A forest of artful discovery is awaiting at Geauga Park District’s West Woods.
A forest of artful discovery is awaiting at Geauga Park District’s West Woods.
“The Forest is Calling and I Must Create” community art show held an opening reception Feb. 3 inside The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township.
The show featuring tree-inspired or tree-themed works by area artists runs through April 24 and celebrates trees and what they mean to the environment.
“The community art show is a diverse collection of artworks,” GPD Special Events Coordinator Holly Sauder said. “Trees are an inspiration to many and the 151 artists participating in the show demonstrate that in so many amazing pieces of artwork. Geauga Park District is so honored to host this amazing collection of work inspired by the peaceful presence of trees in our environment.”
The show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and most of the pieces are for sale, with a brochure available at the entrance naming each artist, title of piece and sale price.
Visitors are also invited to cast a ballot for their favorite artwork — mediums include drawing/painting, woodcraft, photography, other media and youth — in each of five categories by April 15 for the “Vote in the People’s Choice Contest.”
Ballots will be tabulated April 16, after which ribbons will be rewarded, according to GPD.
Newbury Township’s Jim Trombo is a landscape photographer, capturing breathtaking views throughout Northeast Ohio. A 42-inch photographic image on canvas named “Limbitless “ on display at the show invites viewers to take in the grandiose view.
“When you look at ‘Limbitless,’ you are immediately struck by the majesty of this incredible tree reaching out in every direction,” Jim said. “It demands your attention.”
The award-winning photographer whose works appear inside University Hospitals buildings, has done two prior solo shows at the nature center and shared a third show this past fall with artist Simon Majetich.
Jim’s wife, Lisa Trombo, is also a contributing artist for the current show.
“She collects antique/vintage frames, refurbishes them and expertly matches the frames to canvas images in my portfolio,” Jim said. “Very cool and unique one-of-a-kind pieces.”
Artist Mary Ann Sedivy’s passion for visual artwork, especially loves paintings.
“I’ve consistently created … while working full time as an art teacher … and as a recent retiree,” Sedivy said. “I have a home studio where I paint several days a week.”
She has three paintings in the show.
“Spring Woodlands” was inspired by a reference photo she took at GPD’s Affelder Park, and “Tangle” and “Tree Dance” were both inspired by the view of trees from her home studio.
The latter two are slightly abstracted and are painted in acrylic on canvas.
“I hope the audience experiences what I did when I saw the artwork when I dropped mine off,” Sedivy said. “I was amazed at the variety of artworks all inspired by trees. As someone who thoroughly enjoys walking in the woods, it warmed my heart seeing evidence of all the other people who share the same appreciation of nature. Good to feel commonality. There is such an amount of talent, as well, and imagination in the various interpretations of the forest. The Geauga Park District is inspiring as a wonderful resource for all things outdoors and as a supporter of arts and creativity.”
It’s a fun exhibit with a variety of media that attracts professional artists and amateurs alike, Jim added.
“Holly and the West Woods staff do such a wonderful job of setting everything up,” he said. “It’s great attraction for the park and the community.”
Artwork is on display in the Oak Room, the Gallery Hallway and the Discovery Room Hallway.
The Tree Boutique, located in the lobby, and the Tree Tops Nature Store feature small items under $40 on sale by displaying artists.
“Be sure to visit all the display areas to soak in the splendor of this tree-inspired and themed artwork,” Sauder said.
