By Julia Kazar

On Saturday, Thirteenth Floor, Massillon’s first independent art gallery, celebrated its grand opening to rave reviews.  Everyone who came out enjoyed themselves and had wonderful things to say about the new gallery.  The gallery features art from several up and coming local artists, some as young as 19 years old.  The art is an eclectic collection that doesn’t really seem to have any rhyme or reason to it, but that’s okay, because it all works well together.  From simple sketches to elaborate paintings of people and cartoon characters, all the art on display is incredible.

Billy Ludwig, Thirteenth Floor

Gallery owner Billy Ludwig has worked hard to make this place a success and put the Massillon art scene on the map.  “I decided to open the Thirteenth Floor because I was bored,” Ludwig explained with a tinge of sarcasm.  “I didn’t have any other projects going on.” Anyone who has met Billy knows he is constantly working on something and rarely bored.

Ludwig definitely has plenty going on now though.  If the grand opening is any indication, Ludwig’s dream is definitely coming true.  The small building was packed with art and art lovers throughout the night.  In addition to all the great pieces that were on display inside, there was also an artist on the street carving sculptures out of logs using a chainsaw.  Onlookers had the opportunity to watch as a simple log transformed into a Native American head or a bear.

“This is something that Massillon has needed for a long time and I’m glad someone finally made it happen,” seemed to be the crowd’s opinion.  The spotlight is finally shining on Massillon’s artists and its art scene, giving some much needed recognition to the talented artists of the area.

Later in the evening there was a special performance by Scott Paris, a local musician.  He performed some of his biggest hits from his classic material to songs from his latest album, Pirate Signals. Paris’ music was just another great art form on display that night.

There are currently many different mediums of art displayed in the gallery, but Ludwig has some more cohesive shows that will be featured soon.  One upcoming show is called “The Creature Show” and will feature some of the best and most unique creature-based art that Massillon has to offer.  Check out both the current show, and “The Creature Show” which begins August 13^th, at Thirteenth Floor on Charles Ave. in downtown Massillon. To purchase prints or original art work or if you would like some of your own work to be considered for display visit the website, 13thfloorgallery.com .

Popularity: 18% [?]

By Denver Collins

On July 17th, Billy Ludwig, artist, musician and entrepreneur, will open Massillon’s first art gallery, an event celebrated with live music, lumberjack/chainsaw carving demonstrations and cold draft beer at 28 Charles Street.

The street will be closed off and the music will be outside, drawing in crowds to come see the many different forms of art from some of Northeast Ohio’s most talented artists.  These include Shock Studios, Bili Kribbs, Scot Philips, Steve Ehret and Megan Mars to name a few.

“I’m an artist myself,” Ludwig says.  “And working with other artists, we’ve been pretty aggressive over the past year about getting our artwork out there and making people more aware in Massillon that there is a big art movement.  We needed a home base.”

And that’s just what Thirteenth Floor provides, not just for the artists, but the audience as well.

“I think we have a very large audience.  We just needed an actual gallery in Massillon,” he says.

Ludwig plans on doing as much as he can with the gallery.  “We’ll be doing lots of events through the gallery, mixing it up with art and music,” he says.  It appears the city is excited about it too, as Ludwig has met with the mayor and city council several times, and was even given a grant to start up the gallery.  It seems like a win-win for both the city and Ludwig.

“I wanna try to draw in other businesses that will complement the gallery,” he explains.  He wants his gallery to be one-of-a-kind.

“I like the name since the thirteenth floor doesn’t really exist and it’s rare to find one.  I thought, what’s inside the gallery would also be pretty rare as well.”  And for Massillon’s first and only art gallery, that couldn’t be more accurate.

Popularity: 6% [?]

By Julia Kazar

Prologue

Canton’s most promising artist, Joeseph Close, has been working on his latest project for over three years now and is finally ready to show off it’s first part.  Close’s project is being told in three separate sections that, when finished, will tell one story.  The first part is called Prologue and will be on display at Anderson Creative in downtown Canton through July 31^st.

The story that Close is telling revolves around three characters.  The first is Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who is a real historical figure.  Close has taken aspects of the real Whitney and added elements from his own mind to create a fictional Whitney.  Another character is Punchinello, or Punch, a fictional character.  The final character is Snow or Snowflake who was based on a real gorilla of the same name.  He is the only known albino gorilla in the world.  As the title of this show suggests, this part of the story is about fleshing out the background of these characters as well as foreshadowing what lies ahead for them.

