2011 Essence of Shaker Square Contest Entries

The contest entries for the 2011 Essence of Shaker Square Art Contest are on display at Lake Erie Artists Gallery from now until approximately the end of July. We have some lovely entries from local artists of all ages, so I hope that you take a few moments to come in and see.

Here is a preview of the entries:

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Just a Few Short Days to the End of the Shaker Square Contest

The Essence of Shaker Square Art Contest is nearly over and we have already gotten some very nice entries.  Most of the contest entries are on the wall in our gallery, although I need to hang up a few more.  You can come in and see all of the contest entries after July 4 in Lake Erie Artists Gallery.  They will be up until at least the end of July.

While you are visiting Shaker Square to see the art contest entries, you should also take your time on Saturday, July 2, yes this Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm to see our booth at the Larchmere Festival.  We will be located at the corner of Larchmere and 130th St, almost directly behind our shop (a block behind it), and will have several items for sale from the shop. 

The gallery will also be open our regular hours this Saturday, but we will be closed on July 4th for the holiday.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Spring Classes 2011 at Lake Erie Artists Gallery

Sign up for classes this April and May at Lake Erie Artists Gallery over the phone or online, and get $6 off any class you sign up for.

Lake Erie Artists Gallery is offering a discount on classes this spring to entice you to try something new. Each class is geared for beginners, designed to teach you a new skill, and have you walk out with a new piece of jewelry or art by the end of the classroom session.

Classes are taught by experienced artists who can guide you along the way.

For April the Featured Class is the Copper and Silver Celtic Visions Star Pendant taught by Katie Mullins. In this class, students make a pendant completely out of copper and silver jump rings, shaped in this Celtic star shape. These really turn out nicely, and it is a great way to get your feet wet with chain maille design. Sign up for the Copper and Silver Celtic Visions Star Pendant here.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

At the Tower City Arts Festival

I have spent the entire weekend at Tower City this weekend.  In fact, I am typing this post from my booth at the Tower City Arts Festival right now.

The Tower City Arts Festival started 4 years ago, when I got together with arts promoter, Lisa Nemeth, and we started the first ever Tower City Arts Festival that ran one weekend of the Cleveland International Film Festival.  That year, we had a huge blizzard, and only had about 6 booths, yet the festival was a success.

Since that time, Lisa has run the Tower City Arts Festival herself, and done an awesome job of it.  The festival now runs both weekends of the film festival and a few days in between.  My booth is on the north side of the fountain facing The Children's Place shop.  If you come down to Tower City for the film festival or a game, stop by and check out what is going on around the fountain.

Here are some pictures from the art festival:

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

St. Patrick's Day is a Herald to Spring

While we may see a bit more snow yet, I think we are finally heading into spring, with the wonderful herald of the Cleveland OH St. Patrick's Day parade downtown yesterday.  It was refreshing seeing everyone dressed in kelly green for the fun day, and it was a beautiful day, perfect for a heralding of the anxiously awaited spring.

For those who still have a little bit of blarney left, we have some Irish claddaugh jewelry in the shop, and a very cool necklace with a teeny tiny shamrock on it.  Check our window as you stroll by.

With the onset of spring, Lake Erie Artists Gallery is the co-creator of a new Shaker Square art contest, the Essence of Shaker Square, which runs through July 1.  We are looking for new images of Shaker Square, rules for the art contest are here.

Spring means that while it is still chilly, it is also easier to get out of the house.  We have lots of classes that you can sign up for, meant for beginners.  Sign up early so spaces do not run out, and take advantage of the warmer weather to meet with your friends.  We will have some Saturday party classes that will include a complimentary glass of wine and snacks, great fun on a Saturday evening or afternoon.  Classes are now listed on three separate pages on the gallery website, and we are adding a fourth soon.  You can sign up for classes online, in person, or over the phone, but we do need 5 days notice in advance to get the materials for the class in time.

We will also have a booth at Tower City during the Cleveland International Film Festival for the Tower City Arts Festival.  Come see us there.


Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

The Essence of Shaker Square Art Contest

Call to all artists:
The brand new Essence of Shaker Square art contest is looking for entries that answer the question--"What is the Essence of Shaker Square?"

As many people know, Shaker Square has a very long history, and is the second oldest shopping center in the United States. The Square was built by the Van Sweringen brothers, and has been a focal point for the area community since then.

The Essence of Shaker Square Contest is being run by Dewey Forward from Dewey's Coffee Cafe and the Shaker Square Popcorn Shop, and Paula Atwell from Lake Erie Artists Gallery.

If you or someone you know would like to participate, you can get the details and rules here.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Lake Erie Artists Participating in Shopping at the Mal{tz}! Montefiore Event

Lake Erie Artists Gallery is participating in a new event at Montefiore's Maltz Auditorium this year called Shopping at the Mal{tz}! on Thursday February 10 from 9 am to 4 pm.

The event is a mix of artists and other vendors including one of my personal favorites, Chocolate Emporium.  They make some really yummy chocolate and are located right down the street from where I live.  If you haven't tried their chocolate covered pretzels or popcorn, well, yum!

Anyway, I will be there all day, representing the gallery, and I will be bringing with me art jewelry, pottery, and glassware.  There will also be a chair massage booth, and food.  Proceeds from the event benefit United Way of Greater Cleveland and Jewish Federation of Cleveland annual campaigns.

I am always looking for handmade and one of a kind gifts for my friends and family, and this will be one of the only shows in Cleveland this year during February, and I can't wait to attend.  I haven't been to Montefiore in a while, and they have such a lovely facility.  It will be out of the cold and snow, and should be a great opportunity to see friends and neighbors.  The event is open to the public, so come on in out of the cold, and check it out.  You can get even more information here.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Shaker Square is a Winter Wonderland

Shaker Square was a magical fairyland Saturday evening. The weather was clear, and the trees all around the Square are lit up with Christmas lights. It truly feels magical, and it is a great place to bring young children who would enjoy the lights.

