Arts In Parma

Parma Art Center's January Figure Drawing 

*Prama ArtSpace Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. Exhibit opening celebrations will be moving to Saturdays. Watch for a new exhibit coming soon! 

*Figure Drawing at The Parma Art Center, 7335 Ridge Rd (inside City of Parma Parks &Recreation Center). Ongoing FREE figure drawing the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, starting January 22, 2024. No instructor, just a gathering of artists. Welcomed are beginning or experienced artists to draw or paint. Live models, fully clothed. Each session a different volunteer model from the community will pose in exchange for a drawing/painting from each artist present. This is a body-positive group, all shapes, sizes, and ages are welcome to pose. Great way for artists to hone your figure drawing skills, meet other artists, in a relaxing atmosphere. For more information, or if you want to volunteer to model, email Lynne Shayko at Lshayko@kent.edu. February dates are the 12th and 26th. The January session had 17 artists attend. All who attended stated they’re coming back. There’s room for many more artists to attend these ongoing sessions. 

* Beginning Acoustic Guitar at The Parma Art Center, 7335 Ridge Rd (inside City of Parma Parks & Recreation Center). Class for ages 10 to 17. One hour instruction on Saturdays from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, 6 week introductory class. Taught by a 30 year veteran of the local & national music scene. Limited to 6 students for individualized attention. Cost $60, payable in advance for the 6 week session. Contact by email for more information regarding start date, or with questions at kathrynmabin@att.net. Four more spaces are available for this intro class. 

* Sean Mabin is one of exhibitors at “Cleveland On The Streets”, presented by Cleveland Photo Fest & Tri-C at Gallery East, 6250 Richmond Rd. Show runs January 18th to February 15th. This exhibit features photos from urban & city scenes in and around Northeast Ohio. Sean will be demonstrating photography techniques at the Lakewood Art League, Thursday, February 22, 2024, 7:00 -8:30 PM at Lakewood United Methodist Church 15700 Detroit Ave. Lakewood OH44107 Corner of Detroit Ave & Summit. Both Sean and his wife, Angie Reali-Mabin are in the Geauga Park District’s Community Art Exhibit titled “The Forest is Calling and I Must Create”. This show is a Tree Inspired Exhibit, on display February 3, through April 21, 2024 from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at The West Woods Nature Center. 

* Lena Simovic of Lena Atomika Photography, a Parma resident’s photo “Cleveland at Dusk” which is a photo profile of William G Mather Steamship currently on display at State Bldg in Columbus, Ohio via Senator Kent Smith. You may remember Lena’s book, LEGS: & the Art of Photography of Lena Atomika was recently published. It’s a book of photos for those who appreciate wit and whimsy, with a bit of leg....and of course interesting photography. You can find it at Wall of Books at Shoppes of Parma, or on Amazon. 

* Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) proposed an amendment to House Bill 86, which would allow counties in Ohio to establish an excise tax on marijuana products which would fund arts, culture and entertainment across the state. Currently Cuyahoga County is the only county with a cigarette tax used to fund arts and culture. Since it was established Cuyahoga Arts & Culture had a 50% decline in funding due to the decline in smoking. Individuals and organizations that received funds from CAC are at risk. Thank you Senator Smith for supporting arts & culture! 

* Parma Arts - located at the Parma Arts Center, 7335 Ridge Rd, in the Parks & Recreation Department Building is currently seeking members. Membership in this 501(c)3 nonprofit is inexpensive. They haven't raised fees in over 20 years. I can’t name another organization that can boast a statement like that. Their mission is to bring arts to the community. View their web page www.parmafinearts.org for more information.