Photographer Barbara Merritt opened 818 Studios in 2018 in the historic Tremont neighborhood as a photography studio, with an additional desire to showcase the work of local and national artists. Perched above the iconic Fahrenheit restaurant, 818 Studio’s early shows included three featured artists: Barbara Merritt, multi‐media artist Rebecca Yody, and painter Anthony Van Rooy.

Van Rooy is back with a newly-curated body of work that spans his painting career from 1994 to 2020. This show encompasses the trajectory of his artistic stylings, and many pieces have never been seen before. Select Works 1994‐2020 can be viewed by appointment15 through June  (see below for details), or online at merrittphoto.com/van‐rooy.

Van Rooy is a native Clevelander. He is a graduate of St. Edward High School and Cleveland State University. He has been consistently working at his art over the past decades, but not consistently showing it. Visiting 818 Studios provides an opportunity to see the work of one of Cleveland’s most prolific painters.

In speaking of past shows at 818, Van Rooy states: “Chaotic Balance vs Temptation is the story of my life, I started out in 1993 with a show titled The Seduction of Temptation, which was basically my spin on apocalyptic times. It begins with the first bite and follows through to where that leads; towards revelations and the things that one might have to do to eat. Select Works is an overview of this theme, how it progressed, and my interpretation of life as it continues.”

As for his influences, he said they are the human figure, fashion, design, magic, religion and “things that don’t make sense to humans.” He added that two of the themes in the show—The Circus Fun Bag and the Magic Lantern—are symbols that embody temptation. “Everything is in the fun bag and be careful what you wish for hence Another Bad Wish. Temptation causes chaos. Balance keeps you in the game. I like to put both sides of life in my paintings,” he said.

When the pandemic started, 818 Studios quickly adapted to hold an online foray to support local artists who were affected by the closing of galleries, cafes, and all the walls throughout Tremont that would display and sell their work. 818 Studios has also held shows where guests can sign up online to view the art in person privately and safely.

Message the studio at 818studiostremont@gmail.com to set up a gallery visit. You can also view the collection online at merrittphoto.com/vanrooy.

 

Walkabout Tremont features art, fashion, music, food, drink and entertainment the second Friday of each month throughout Tremont from 5 to 10pm. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Walkabout Tremont remains on hold, planning for a soft restart in July. There are still plenty of opportunities to see art and experience what Tremont has to offer. Visit ExperienceTremont.com for more information.

 

818 Studios
818 Jefferson Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
merrittphoto.com/818studios.html for viewing reservation
Free admission