Click here to see the virtual Kaleidoscope Exhibit.
As 2020 draws to a close, the 18th Annual Kaleidoscope Juried Art Exhibition will be a joyous celebration of vibrant, local art that can be seen online at Summit Artspace from Nov. 20 to Dec. 19. See the link above.
In-person visits to the Summit Artspace galleries have been paused through the end of 2020 due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. But visits to artist studios can be made by appointment. For a list of the artists and more information, click here.
KALEIDOSCOPE HISTORY
Kaleidoscope is organized each year by the Alliance for the Visual Arts. The annual holiday event was founded in 2003 by AVA which is the umbrella group of four area arts organizations: Akron Society of Artists, Artists of Rubber City, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center and the Women’s Art League of Akron. More than 740 active members are eligible to compete in Kaleidoscope.
SHOW DATES & TIMES, WINNERS
The show opened in the Summit Artspace main first floor gallery on Thursday, Nov. 20, at noon, for in-person visits. Admission is free to see the online exhibit.
The winners, who are vying for cash prizes, were announced via social media Nov. 19, on Summit Artspace social media and its website. The virtual video premier was hosted by AVA Exhibit Chair artist Deanna Clucas and exhibit juror Christy Davis, curator of exhibitions at the Canton Museum of Art. More than 40 artists entered over 80 pieces to be considered for the show which has a prominent reputation and gives inspiration to artists and art lovers from all over Northeast Ohio.
YOU PICK THE ARTIST WHO WINS THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!
Online visitors will be able to vote for their favorite artist to win the People’s Choice Award, a working kaleidoscope designed and hand-blown by glass artist, Bob Pozarski. The winner will be announced at the end of the show on the Summit Artspace website.
Link to the online voting: https://www.summitartspace.org/vote/
April Cameron of Akron was the 2019 People’s Choice winner for Crooked River Trail used in this year’s show promotion. She is a member of the Women’s Art League of Akron.
Special events scheduled for December are going virtual also. Artwalk on Dec. 5, starting at 5 p.m., will be on line at Summit Artspac social media. New this year, Summit Artspace is hosting “Market on Market: Holiday Edition” on Saturdays, 12-5 p.m., Dec. 5 and 12, which will also be available on social media.
WINNERS OF KALEIDOSCOPE
FIRST PLACE
Too Busy by C. Arthur Croyle
Akron Society of Artists
Oil & Acrylic
Artist Statement: The never ending Main St. construction in downtown Akron.
SECOND PLACE
Head Vase with Lisianthus by Sharon Frank Mazgaj
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oil
Artist Statement: I collect vintage pottery and thought it would be fun to depict this Head Vase holding one of my favorite flowers; Lisianthus. I spent several hours arranging the flowers in the vase, and took multiple reference photos. I took the photos outdoors, and loved the shadows cast on the face. I love the organic softness and playfulness of the Lisianthus flowers sprouting from the head; almost like a crazy hairdo or top of the hat. By choosing the white flowers, I’ve limited the pallette, and kept the background very simple, so as not to detract from the image. I spent over a 100 hours on this piece.
THIRD PLACE
Summer Brunch by Care Hanson
Artists of Rubber City
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas
Artist Statement: This bright painting reflects the nearly 30 days of sunshine that danced through our COVID-19 July, 2020.
As the pandemic lumbers on, my appreciation for trail walks and creative play increases every day. These pursuits command present moment attention and are rich with possibility and growth.
This painting was an expression of gratitude and joy for both trail and paint ~ food for my body and soul.
HONORABLE MENTION
Pandemic Self-Portrait No. 3 by Sally Heston
Akron Society of Artists, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
and Women’s Art League of Akron
Watercolor on Yupo
Artist Statement: No explanation is needed. This self-portrait is a statement about life in 2020. The expression of the eyes reflects the artist’s state of mind and the painting medium (watercolor on Yupo) reflects an impermanence about our lives during a pandemic.
HONORABLE MENTION
Snow on my Roof by Janet Baran
Artists of Rubber City
Acrylics
Artist Statement: During the shutdown, caused by the pandemic of 2020, my dyed hair was replaced by the white that had been trying to grow in for 33 years. I decided to document the occasion and included my take on ‘corona virus wallpaper’.
HONORABLE MENTION
8:30 Saturday Moring by S. Arthur Crooyle
Akron Society of Artists
Watercolor
Artist Statement: 8:30 Saturday Morning
HONORABLE MENTION
Grassland Narrative -Rhapsody by Helen Wilson
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Mixed Media Collage, acrylics, ink
Artist Statement: This bright painting reflects the nearly 30 days of sunshine that danced through our COVID-19 July, 2020.
As the pandemic lumbers on, my appreciation for trail walks and creative play increases every day. These pursuits command present moment attention and are rich with possibility and growth.
This painting was an expression of gratitude and joy for both trail and paint ~ food for my body and soul.
See the Summit Artspace exhibit calendar for show details.
Have questions? Here is our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Please Note: All exhibits are subject to becoming virtual at our website, summitartspace.org, due to the global pandemic.
