Valley Art Center 54th Annual Juried Art Exhibition Reflects the Here and Now

This exhibition is not just about seeing art, but about experiencing the creative spirit of Northeast Ohio. It is proof that art here continues to thrive, surprise, and inspire.

Valley Art Center is thrilled for the 54th iteration of their Annual Juried Art Exhibition. As the longest-running juried art exhibition in Northeast Ohio, this show has provided local artists with a platform to share their voices, and audiences with an opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artists for more than half a century. More than $3,500 in cash awards will be given, including Best in Show, People’s Choice, and special community-sponsored prizes.

The exhibition opens Friday, November 7, in the Bowen Gallery, and the opening reception is always a highlight. The gallery will be buzzing with artists, art lovers, and supporters, gathered to see which works have been chosen for this year’s show. From nearly 500 submissions, fifty pieces will be presented, encompassing a range of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, photography, and more. Each work reflects not just the vision of the artist, but that of this year’s jurors, who bring an incredible mix of insight and expertise.

Making up the jury this year are three outstanding figures in the arts. Pita Brooks, director of operations at SPACES Gallery, is a force in the Cleveland arts community and a passionate advocate for artists.

Benjamin Lambert, a Berea-based ceramic artist and educator, brings years of experience teaching, creating, and exhibiting across the country. Susan Snipes, interdisciplinary artist and director of UNDERSTORY at 78th Street Studios, adds an experimental and contemporary edge, with her work pushing boundaries in installation and media arts. Their combined perspectives promise a dynamic exhibition that celebrates both mastery and innovation.

The exhibition doesn’t end with the visual alone. On Thursday, December 4, the gallery transforms for Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond, one of Valley Art Center’s most inspiring traditions, in partnership with Heights Arts. Artists will introduce their work, and poets will share original verses written in response. It is a night when art leaps off the walls and into words, creating an atmosphere of connection that is both unexpected and unforgettable.

VALLEY ART CENTER
155 Bell StreetChagrin Falls, Ohio 44022valleyartcenter.org440.247.7507
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EVENTS:

54th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Opening 5 pm Friday, November 7

Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond, 6:30pm Thursday, December 4