Since the 1960s, visual art and rock ‘n’ roll have been partners, and the partnership continues today, particularly at the Creative Space Avon art gallery.
Judy Kean, who has been the artistic director of many of the gallery’s art events for many years, is now pulling out all the stops and having juried art open houses on three distinct occasions, each with a different musician performing for gallery guests.
75 items by 31 local artisans will be on display at the open homes. Sixteen of the artists will be returning to the gallery with their work, while 16 others will be debuting for the first time. Photography, glass, metal, mixed media, 2D, 3D, paintings, and drawings will be on display by artisans.
On April 1, from 7 to 9 p.m., the show will debut. “You Can’t Sit With Us,” a band from Avon and Avon Lake with three ladies on electric guitars and a man drummer, all students from the Ron Zehel Guitar Center of Avon Lake, will provide entertainment.”The Chase band will perform country music while jamming with rock and roll,” Kean explained. “Also, in the gallery room, we’re holding a sock hop with rock and roll LPs.” In the centre of the exhibit is a 9-foot steel guitar by Elyria-based iron sculptor Mike Ensminger of Iron Image Design. He’ll also be bringing a car-parts-made robot.” There will also be a special collection of art showcasing the “27 Club” by Rover Miller.
“It’s the ‘club’ that features musicians who died tragically (at the age of 27) after dabbling in the legendary worlds of sex, drugs, and rock & roll,” Kean explained.