ANNOUNCING THE 18th KALEIDOSCOPE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
The 18th Annual Kaleidoscope Juried Art Exhibition is pleased to announce the winner of the People’s Choice Award, Bunny Pitcher with Peonies by Sharon Frank Mazgaj of Uniontown. Sharon is a member of the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center.Â
Artist Statement: As part of my flower series, I found this delightful pitcher of a bunny, and paired it with some pink peonies that I grew in my garden. I arranged and took many reference photos. With this particular image, I found the intricacy of the large organic peonies and the hard, shiny surface of the pottery to be a good contrast. I loved the reflected colors in the surface of the pottery, and worked to capture that. I felt that by using a vessel with a “face”, in this case a bunny, that I’ve added a bit of whimsy to an otherwise typical depiction of a vase of flowers.
Sharon is the recipient of a working kaleidoscope designed and hand-blown by glass artist, Bob Pozarski. The image will be used to promote the 2021 Kaleidoscope show. Sharon previously won the Kaleidoscope People’s Choice Award in 2016.Â
18th Annual Kaleidoscope Virtual Art Exhibition
PRESENTED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
Too Busy by C Arthur Croyle, FIrst Place
As 2020 draws to a close, the 18th Annual Kaleidoscope Juried Art Exhibition is a joyous celebration of vibrant, local art that can be seen ONLINE at the Summit Artspace website. Admission to see the virtual showcase is free. See all of the art below on this page with artists’ statements.
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 WINNERS
The winners, who received cash prizes, were announced via social media Nov. 19, on Summit Artspace social media and its website: https://youtu.be/MaVRr46h1jg. 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.
KALEIDOSCOPE WINNERS
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 palette, 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
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
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
8:30 Saturday Morning by C. Arthur Croyle
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 piece, “Grassland Narrative-Rhapsody” is a part of a larger series, ” A Voice for Botanicals.” In this series I use mono-printing, acrylics, inks to bring forth the mystery and majesty of the grasslands. I imagine the grasslands set to music. I believe that the grasses have many messages for our world and hence I use inks and handwriting to call this message to mind. The unique colors and textures seem a good way to represent the powerful Grasslands.
A New Day by Dave Dirrig
Artists of Rubber City
Prismacolor on mat board
Artist Statement: After spending a few years on portraiture I wanted to try and capture some beautiful sky scenes. On my way into work I am always amazed at the beautiful sunrises. Using a few different images I have taken I came up with the idea for this drawing. I think it shows the hope of a new day.
All of the Little Piggies Stayed Home by Hope Hickman
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Acrylic on Canvas
Artist Statement: “All of the Little Piggies Stayed Home” is from a collection of miniature paintings, titled “Intimates”. These were created during the 2020 pandemic and deal primarily with privacy, introspection and solitude. The small size of this piece forces the viewer to get particularly close to the work, allowing them a sense of intimacy with the figure. Hope also builds her own frames, with intentional designs. The frame of this piece is intended to mimic the figure, hugging the canvas tight and wrapped around the work.
Andy by John Sharp
Artists of Rubber City
Acrylics
Artist Statement: I love honoring creative Artist of all genres, painting, music, acting. I love Pop-Art and Warhol is and was a major influence for me as I went thru Art School at Akron U in the early 70’s.
Anita by Carol Paquay
Akron Society of Artists
Oil
Artist Statement: Painting the figure has always been my greatest interest.
Atlantis II by Kevin Paul Hudak
Akron Society of Artists
Oils
bigger boat by Gwen Waight
Artists of Rubber City
Found object assemblage
Artist Statement: This is a found object assemblage using beach finds, compasses, a step stool,and old hardware. It’s title is a reference to the movie Jaws and is addressing when things are scary and you feel in over your head. It can cover so many areas in our world right now: climate change, politics, pandemic,etc. We’re going to need a bigger boat!
