Can't believe 2018 is over just that quickly.Just yesterday it seems that we were having Art House's Annual ABC Chili Cook off event where ABC stands for Artists, Bowls and Chili, in case you didn't know. It's where our very own Executive Director, Laila Voss, and some wonderful local artists always make the most amazing ceramic bowls (which are for sale but if you come to the event you get one bowl with each purchased ticket). In addition, to the beautiful bowls there are the talented cooks who make their chili for all who attend to taste and vote and see who is crowned the Chili Gold, Bronze and Silver. A very fun and tasty event for the whole family.
Let's not forget all the Community Culture Night events either. Art House does a fabulous job of curating artists once a quarter to talk to attendees interested in hearing about their stories, their work, their processes. You get an understanding of their special journey, as no two are alike, which is always fascinating. Like the time special guest artist, Ian Charnas, was "pulled over" somewhere off the shore of frozen Lake Erie because they did not have a permit for his Frostbites Cafe! Now that was an interesting tale! You should try to attend any of these interesting events. You will come away with such appreciation for the artist and their craft.
To culminate the year, local talented artists are invited to the fun and entertaining Artist's Inventory Challenge, now in it's third year. This is where artist's bring in some excess inventory to Art House to combine with Art House's overstock, and then invites them to unleash their creativity upon the materials at hand to create one-of-a-kind works of art. The resulting artworks are then sold, to the benefit of Art House. Some very interesting artwork has been created in these events and the winner is given a very unique trophy for their work.
Of course, part of Art House's mission is to bring artists and art to those in the community and what better way than through Family Open Studio and Family Clay Day art classes, led by a professional artist. Art is for everyone! Say that again! Art is for EVERYONE! Anybody can make art and both of these workshops allow everyone young and old to create in a safe, supportive atmosphere, where they spend quality time together and bond through creativity and art.
Art House also provides a very much needed arts education through its Urban Bright program. Which is designed to support, enrich and deepen the visual arts curriculum in the schools by providing school-age children with meaningful, hands-on learning with a professional artist. What better way than to see how successful this program is than to come to one of the Urban Bright Exhibitions, now in its 17th year, where it showcases all the wonderful art that was created in the program.
All these programs and events are here in your neighborhood! Next time you are looking for something to do just go to Art House's website and see what fun event they have going on! You won't be disappointed.