This is just the first part of the characters’ stories.  Close hopes that once all three parts are finished people will be able to look at the whole story of the project, but that’s not for a few years yet.  Right now if you go check out Close’s show at Anderson Creative you will see what he calls “sketches of the beginning of a story.”  You will meet the characters and learn a little bit about their lives and how they became what they are today.  You can also see how the characters begin to develop.

When you walk into the building you will first enter Gertrude’s ‘room’, then Punch’s ‘room’ and Snow’s ‘room.’  The show ends with a look at Close’s own room where he came up with this idea in the first place and where he sketched out the very beginnings of this story.

Joseph Close says that he is striving to tell a story about balance.  He says that when the next part of the story comes out to expect it to be much darker than this first part.  However, many things that are unclear right now will make much more sense.  Even though only the beginning of the story is being told right now, it is still easy enough to follow what Close is trying to say.  You will be able to understand the story.

It is a remarkable undertaking all on its own, and it’s incredible to think that there are still two more parts to be added.  There is a mixture of 2D paintings with 3D sculptures.  The atmosphere is mythological and you become immersed in another world, almost consumed by these characters and their lives.  “It is my way of trying to take the mythological and turn it into the modern.”

Joseph Close’s show Prologue is not to be missed.  Anderson Creative is located in the art district of downtown Canton and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 12-5.

Popularity: 5% [?]

By Denver Collins

Sixty-nine artists have been selected to appear in this November’s Stark ARThology, the first art anthology dedicated to the many talented and eclectic artists of Stark County, Ohio.  The book is published by Indigo Ink, an independent non-profit publisher of poetry, fiction and artistic non-fiction (such as visual-art books).

Stark ARThology

Artists selected for the book will receive two free copies and professional photography services for the selected piece(s), as well as a professional artist headshot photo.  In addition, Indigo Ink Press and the Canton Museum of Art are collaborating to host an exhibit featuring the work of the artists at the museum from Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010.  The Stark ARThology exhibit will showcase the work featured in the book for each artist.

“Promoting the accomplished artists of our community has been the goal of Stark ARThology from day one.  Adding this exhibit to the mix is the best way to up the ante – to increase the visibility of these worthy 69,” says Jessica Bennett, Founder, volunteer Executive Director and Publisher of Indigo Ink Press.

Bennett is also currently the PR & Marketing Manager for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where her work includes writing and editing two publications.  A graduate from Walsh University, Bennett has two bachelor’s degrees, one in corporate communication and the other in English.  The degrees go hand-in-hand for Bennett, a savvy businesswoman with a strong passion for literature and art.

“We know that there are incredible artists in all corners of Stark County.  Our hope is that through Stark ARThology we can introduce this work to our community, as well as reinforce the idea of buying art locally,” she says.

The book will first be available at the ticketed launch event and exhibit opening the evening of Friday, Nov. 19, with free admission for all on Saturday, Nov. 20 and Sunday Nov. 21.  After that, the book will be sold through local galleries, studios, art venues, specialty retailers and online through the Indigo Ink website and Amazon.com.  The book will also be made available for free to high schools and Stark County District Libraries.

The book will feature artists in almost every genre of visual art, including painting, photography, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramic art, sculpture, glass, jewelry and digital design.  A total of 162 artists answered the call for submissions and were evaluated by an advisory committee.

“The concept of creating an original publication dedicated to the work of our finest local and regional artists was certainly a laudable one, and I was honored to play a role in the selection process,” says M.J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art, one of the advisory committee members.  “And for the kick-off celebration of the book, what better setting than an exhibition in the galleries of The Canton Museum of Art featuring this very collection?”

Other committee members include Robb Hankins, President and CEO of ArtsinStark, Gail Martino of the Stark County Educational Service Center, Margo Miller of Mt. Union College, Christine Shearer of the Massillon Museum and Todd Walburn, owner of 2nd April Galerie.

The anthology is funded in part by a $6,000 special projects grant from ArtsinStark, and a portion of the proceeds from the publication will benefit ArtsinStark’s SmArts Program.

“The grant from ArtsinStark is essential for launching our first title, Stark ARThology,” Bennett says.  “We wouldn’t be able to get started with Indigo Ink without their generous support.”

These Special Project Grants are part of the approximately $1.1 million in grants that the County Arts Council will give out to more than 100 Stark County non-profit organizations and artists.

“We are delighted in these challenging times that we can continue our commitment to keeping the arts here growing and strong,” says ArtsinStark Board Chair Bob Timken.

In 2011, Indigo Ink plans to publish the first of its fiction titles.  Ultimately, Indigo Ink aims to publish between five and six titles per year in fiction, poetry and non-fiction, with the potential to grow even more over time with community support and literary acclaim.