Bowie by Todd Bergert
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oils
Artist Statement: David Bowie has always been a favorite of mine. In fact, he helped me make it through law school as i listened to his Changes One Walkman over and over again on my Sony Walkman tape player while I studied.
Bunny Pitcher with Peonies by Sharon Frank Mazgaj
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oils
Artist Statement: As part of my flower series, I found this delightful pitcher of a bunny, and paired it with some pink peonies that I grew in my garden. I arranged and took many reference photos. With this particular image, I found the intricacy of the large organic peonies and the hard, shiny surface of the pottery to be a good contrast. I loved the reflected colors in the surface of the pottery, and worked to capture that. I felt that by using a vessel with a “face”, in this case a bunny, that I’ve added a bit of whimsy to an otherwise typical depiction of a vase of flowers.
Close Shave by Bruce Stebner
Akron Society of Artists
Oils
Artist Statement: For some years it’s been a goal to paint a series featuring men grooming, just as artists for centuries have painted women bathing. Covid has kept me home long enough to not only fulfill that goal, but also add the unexpected dimension of them being self portraits.
COVID Mural Installation by Ron White
Akron Society of Artists Artists of Rubber City
Paper, charcoal and installation stands
Artist Statement: This mural is a profound look at the issues we are facing …have been facing… and will continue to face. I hope that all viewers find the area of the mural that most effects them or informs them. There is struggle, hidden information, history, and true heartfelt distance depicted. But what I find the most interesting is that the installation requires you to get close… something we cannot do with one another.
Curious by Helga Reid
Women’s Art League of Akron
Watercolor
Artist Statement: Outside my door I have wildlife visit. Eating my flowers and plants. I keep my camera handy (just in case). One early morning I caught this culprit grooming himself after feasting on my plants…needless to say this was “a lucky shot.” I enjoyed painting him and his smug, satisfied look.
Down the Rabbit Hole with Alice by Helen Wilson
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Mixed media collage, acrylics, aluminum leaf, copper leaf
Artist Statement: This piece, “Down the Rabbit Hole with Alice”,is a part of a series by the same name. This series of mixed media collages, using acrylics and copper leaf, aluminum gilding are a part of my larger series,
A Voice for Botanicals. In this piece I found myself very involved with honoring the Grasslands of the world. It is as if the world is held together by grasses. I got so involved with my theme that I actually discovered several new ways to approach my mono-printing and to fold and cut my papers. These discoveries were very dramatic to me and I felt I had “fallen down a rabbit hole” and discovered a new artistic world to roam around in.
Dragonfly by Phyllis Lawicki
Women’s Art League of Akron
Acrylics
Artist Statement: Love dragonflies and their movement.
Falling Apart & Coming Together Again by Amber McElreath
Artists of Rubber City
Assemblage/found objects
Artist Statement: This piece represents the frequent feelings of fragmentation, distress, and helplessness of the average American mother. Many of us are aware of the dangers of our society and the uncertain future of our children within that society. We do our best to raise them and prepare them but everyday we are bombarded with news of civil unrest, racism, sexual assault, mass shootings, etc. It is more than we can bare at times. It is distressing for ourselves but overwhelming when considering our children’s vulnerabilities. We can only do so much. We cobble together guidance from what we were taught and what we have learned the hard way. We try to maintain a healthy steadiness. We keep ourselves together the best way we know how but sometimes, we fall apart. We are managing, we are delegating, we are multitasking, we are falling apart, and coming back together again.
Figure Study by Carol Paquay
Akron Society of Artists
Oil pastel
Forge Street by Brian Shellito
Akron Society of Artists
Oil on paper, panel mounted
Artist Statement: This piece is a recent urban landscape along Forge Street in Akron. I was drawn to it for the many planes, angles and shifting light. It provided me opportunity to paint with the contrast I look for in a scene.
