Tag: Canton Ohio

March 30, 2024

Art Exhibit to Celebrate the Solar Eclipse

In 1990, Mary Chapin Carpenter released a song that, in my mind, was one of the most masterful examples of storytelling ever composed or performed. “Halley Came To Jackson” was a heartfelt folk melody inspired by the literary works of Eudora Welty. Welty’s writings recounted the arrival of Halley’s Comet in 1910, through her recollections of growing up in Jackson, Mississippi. The song begins with the lyrics:

Late one night when the wind was still
Daddy brought the baby to the window sill
To see a bit of heaven shoot across the sky
The one and only time daddy saw it fly

Later, the song narrates:

Now daddy told the baby sleeping in his arms
To dream a little dream of a comet’s charms
And he made a little wish as she slept so sound
In 1986 that wish came ’round

“Rare December Moon” – Collage Artwork by Clare Murray Adams

Halley’s Comet graces Earth’s skies only once every 75 or 76 years, meaning a child witnessing its celestial journey in her father’s arms in 1910 would not see it again until she reached the age of 75 or 76 in 1986. This is an indisputable scientific fact.

Mary Chapin Carpenter’s eloquent portrayal of this scientific truth, however, touches our hearts in its poignancy and personal meaningfulness. Art moves us to experience nature and scientific phenomena with emotional depth in a way that reaches beyond its scientific narrative. Through art, we are moved to engage with nature and scientific phenomena on a level that transcends mere facts, reaching into the realms of heartfelt connection and emotional resonance.

“We Are Stardust” Painting by Sally Lytle

From ancient primitive art to the Renaissance and beyond, artists have expressed their fascination with the sky and universe in diverse ways. As anticipation for the 2024 total solar eclipse grew in my community, I sought to join fellow local artists in continuing this tradition. The “Celestial – Exploring Cosmic Curiosities in Art” art exhibit was born, aiming to evoke a similar impact as Mary Chapin Carpenter’s song did for me in 1990. An eclipse or a comet – both are celestial events that leave a lasting impact upon us as we experience them, recognizing the awe inspiring majesty of the sky.

My artist friends did not disappoint in creating a varied and inspired body of work. Every artwork offers a unique perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate the wonders of the sun, moon, stars, planets, galaxies, and more. As Stark County, Ohio finds itself within the “Path of Totality” during the remarkable solar eclipse event on April 8, visitors will enjoy this thought-provoking and visually stunning celebration of human inquiry and creativity. Artists featured in the show include: Clare Murray Adams, Emily Vigil, Scott Simler, Brenda Case, Iszy Rucker, Tom Wachunas, Chris Wurst, Sarah Shumaker, Tom Delamater, Keeli Serri, Sally Priscilla Lytle and BZTAT.

There will be an opening reception for the art exhibit on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 5:30PM – 8:30PM. The exhibit will be on display until May 24, 2024. The first 20 attendees will receive a free pair of ISO certified eclipse glasses. Additionally, there will be a “Celestial Independent Film Festival” presented by The Cut Cinema on April 6, 2024, from 6 PM to 9 PM, which will be an exploration of the mysteries of the sky and universe through the lens of independent filmmakers.

Will you be inspired to create and articulate your own fascination with the heavens above? The sky is the limit…

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

BZTAT Studios, located in the new Canton Creator Space at 730 Market Ave S. in Canton, exhibits artwork by local artists, including wall art, sculpture, jewelry, wearable art and other unique art gifts. Canton Creator Space is a brand-new collaborative workplace and gallery for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Open to the public, Canton Creator Space allows visitors to experience a behind the scenes view of the dynamic world of local artists and enjoy a more personalized arts encounter beyond typical galleries and museums. The gallery is open 11am-5pm on Mondays through Fridays and 12-5pm on Saturdays.

February 15, 2023

Yarn Explosion! Join us in filling downtown Canton, OH with exploding color!

Last year, I worked with a group of fiber artists to create an explosion of colorful yarn in downtown Canton, OH near my art studio. It was so amazing, and it brought so much joy to the Canton Arts District, we have decided to do it again!