Indigo Ink accepts submissions year-round from local authors and artists.  They take full-length novels, poetry and art but steer clear of short stories and genres like fantasy, sci-fi, horror and western.  They are especially interested in talented burgeoning storytellers but will consider submissions from both new and previously published authors.

For more information about Indigo Ink or Stark ARThology, contact Jessica Bennett via email at editor@indigoinkpress.org, or call (330) 417-7715.

Popularity: 24% [?]

By Denver Collins

On a rainy summer day at the Lockview in Akron, Rachel Jernigan runs up a tab ordering her two favorite drinks: dirty martinis and Bloody Marys.

The Lockview is a small bar across from the Civic Theatre with classy beer on tap and big colorful paintings on the walls.  The week before, Rachel’s art was on display there as well.  “I like selling art at a bar because people aren’t normally there to buy art,” she says.  She currently has artwork selling at The Zephyr, the bar in Kent where she works, as well as Akron’s We Gallery.

Rachel uses spray paints and acrylics, specifically crafter’s paint, which is a little thinner and flatter.  She paints on mostly wood or masonite, not dealing with the hassle of canvas. Her ideas tend to come from patterns: wallpaper, nature, things with a nostalgic feel.  She gets her paintings done in assembly-line form, completing 10 to 20 different paintings at a time.  “It’s hard to do something from start to finish while waiting for stuff to dry,” she explains.

In the end, her art has more of an emotional or aesthetic theme, rather than an expression of meaning or a message.  “Most of my inspiration comes from things that remind me of the ‘70s or my childhood,” she says.  “Of course, I want it to be nice to look at more than anything.”
A native of Northeast Ohio, Rachel grew up in Stow, where her parents still live.  Her dad was into drawing, although he never pursued it professionally.  Her older sister Jessica is a painter as well, and got Rachel interested in art while they were both still in high school.

Rachel began college at Kent State University in ‘92, focusing mostly on ceramics, but painting as well.  When she quit the program in ‘97, she didn’t have anywhere to pursue her work in ceramics, which involves a lot of equipment and space.  So she focused on painting at home.

She got her job at The Zephyr in ‘93, where she is now the manager.  She thinks Kent is a good place to start for any artist because it provides a nurturing environment.  “It’s easy to interest people in buying art in a small community because people are into buying locally made things,” she says.

At a gallery, prices are marked up because the gallery will take a cut, so selling her work at a bar helps keep prices affordable.  A 2’ x 2’ painting usually goes for about $100 to $150.  “I’d rather have people own my paintings than charge a lot of money for them,” she says.

The paintings feature simplified, vintage-looking designs.  “I don’t really do very detailed paintings,” she says, which for many is part of their appeal.  For example, when she paints a human figure she doesn’t typically paint the face; instead, it’s more of a silhouette.  “I think it’s easier for people to see it as themselves or people they know,” she says.  “The patterns and colors are very nostalgic, very basic and ‘designy’, if that’s a word.”

Her favorite artist is the French-American Dadaist and Surrealist Marcel Duchamp, whose most famous piece is a urinal mounted on a wall and titled “Fountain.”  She’s inspired by contemporary art as well, of course, but isn’t too concerned with the artists.  “I’m pretty lax as far as studying lately,” she says.

Instead, Rachel likes to spend her time creating things.  She makes and sells t-shirts, enjoys gardening and is remodeling her house, which “is taking longer than I’d like it to.”  Of course, she adds, “That’s not to say I don’t sit on the couch and watch a whole season of something at one time.”

Still, it’s in her personality to always want to be working on something.  “I don’t know what people who don’t make stuff do,” she says.

Popularity: 1% [?]

by E.M. Serensky

The Canton Cabaret is in full swing, and all that’s missing is you! Why drive to Cleveland or Pittsburgh to see a great show when there are musical dinner theatres in your own backyard? .

The relatively new cabaret is brought to life with the help of local Lois DiGiacamo and produced by DiGiacomo’s Rainbow Repertory, which is a Canton-based non-profit arts organization. The Rainbow Rep works hand-in-hand with new playwrights, musicians, and artists in many realms. Lois also hosts State of the Arts , a local TV show that showcases artists of all talents: visual artists, musicians, writers, and dancers.

If so inspired, the Canton Cabaret is more than capable of traveling. They gear their shows specifically toward their audience. Want something in the spirit of Frank Sinatra? They can do it. Want something in the spirit of Broadway? Done. All you have to do is ask: rainbowrep@neo.rr.com .

