or experimental — all media are welcome.
Get entry details and at stellasartgallery.com or 440-266-9111.
Enter the Rabbit Run Community Art Association’s 34th annual “Juried Art Show” by March 30. It is co-sponsored by RRCAA and the Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, where the show will be displayed from April 2 through 29.
The show is open to all visual artists in Northeast Ohio. Any high school or adult artist may submit works in any two-dimensional medium. Small three-dimensional works may also be submitted. The show will be juried by Nancy Nelson Brotz, Ashtabula Arts Center visual arts director, and Danielle Klein, artist and owner of Stella’s Art Gallery.
Applications and fees will be accepted from March 9 through 30 at RRCAA, 49 Park St., Madison. Applications and art may be taken to the library from March 23 to 30. Complete details and entry forms are available at rabbitrun.org.
The Waterloo Arts Gallery, 15605 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, will open “Cleveland’s Annual Blacklight Exhibition: PSYCHEDELIC,” with a reception from 5 to 9 p.m. on March 6 in the main gallery. Additionally, check out AfterGlo, a 3,000-square-foot black-light space, where guests are invited to walk through for a totally psychedelic experience.
Extended gallery hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. The show runs through March 29. Learn more at waterlooarts.org.