This year’s “Create the Possibilities Yarn Explosion” is even more ambitious than last year’s. We will cover the light poles, posts and rails along two blocks of Court Ave., like we did last year. This year, however, we plan to decorate a building as well!

The building that houses my studio/gallery will have a giant paint can made of yarn (on my marquee roof) with giant “paint splats” made of yarn spilling out and onto the surroundings. Other artistic elements such as paint brushes and paint boxes will be included as well. The building is perpendicular to the end of Court Ave. at 6th St. NW where colorful yarn gracing light poles and posts will go for two blocks from June to September.

My fiber artist friends are already working on the crocheted paint splats, but we need a lot! Are you a crocheter looking to bring some color to your community? Please join us! We need as many crocheters as we can get to make small circles that will be put together to make the overall project. We hope to get as many artists involved in this collaboration as we can get.

2022 “Imagine the Possibilities Yarn Explosion”

The volunteer group meets at 6pm on Thursdays at BZTAT Studios at 209 6th St. NW, and we would love to have you join us! If you would prefer to work at home instead, we have a “Create the Possibilities – Yarn Explosion In The Canton Arts District!” facebook group that you can join to keep up with other crocheters.

Wondering how you can help? Here is what we need:

COLOR
Our color palette is bold colors from the rainbow. Pieces should focus on one of the primary/secondary colors in the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) with accenting elements in neighboring colors. For example a primarily yellow piece may use elements of orange/red. The goal is to create pieces that have texture and depth. Color families. Please avoid use of pastel and shades of black or brown.

WHAT WE NEED

Circles in various sizes!
12 inch circles (solid red, orange, yellow, green blue or purple)
3 inch & 6 inch circles (color families as described above… so, for example, one circle made up of several shades of blue, or solid circles of various blue shades)
We have been using double crochet and half double crochet spiral circles, but any circles will work.
Flat is the goal. Please weave in ends before submitting.
All pieces will be matched with similarly colored circles and assembled into shapes reminiscent of paint splatters which will adorn the building faces on 6th street. Poles will be recovered and yarn-splattered as well.

MATERIAL TO USE

100% acrylic yarn in medium or greater weights. Your steering committee recommends Dollar Tree yarn, Walmart brand yarn (Mainstays) and Red Heart bargain brands.

MEETINGS

We welcome anyone who wants to join us, but meetings are not required. We meet weekly at BZTAT Studios on Thursday evenings from about 5:30 to 8:30ish. This is when we will decide on more complicated pieces such as a bike and struggle together with installations.

DATES

Please drop off completed pieces at BZTAT Studios as they are done so assembly can take place.

Deadline 1 – March 1, 2023 (200 piece goal)
Deadline 2 – April 1, 2023. (150 piece goal)
Deadline 3 – May 1, 2023 (100 piece goal)

If you would like to donate yarn or other supplies, here is our Amazon Wish List.

We look forward to your support, and we can’t wait to see the finished product!

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

July 11, 2017

Kids Art Adventure! Art classes for young artists at Avenue Arts Theatre and Marketplace

Having an art studio at Avenue Arts Theatre and Marketplace gives me access to a classroom, and I intend to put it to good use! In fact, I have already scheduled my first art classes.

Do you have a 7-11 year old who is creative? I am offering a Kids Art Adventure! at Avenue Arts Marketplace and Theatre beginning July 22, 2017. The class is limited to 10 students, so sign your artist up today!

Here are the details:

Kids Art Adventure!

A creative art experience for kids ages 7-11

Participants will explore their creativity using a variety of art materials and media. Emphasis is on having fun with creativity!

Saturday Mornings 10-11 AM

4- 1-Hour Sessions for $60 (Dates: 7/22/17; 7/29/17; 8/12/17; 8/19/17)

Location: Avenue Arts Marketplace and Theatre, 342 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH, 44702

Art supplies are provided.

I look forward to creating great art adventures with your young artist! Click on the button below to register them for this fun end of summer art activity!