. Tozzi’s on 12^th, owned and operated by the Tozzi family for four generations, is the current home of the Canton Cabaret. The Cabaret has their very own dance floor and dinner theatre, which gives them space to do their thing, and room for you to enjoy every minute. This Friday, the Cabaret will be showcasing their Divine Divas at Tozzi’s. For more information on the Divine Divas performance, check out the Canton Cabaret on Facebook.

Shows in addition to the Divine Divas includes: Memories of Motown on September 10^th and the Sweetest Day Musical on October 16^th. Go to Tozzi’s on 12^th this Friday and tell them Buzzbin sent you.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Canton Art

Downtown Canton, has for the last few years been undergoing a revitalization effort centered around the arts.  It began with the designation of an arts district within a section of downtown.  During the last few years, public art and artists studios and galleries have been popping up all over the downtown area.  As we watch progress march forward,  some questions arise.  How can artist’s individual or collective efforts continue to make a difference in the growth Canton’s local art scene?  (Or Stark County for that matter?)  Which is more important for a community wide transformation?  Collective effort?  Or self reliance?

A collective effort is essential for any type of movement that has a lasting impact.  Let’s go back to the time to the early 20th Century, when modern art masters Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse dwelt in Paris, France.  Artists at that time were known to gather in cafes to discuss art and ideas.  While there was certainly competition, it is assumed they understood they were part of a movement.  Like the instruments within an orchestra, playing different parts of one whole.  Those artists knew, possibly with the exception of Picasso (he was known to think himself superior to everyone) that one artist cannot change an entire community or city by oneself.  Without a feeling of common purpose it is difficult to harness the motivation and resources required for large social endeavors.  This however doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t focus on one’s own skills.  By concentrating on what one needs to improve within themselves, skill more quickly develops.  Part of our nation’s greatness was born out of auto determination.  And yet at certain times many citizens have united to achieve greatness.

Competition, (especially when friendly) promotes growth.  Avoiding criticism or comparison can be stifling.  This is true for any type of skill, not just artistry.  Remaining open to criticism or suggestion is essential.  Of course there are exceptions.  Very rarely, true genius will forsake all convention and still succeed.  This is very rare though, most artists are not like this.  Even talented ones.  Too much competitiveness can be destructive, jealousy, pettiness, gossip, pessimism, all arise from an unhealthy sense of competition. This slows progress.  While not every artist can be successful, most can choose to make a positive or negative impact on those around them.  It is important for a community to possess positive will as it reshapes itself.  Both friendly competition to sharpen each other’s skills, and a unified sense of purpose will make the difference in how bright the future of Canton’s art scene becomes.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Artist Ron White

By Mary Beth Romito

Artist Ron White has an exceptional flare for the figure.  His classically inspired charcoal drawings and ceramic busts were recently shown at The We Gallery in downtown Akron.  Encompassing both mediums, his show gives a unique appeal to two-dimensional art and sculptures alike.
I asked White which he felt was more important: the subject matter or the way the work is executed.   “It’s a combination of both,” he said.  “You need to be motivated by the subject in order for it to be executed effectively.” His busts show emotions of classical figures or of popular artists like Salvador Dali.  For some reason I find immense pleasure in the head of Dali served up like a trophy platter.  The textures and imprints of his hands shape the face and show how he manipulates his works into recognizable forms.  It’s fascinating to watch people take in the faces,  reflecting the emotions as they look at the work.
White has a threefold approach for motivation.  First, he finds his ideas from established imagery from antiquity.  Studying artists and constantly focusing on line, he can shift, move or change the flow of the image to his exact specifications.  Creating form and space on paper is how White successfully creates a story without having to write anything down.  His second approach is uniting sculpture and drawing in a way not yet discovered.  An old professor told White that drawing and sculpture cannot coexist.  He has spent the better part of his career determined to prove this idea wrong.  Who listens to their professors anyway?  Surround yourself with his work and it’s easy to see how he combines both mediums in a unique atmosphere.  The sculptures easily play a part in the drawings’ surrounding walls.  Thirdly, a good story is always critical.  An image is just an image if the viewer can’t relate it to something.  If the viewer can’t relate it to something then they probably need their vitals checked or find another hobby.  But either way, having a good title or an explanation behind the work helps even the laziest of lazy figure out what the artist was thinking.
His approach is both sincere and humorous.  For example, a two-part work called “True Love” describes the things men and women do before a date.  The woman in the drawing is just out of the shower, painting her nails with the slightest smirk on her face.  Is this the man of her dreams?  The man simply sits on the toilet with his pants around his ankles, reading the paper before his big date.  Is he catching up on his favorite sports team or possibly just passing the time before his night out? We’ll never know for sure.  White gives us the bit of information to get our minds ticking but still leaves the unquestionable for us to ponder.
It’s easy to say all artists take situations from their lives and incorporate them into their work.  White’s ideas are formed from instances he has been a part of.  The great thing about him is his willingness to tell you about these circumstances.  Many artists feel that giving away their stories will remove the delicacy of the art work.  White wants to share his story with the viewer.  He wants you to know exactly where he is coming from and if your viewpoint is different, then that’s fine, too.
Not only does White work in ceramics, he also creates astounding ice sculptures.  These works aren’t made for your typical wedding or bar mitzvah.  They incorporate the uniqueness of a typical Ron White work with the appeal of a party favor, celebrating something in the moment and disappearing after it ends.
Wearing the hats of both an artist and an entrepreneur has made White a thriving artist in his own right.  He has also been an art teacher for 17 years at Barberton High School, teaching design, sculpture, ceramics and metals.  An all-around nice guy, he’s a living Akron artist, busy as can be and still willing to offer the time for anyone dealing with art or good conversation.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the second annual First Friday Chalk the Walk 2 event on Friday, July 2nd in the downtown Canton Arts District.  Organizers are currently seeking local artists to showcase their talents and add additional color to downtown walkways!  Artists will fill 4^th Street NW with colorful drawings amidst a plethora of First Friday activities.

