Rooted: An Artist’s View of Trees
Chad Cochran, Mark Common, Susan Danko, Kris Petrenko, William Wilson and TAG Studio Artist, Debra Sue Solecki
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April will be a month-long celebration at The Arts Garage (TAG) as we honor our Mother Earth with an exhibit of trees, called “Rooted.”
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“Rooted: An Artist’s View of Trees” will feature the work of six distinguished artists. The art of Chad Cochran, Mark Common, Susan Danko, Kris Petrenko, William Wilson and TAG Studio Artist, Debra Sue Solecki will focus on nature, specifically trees. The collection is sure to jumpstart the joy of spring and prepare everyone to be outdoors.
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As a unique feature, Steve Tusen’s Bonsai trees will be on display for one evening only, April 10th at a reception that is open to the public from 6pm – 8pm.
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Chad Cochran is a landscape, music, and portrait photographer. Raised in Fredericktown, Ohio, his work is shaped by rural landscapes and a lifelong immersion in music. Cochran also curates the mental health series I Didn’t Want to Tell You.
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A graduate of Kent State University, Mark Common co-founded Common and Kotowski Studios in 1984, a Cleveland graphic design and illustration firm. He also spent 21 years teaching art at South High School in Cleveland. Today, Common continues his artistic practice with a focus on landscape paintings reflecting calm and escape from the intensity of contemporary life.
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Susan Danko received a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and has built a successful career as a fine art painter and educator. She has received multiple honors, and her work is held in prominent art collections. Danko says, “My artwork is about the local landscape observed over time. The time of day, time of year, the seasons, the weather, the quality of the air, all create new variations in my perception and understanding of nature.”
Kristopher Petrenko is a Cleveland Institute of Art graduate. His upbringing in the rustbelt (son of a steelworker) was a natural catalyst for his work on wood, steel, and glass. All images are tied to the idea of transforming re-purposed materials and finding a connection between nature and industry. Petrenko’s work pays respect to the industrial rustbelt where he was born.
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Debra Sue Solecki grew up on the shores of Lake Erie with a chronic case of wanderlust. She finds inspiration in nature's beauty and is intrigued by the historical and cultural connections people have with their place on the Earth. Her work often tells a story that gradually reveals itself through close observation. A graduate of Bowling Green, Solecki has worked and exhibited as a fine artist in the Cleveland area since the early 90’s, while holding a full-time art education job at Strongsville City Schools. Recently retired Solecki is now a full-time artist and Catawba Island resident, as well as a studio artist at The Arts Garage in Port Clinton.
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Will Wilson’s artistic desire is creating a joyful celebration of the different. He says, “I like big colorful expressions of character through a variety of representations, style and media. I love mixing traditional art techniques with cartoons and illustrations, graffiti inspired art, and abstraction at the same time.” He feels his art will enchant the observer from a distance and reward the observer for getting close to where the intricate details are revealed.
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These six talented artists’ work will be on display from Thursday, April 9 until Sunday, May 3 at The Arts Garage, 317 W. Perry St., Port Clinton. Typical hours for TAG are Thursday-Sunday, 11am – 4pm, where you can meet, view and purchase art from 17 studio artists, view the current exhibit, and embrace the positive vibes of art. For more information, contact Jonnie Myers Debbink, 419-343-1288.