Today it is a snowy winter wonderland with the high winds, and the snowflakes furiously coming down. But the Shaker Square sidewalks are salted and clear, and the parking lots have also been plowed.

Right now I am at Dewey's, drinking some coffee, and getting work done before Lake Erie Artists Gallery opens up, but we have plenty of heat and a comfortable atmosphere for anyone who wants to get out of the cold, and shop.

We just got in some beautiful blown glass ornaments from artist Brien Strancar, but there is only a limited number, so hurry in before we run out! Happy Monday!

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Like to Bead?

When we moved to Shaker Square, we knew that we had to get to know our neighborhood and our neighbors. What we are finding out is that our community likes to bead, and make their own jewelry for themselves and friends.

So we have started carrying beads by local artists like Daniel Echeverry. His beautiful lampwork is pictured above. These will fit on any standard size cord or chain, and are even more beautiful in person than in the picture.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Don't Miss Out on Lake Erie Artists Gallery's November Special

Dinner & a Discount!

Take advantage of our special offer this month during November 2010, and dine in one of our wonderful Shaker Square restaurants, then bring in your receipt to Lake Erie Artists Gallery and get 15% off one item on the same day. This offer only lasts through the end of November, but you can save some money on holiday gifts this month if you act quickly. Besides, it is one more reason to come to Shaker Square at eat at Balaton, Sarava, Sasa, Grotto, or any of the other wonderful restaurants.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Lake Erie Artists is Moving One Block North for Thanksgiving Weekend

Looking for a fun holiday shopping experience for Thanksgiving Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio? Lake Erie Artists Gallery is growing legs and taking a stroll one block north to Larchmere for the Thanksgiving Weekend to join the Larchmere Holiday Stroll.

Just one block north of Shaker Square, Larchmere is home to a remarkable collection of art, antiques, books, restaurants, and cafes. Lake Erie Artists Gallery will also be open in the Shaker Square location during regular weekend hours both days of the Holiday Stroll.

Hours for the Larchmere Holiday Stroll are Friday, November 26, 2010 11 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, November 27, 2010 11 am to 8 pm. We will be just a couple doors west of Loganberry Books, in the former dry cleaners on Larchmere (corner of Cheshire and Larchmere). Come in to either location for a glass of wine, and other yummy refreshments as you shop.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery at the Cleveland Garlic Festival (Shaker Square)

Are you a foodie? Do you love garlic, and supporting local businesses, restaurants, and artists?  Well then, you need to come to Shaker Square this weekend, either Friday or Saturday, to attend the first ever Cleveland Garlic Festival, being organized by the North Union Farmers Market folks. 

Lake Erie Artists Gallery will be part of this new Garlic Festival at Shaker Square in Cleveland, Ohio.  We are giong to have a booth in the midst of all the wonderful garlic studded food, and fresh garlic, and our store will also be open during the entire weekend of the Garlic Festival.

Lake Erie Artists Gallery will be hosting several local authors in front of our store, on the NW quadrant of Shaker Square, including Les Roberts, who will be signing books for anyone who stops by.

We have a full listing of authors on our latest newsletter with the times they will be at the gallery.  Please stop by and see us at this great event this weekend.  Look forward to seeing you there. 



Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Back to School Savings from Zazzle

Cartoony lion mug by Lioness_Graphics
Browse other Lion Mugs

For those of you who are getting ready to go back to school, whether that is kindergarten, high school, or college, this is a great time to buy gifts and necessities for students and teachers. You might even consider buying an early Christmas gift or two.

Zazzle is having a wonderful back to school sale right now. Each week is a different offer. This week through Saturday, you can pick up some unique, artist designed mugs for 15% off by going to this Zazzle page. Just enter the code listed when you are checking out.

For each Zazzle item that you purchase, we will get a small commission, whether it is one of our designed items, or that of another artist. It just goes towards keeping the lights on in Lake Erie Artists Gallery. So enjoy browsing and getting your student ready for school. I know that I am doing the same thing. :)

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

New Products from Mindy Sand and Tracy Shea

Just finished stocking up on some new product from two of my favorite artists when it comes to gift items, especially for your family events, housewarmings, weddings, and engagement parties.

Tracy Shea, a wonderful potter from Garrettsville, Ohio, has delivered several new pieces to the gallery. Here are some pictures of a few of the items.

Mindy Sand has just brought in several pieces as well, including more of her wonderful party pattern wine glasses.

I also have other new pieces by Mindy that I don't have pictures of, but they are really beautiful.  One of the pieces is a tall picture that matches the party pattern wine glasses, as well as some pilsner beer glasses, and small trays.  So come visit us at Shaker Square and see what is new.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Larchmere Festival is Tomorrow

Don't miss the very cool Larchmere Festival tomorrow starting at 10 am. There is a lot going on that you can take part in including a Community Flea Market, , Antiques Fair, Bazaar Bizarre, and Larchmere Uncorked.

Lake Erie Artists Gallery is going to be participating in the Bazaar Bizarre from 10 am to 5 pm, and we will also be open during our regular hours from 8 am to 9 pm in our store. At the Bazaar Bizarre we will be featuring the jewelry by Paula Atwell, and Design a Necklace workshop, while our store will be open for regular shopping. Remember we open at 8 am every Saturday with the North Union Farmers Market.

You can also get your local Cleveland books signed outside Loganberry books tomorrow. Several local authors will be there all day, so you can meet them and talk to them. The weather is expected to be summery hot, so bring your spritzer bottles, and your parasols to protect your skin, then come and join the fun.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.