Local artists chosen to participate in the July 2nd First Friday Chalk the Walk 2 event will receive an honorarium upon completion of their work.  All materials will be provided to create the temporary sidewalk art with washable pastels.  Chalk the Walk 2 will officially start at 6:00 p.m. on First Friday July 3, but artists may begin their work as early as 4:00 p.m. to get a head start before the event.

And lots of enthusiasm is welcome!  Interested artists should visit www.CantonFirstFriday.com for the application.  All applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2010. Please see the website or contact Sarah Shumaker sarah@artsinstark.com (330) 453-1075 for further instructions.

First Friday would like to welcome area businesses to get involved by sponsoring an artist.  Please contact Kelly Blandford Bah for more information regarding Chalk the Walk 2 sponsorship at kellyb@cantonchamber.org or (330) 458-2063.

First Friday is sponsored by the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District in cooperation with ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council.

Popularity: 4% [?]

By Bradley Maxwell

Got Jesus?  Or rather got Jesus Art?  Anderson Creative Studio does. The availability of contemporary religious art has largely faded from mainstream art circles.  In older times, for many centuries, it was mostly the church that was commissioning art to be made.  Though back then there was far more traditional rules to abide by.  In those times, there wasn’t much room to innovate.  Realism was king, and many art forms had yet to exist.

On April 1st 2010 Anderson Creative Gallery in honor of holy week held two services coinciding with their “Stations of the Cross show”, the stations of the cross being a tradition which began in the medieval ages and has continued since.  Traditionally there are fourteen stations and sometimes (though far less common) a fifteenth station.  All of these being events or scenes depicting Jesus’s final hours of life before his crucifixion. The fifteenth station is of Jesus’s resurrection.  Sixteen local artists participated in the show.  While this is not an exhibit you would typically find in a catholic church during holy week, nonetheless this was a very spiritual exhibition.  “My inspiration for the show was really an impromptu, off the cuff decision only six weeks before the show.” said Kevin.

The first few days of the exhibit (during Holy Week and Good Friday) the gallery was transformed to a meditative space, candles appearing by the entrance along with signs beckoning people to be respectful of others.  Inviting spiritual contemplation of the exhibit.  “I was amazed at how many people used the meditative space.” says Kevin.  “I did have some nervousness about how this show would be received”,  (Anderson Creative does not normally go out of their way to promote Christian themed shows.)  “I didn’t necessarily want to evangelize, I wanted to visually effect people with their perceptions of Christianity”.

One does not need to be a Christian to enjoy this show.  There were paintings of many styles, sculptures, and even digital interpretations of the stations.  Meditations accompanying the pieces are written by seven different writers.  Not all of the artists were Christian, in fact the “Stations” exhibit was an homage to Catholicism, and yet Kevin Anderson is in fact Presbyterian.  If you ask Kevin though, he insists, “that none of the labels are important, what is important is the message to love one another.”   The show will run through May 1st.  Anderson Creative is located at 331 Cleveland Ave NW in Downtown Canton.

Popularity: 6% [?]