Fruitful Fantasy by Deanna Clucas
Women’s Art League of Akron
Acrylics
Artist Statement: With today’s social unrest, I couldn’t help but portray my feelings of unity by using the apples, blueberries, grapes etc. as part of the group of FRUIT. Whether we are black, brown, white, red or yellow, we all belong to one group, the HUMAN RACE.
God is a Woman by Judy Gaiser
Akron Society of Artists
Oils
Artist Statement: I based this painting on a poem written by Taylor Patterson.
“I promise you, God
is a Woman.
I know holiness
in my mother’s
touch, her palms
pressed with petals and gold.
This is the legacy your mother
Gave you, and my mother
Gave me. Press your palm
To mine, we are gods.
Grand Hotel by Tom Jackson
Akron Society of Artists
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oil on canvas
Artist Statement: Mackinac Island. This study captures the grander of this iconic, historic building through the repetition of the flags, floor boxes and awnings that line the immense balcony.
Harvest by Mary Jo Worthingon
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Acrylics
Artist Statement: Fall in Wayne County Ohio, is such a beautiful experience. The smells, the landscape in October is a very priceless sight!!
Here’s Looking at You by John Sharp
Artists of Rubber City
Acrylics
Artist Statement: I saw this barn on a ride to Sandusky….I loved the shadows and the sky as the sun was beginning to set. I have been influenced by Pop Artist and their choice of color and traditional imagery.
Homestead Redemption by Susan Mencini
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Acrylic mixed media
Artist Statement: The story of Redemption is one I return to when life is troubling. The colors of black, red, white, gold and green dominate the bottom half of this painting in a foundational weave that the fictional homestead rests upon. Home can be a refuge and a place to return to when things of life seem out of place.
Isaiah at Christmas by Dave Dirrig
Artists of Rubber City
Prismacolor on mat board
Artist Statement: My drawing is done from a picture I took of my grandson after opening his Christmas presents. There was something in his facial expression and pajamas that caught my eye. I had a lot of fun using different colors and exploring the curls in his hair.
Lady in Red by Tricia Kaman
Akron Society of Artists
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oils
Artist Statement: My work reflects a direct response to working from a living subject verses working from a photographic reference. There are many advantages to working from life; observing the nuances of color, seeing the atmosphere which is created by the luminous effects of natural light, and feeling the unique spiritual connection which comes from being in the company of a person or living thing. Inspiration comes from perceiving that truth and beauty within them. I enjoy arranging the elements within the composition in order to capture and express this beauty.
Living Waters by Tricia Kaman
Akron Society of Artists
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oils
Artist Statement: My work reflects a direct response to working from a living subject verses working from a photographic reference. There are many advantages to working from life; observing the nuances of color, seeing the atmosphere which is created by the luminous effects of natural light, and feeling the unique spiritual connection which comes from being in the company of a person or living thing. Inspiration comes from perceiving that truth and beauty within them. I enjoy arranging the elements within the composition in order to capture and express this beauty.
Liz Fighting the Weeks in the Church Garden by Hope Hickman
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Acrylic on canvas
Artist Statement: The figure in the image is a close friend of the Artist who lives in a large renovated church in Cleveland owned by an old Italian sculptor. The building is somewhat falling apart and incapable of maintaining but its beauty is surreal. The church, as well as its unkempt garden is an allegory to Liz’s life. The painting was produced in reference to a photo the artist had taken of Liz on a hot day in August 2020.
Looking Back by Carol J. Stevens
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Watercolor on Yupo
Artist Statement: Capturing body language with contour line has always been fascinating. In this case I see my neighbor wistfully looking back at life before the pandemic.
Mom & Dad by Emily Kohmann
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oils
Artist Statement: “Mom & Dad” is a portrait of my husband and I – it captures a special moment in time during our family vacation. We are relaxing side by side watching our children play at the beach. This painting wouldn’t be possible without a rare photo of the two of us, snapped by our 4 year old daughter. Since it is from her point of view, I decided to use the title “Mom & Dad”.
