Art House: Fresh Eyes on the World

The artists who teach in our programs do so because they are passionate about opening doors to the creative self and to broader future possibilities. This essay highlights a few of the artists who joined our roster within the past few years. As I have become more and more familiar with their work, related themes emerged: they are story tellers who ask of us to look at the world with fresh eyes, to think more deeply, to ask questions. They reveal truths about our relationships to each other, to nature, and to the intangible state of joy.

Mixed-media artist Sydney Nicole Kay builds images that combine photography and printmaking with glass to tell the stories of the underrepresented, of iterations of success across generations and misconceptions of black female stereotypes. Sydney participates in international and national exhibitions and has been awarded several residencies. sydneykay.myportfolio.com

Chi-Irena Wong’s artwork is inspired by her experience living in Chinatown, Manhattan. She creates highly energetic worlds that are playful, humorous, and fantastic. Her work encourages viewers to question their own perceptions of normalcy. You can find her murals in several locations around Cleveland and Akron. For more information, go to chi-irena-wong.com.

To Johnny Alemagno, a multimedia artist, the creative process is a form of play. Old illustration, comics, and computer graphics inspire the juxtaposition of unrelated imagery and controlled chaos to evoke a peculiar sense of joy. Johnny’s design work includes murals and punk band cover art. For more information, go to ratlikeart.com.

Mixed-media wildlife illustrator Liam Mealey explores animal symbolism and transitional states. Drawing from folklore traditions, he fabricates stories of mythological creatures and explores questions of identity, and isolation. His haunting, intimate images invite viewers to contemplate their own narratives. Liam’s commissioned work includes pet portraits. For more information, go to lmealeyart.com.

Dylan Eddy is a weaver and metalsmith who creates finely crafted jewelry and other objects that incorporate a variety of mediums and materials. He digs deep into history, myth, and the connections within the aesthetics of divergent cultures. Dylan accepts commissions. Several shops carry his work. For more information,  go to dylaneddyjewellery.com.

Amie Sell’s ceramics, sculptures, and collages unify unlike forms, creating surprising hybrids that bring us into conversation with nature and the universal wisdom that lies within. They explore the power of transformation and external/internal interconnections. Amie actively shows in national and international exhibitions and local art festivals. For more information, go to amiesell.com.

ART HOUSE, INC.
3119 Denison Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
arthouseinc.org
216.398.8556

EVENTS:

Annual ABC Chili Cook-Off, 1pm Saturday, March 14

Friends and Family Open Studio, 1pm Saturdays, March 21, April 18 & May 16

No School Day DIY Art & Craft Camp, 1pm Monday, March 23

Friends & Family Clay Day, 10 am Saturdays, March 28 & May 23

Ceramic Jewelry, 6pm Tuesday, March 31

Community Culture Night (tentative), 7pm, Thursday, April 16

Urban Bright Ice Cream Social, 4pm Friday, May 8

Urban Bright Evening Reception, 6pm Friday, May 8