Unique Items - Unusual Venue

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In February, I received a phone call from Georgia Buresti, the owner of Mister B's Irish Pub & Eatery. Mister B's is located in the strip directly across from Southland Shopping Center on W. 130th. Georgia presented me with the wonderful idea of bringing artists and craftspeople into her establishment for a mini art show. Mini shows like this are popping up all over the Greater Cleveland area. They have multiple purposes, such as bringing in new patrons to establishments like hers, and they also offer the community a chance to view and purchase unique handmade items from artists in an unusual venue for a brief time. The artists have the opportunity to meet each other and compare their work, as well as discuss various techniques. This isn't your old fashioned idea of an art show like you see on TV or in the movies. The people who attend these type of events are not all dressed up fancy, walking around sipping wine and munching appetizers. Mister B's does have a nice menu though and they serve some pretty tasty food and beverages. 

Several artisans set up displays on Saturday, March 14th. Three were members of Parma Area Fine Arts Council (PAFAC). The mission of PAFAC is to bring art to the community and this event certainly did accomplish that. Michelle Baran Behal, President of PAFAC, brought samples of her acrylic painting, as well as wood-burned pieces. Emery Bogardy, a prolific water colorist, and also a member of Greenbriar Art League, brought several of his favorites. In addition to being artists, both Michelle and Emery are instructors at PAFAC, and they talked about their classes to several people. I am a jewelry designer and brought many of my very reasonably priced pieces. Ray Nageotte who does commissioned work had a nice display of his Xeroxography and acrylic art works, mostly with a rock n roll theme. Debra Elaine Chalkley had an assortment of watercolor paintings, beautifully rendered colored pencil and beaded jewelry. Robert D. Holschuk had acrylic paintings, pen & ink, and pencil. Britany Ficyk displayed acrylic and mixed media paintings, photography, and pen & ink. Robin Nagy and Bev McElroy had an assortment of one of a kind, handmade greeting cards. 

I had the opportunity to meet lots of new people. One woman showed me a photo on her phone of a project she was working on at home. I shared my source of affordable semi-precious stones with another. I overheard two painters discussing their various techniques. There were lots of smiles all around and everyone enjoyed themselves. 

Neighborhood establishments like Mister B's have always been a gathering place for friends and neighbors, and events like this one are an added bonus. Georgia plans to make these mini art shows a regular event at her establishment. Artists and craftspeople can contact Georgia directly at (440)884-3211 to participate in the next event, which is planned for May 23. Thanks Georgia for a great idea!