Artwork of epic proportions will rule The Gallery at Lakeland this summer, with “THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW” on display from July 23 through Sept. 8, in the D-Building of Lakeland Community College’s campus. A “BIG @SS @RT TALK,” presented by the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve and moderated by marketing and program manager Megan Alves, is scheduled for Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m. with an artist reception to follow.

This larger-than-life exhibition will feature 26 pieces created in a variety of media, including canvas, paper, mixed media, clay, sculpture, jewelry and textiles. All artworks reach at least 4 feet in height or diameter, making for an eye-catching show that commands attention from all angles.

One of the artists featured is Larry Krause, whose oil painting on canvas titled “Window Trimmer” is a permanent fixture on Lakeland’s campus.

“Krause was my high school art teacher,” says Mary Urbas, gallery coordinator and curator of the exhibition. “When I originally thought of the idea for ‘THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW,’ I wanted to give him a chance to shine, as well as all the other artists whose works inspire us to be bold and ambitious in everything we create.”

The Gallery at Lakeland is one of four venues participating in “THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW,” including Valley Art Center, Artists Archives of the Western Reserve and BAYarts. With 27 featured artists and the largest white wall gallery space in the Tri-County area, The Gallery at Lakeland’s display is truly the biggest of them all.

“There is power in numbers,” Urbas continues, “which is why my fellow art directors and I decided to span multiple cities and counties for these dramatic installations of oversized art. ‘THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW’ gives new meaning to the phrase ‘go big or go home!’”

Visitors can pick up an “@SSPORT” upon arrival which can be stamped at participating locations for entry into a raffle for original artwork. A video walkthrough of the exhibition will also be available for viewing on The Gallery at Lakeland’s website.

ABOUT THE GALLERY AT LAKELAND

The Gallery at Lakeland presents several art exhibitions each year. Highlights include the annual from WOMAN… exhibition, which is the largest exhibition of female artists in the region; the May Show Juried Art Exhibition; and the crowd pleasing, pop culture related exhibition, “The Skull and Skeleton in Art.”

These exhibitions support and advance recognition of Lakeland’s fine arts academic programs; diversity efforts at the college; community arts groups; and local, regional and national artists.

All gallery shows remain free and open to the public and are wheelchair accessible.

Donations of any amount to the Arts at Lakeland are graciously accepted and always appreciated. Patrons can donate online through the gallery’s website.

Children 14 years of age and younger should be under adult supervision.

Gallery Hours:

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, closed

The gallery will be closed Sept. 4 for Labor Day.

The Gallery at Lakeland is located at 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, Ohio, 44094, just off the I-90/State Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

For more information about shows, patrons can contact Mary Urbas, gallery coordinator at murbas@lakelandcc.edu or call 440.525.7029.

By: Charles Hegedus, Mrktg and Commun Specialist