One Fine Day in October by Matt Shiarla
Artists of Rubber City
Watercolor
Artist Statement: This artwork was based on a picture I took one fine day in October on my family farm in Henry county Ohio. The barn is no longer ours, but was my Grandparents when I was kid. I paint rural scenes often. I hope to express my love for the rural aesthetic and feeling of home. I have always loved the way ripe wheat, right before it is ready to be harvested, appears to flow like water in the breeze.
Our World 2020 by Phyllis Lawicki
Women’s Art League of Akron
Watercolor
Artist Statement: What can we do, but live in what 2020 throws at us.
Playboy Mag ft. Pomegranate tits by Kalia Horner
Akron Society of Artists
Women’s Art League of Akron
Oil, magazine, and latex on wood panel
Artist Statement: I would like to focus on representation showing, or symbolizing feminism in a more vulgar sense. I mean to capture more explicit renderings of the female body, while overlaying objects overtop of places they visually imitate. Thus, this combination and overlay between images should create a more “suggestive” explicit representation, rather than simply copying, say, a pornagraphic image. I am interested in the idea that when related to something like the female body, non sexual objects such as fruits and vases can morph the visualization and meaning of the object itself, thus creating ambiguity when combining the images together.
I do not believe in censorship when it comes to creating work, but I would like to explore how combining different characterizations of fruit may create a more visually interesting composition than just simply rendering a literal explicit image of the body. I believe that it is important for feminist art to be represented in its whole form–which may include representations of vulgarity and violence, in disturbing ways that may not always be pleasant and or arousing–in which the female form was usually intended to represent or symbolize. Being a woman is something that I have found to be a very influential and crucial part of my life, and I intend to explore the many ways in which this can be apparent within my work–whether it be a pretty picture, or a not so pretty picture–because I feel that whole truths represent what it is really like to be a woman.
Red Breasted Nuthatch by Tom Baldwin
Artists of Rubber City
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Woodcarving
Artist Statement: The Red Breasted Nuthatch, though common, is rarely seen. I took the opportunity to carve the way we usually see them. Skillfully descending down a tree trunk from the top of the tree foraging for insects.
Saved from the Abyss by Laurel Winters
Artists of Rubber City
Women’s Art League of Akron
Acrylic, watercolor, pencil, and collage on paper
Artist Statement: The three Gaias (Earth Spirits) are trying to save endangered creatures from falling into the dark abyss of extinction. The creatures depicted in the dark area below have already become extinct. The numbers count backward to the 1100s, when humankind first began to record species extinctions.
Silk Cloth and Fruit by Robert Nicoll
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Artist Statement: This still life is painted with oil on clayboard using the Flemish Technique. This technique uses glazes of oil paint and medium that enables the creation of intense color and light.
Skyholes by Susan Mencini
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Acrylic
Artist Statement: Trees, their seasonal changes and growth have always been a favorite subject of mine. Sky Holes is an abstraction of the space between the branches/leaves of a tree where the sky and light can shine through. Literal sky holes can be magical windows to what lies beyond the beauty of the tree itself.
Stepping Out by Terri Haley
Women’s Art League of Akron
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Acrylics
Artist Statement: This is the first in a series “Notes to Self” where I scribble a quote on the paper and then work the design & colors around the shapes made. “A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there” by Olivia Owens was used here. “Stepping Out” of the comfort zone is the theme.
Still Life with Pink Beads by April Cameron
Women’s Art League of Akron
Acrylic on canvas
Artist Statement: As a society we collect things, objects, mementos.
Staying home through Covid has made me realize just how much “stuff” I have accumulated over the years. When looking for inspiration and subject matter during these delicate days I needed to look no further than my own home.
Still Life with Stars by April Cameron
Women’s Art League of Akron
Acrylic on canvas
Artist Statement: As a society we collect things, objects, mementos.
Staying home through Covid has made me realize just how much “stuff” I have accumulated over the years. When looking for inspiration and subject matter during these delicate days I needed to look no further than my own home.
Summer Wands by Terrie Haley
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Women’s Art League of Akron
Acrylics
Artist Statement: Using a complimentary color palette, this piece is reminiscent of a warm summer day on the lawn…running, laughing and waving bubble wands. Lots of fond childhood memories.
Summit and Main by Bruce Stebner
Akron Society of Artists
Oils
Artist Statement: Summit and Main is a 16×20 plein air oil on panel painting. The original attraction to the scene was a lure of color: an intense blues sky above the white building. The artistic goal was to capture the visual conversation between arching traffic and street lights and autumn tree with the solid Art Deco architecture. Non finito sections of the painting add emphasis to the corner and deconstructed elements give an ethereal aspect to a ubiquitous street scene.
TenementalNYC by Judith Salamon
Women’s Art League of Akron
Collage and acrylics
That Blue by Leo Miller
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Metal welded and autopaint
The Cabbage Story #1 by Carol Klingel
Akron Society of Artists
Artists of Rubber City
Oil on canvas
Artist Statement: I like to get down into the garden and see life from the plant’s point of view. They have a beautiful story to tell, even though they aren’t all perfect.
The Cabbage Story #2 by Carol Klingel
Akron Society of Artists
Artists of Rubber City
Oil on canvas
Artist Statement: A closer look at cabbage leaves in morning light reveals amazing variations in color and detail. The imperfections add to their beauty.
Top of the Hill by Thomas Reiderman
Akron Society of Artists
Artists of Rubber City
Digital photography
Artist Statement: I was walking at Silver Creek Metro Park and saw several children running up a hill to meet a man with a dog. I was impressed with the stark contrast of children against the blue sky and green grass.
Vegas: Off the Clock by Paula Michaud
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oils
Artist Statement: Just a snapshot in time of a typical day on the Strip. The bright colors and dramatic lines capture the excitement of the city.
View from Pat’s Stand by Matt Shiarla
Artists of Rubber City
Watercolor
Artist Statement: This artwork was based on a photo I took at my friend’s farm in Doylestown. I climbed up a tree stand to look around from the higher vantage point. The contours of the field and tree shadows really intrigued me. I particularly like how the trees lead you to the house and frame it. The contrast of cool shadow against the warm colors of the field enhanced by the setting sunlight creates dynamic lines. Similar colors are found in the sky that unify the work and set the mood that it is nearly evening and soon it will be time to head to the house. The shadows give you the sense that fall is creeping in and the trees will change color soon. The warmth lets the viewer know that autumn is joyfully anticipated.
Wake Up: COVID Shut Down Series (4 of 4) by Amber McElreath
Artists of Rubber City
Found object assemblage
Artist Statement: This series is about 2020. At the beginning of April, businesses started closing their doors in the hopes of mitigating the virus. Businesses couldn’t necessarily get their small business relief loans. Some shit their doors permanently. Record numbers of people were unemployed. We have seen a pandemic, civil unrest, flourishing conspiracy theories, police shootings of African American citizens, a contentious presidential election, the dearth of a beloved Supreme Court Justice, the rise of white nationalism, and fears of fascism within our government. Thru it all, the virus has continued to work its way thru our population and our death toll rises. The graffiti on this series of miniature closed businesses gives clues to our recent history and present day while we look at an uncertain future.
Winter Sunspots by Sally Heston
Akron Society of Artists
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Women’s Art League of Akron
Watercolor on paper
Artist Statement: I loved the play of sunlight and shadows on this part of my yard on a cold winter day. I have tried to capture an image of it in local color with watercolor on paper, my usual medium of choice.
Yellow Awnings by Tom Jackson
Akron Society of Artists
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Oil on canvas
Artist Statement: Quebec City Restaurant. Striking contrast created by morning shadows. A study of warm tones and cool shadows.
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.
