Before I get rolling today, I want to share my takeaway from the Ekphrastic Poetry contest from Oct. 26, held in conjunction with the “OddBall” show at Stella Art Gallery in Willoughby. There were eight entries, read mostly by the poets. Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate Ray McNiece was there to jury the show but did so much more. My friends and I were first-timers, not quite knowing what to expect. Prior to announcing the winner, McNeice, who had been taking notes following each reading, delivered a constructive critique of each piece. This gave us a new look at our work. Critiques are a valuable tool in all art forms. They help us see beyond our own visions and grow as artists. McNeice referenced Dr. Seuss in my critique, which is why I am sharing this. I did not realize it at the time, but I seem to have been influenced by my frequent readings to my children from our favorite author, Theodor Seuss Geisel. My point: What you read becomes a part of you. Read good stuff. Be open to criticism, but don’t be consumed by it. Take it with a grain of salt and remain true to you. By the way, I won the contest with “Waking up Dead.” There will also be an Ekphrastacy night next month at Valley Art Center in Chagrin. Keep reading for details. Valley Art Center Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., will open the 53rd annual “Juried Art Exhibition” with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8. The reception is free and open to the public. Attendees can meet the artists and jurors while enjoying light refreshments. The first hour of the reception will be a sensory-friendly Quiet Hour for guests who prefer a milder experience. The awards will be presented at 7 p.m. This prestigious show is open to artists living within 250 miles of Chagrin Falls. More than $3,500 in cash will be awarded for Best of Show, first, second and third places and several community-sponsored awards. The jurors were tasked with narrowing the nearly 400 entries to 53 artworks that will be up for viewing through Dec. 16. “Voices From Another Room” by Michael W. Highis is on display as part of the 53rd annual “Juried Art Exhibition” at Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls. (Courtesy of Valley Art Center) This year’s panel of jurors included Liz Burgess, artist and former owner/manager of Ginko Gallery; Christy Davis, curator of exhibitions at the Canton Museum of Art; and Aaron D. Williams (aka Aawful Aaron), artist and entrepreneur. This show also will include a return of “Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond” in partnership with Heights Arts. Fusing art and literature allows attendees to experience artwork from multiple perspectives. This is a free event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5. For more information, call 440-247-7507 or visit valleyartcenter.org. VAC also has a very nice gift shop, so allow some extra time for shopping. Stella’s Art Gallery Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., offers “Bricolage,” with upcycled art made of whatever materials are at hand. Creativity is the key. Come check it out at the opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 8. Awards will be presented at 8 p.m. In conjunction with “Bricolage,” the Pottery Heads, my clay group, will be opening “Anything Goes II” in the Annex Gallery. I hope to see you there! This will be a cash-and-carry show, so you don’t have to wait until the show is over to take your purchases home. Our work is fun and fanciful. Lots of nature-inspired pieces, whimsical fairyland items and holiday and functional pieces. A revamped Makers’ Market returns in December with additional offerings for the holiday shoppers throughout the gallery. A new show will be presented in the main gallery, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards All.” This will end 2024 and begin 2025 with a feeling of hope. Artists are asked to create peaceful pieces of artwork. Here’s a tip from the juror, me: Think gratitude, inspire kindness and find the joy of nature. The categories are 2D and 3D. Artwork will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 6 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. The awards reception will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 13. Learn more about this, future calls for art and classes at stellaartgallery.com. Also, gift cards are available. Willoughby Arts Collaborative If you have been wondering about the skeletons lining the streets of Downtown Willoughby, here is the answer: They were part of the Dias De Los Muertos celebration presented by Willoughby Arts Collective, the Willoughby Historical Society and Stella’s Art Gallery that culminated on Nov. 2. The winners’ prize of bragging rights go to Willoughby Parks & Recreation, first place; Finestra Gallery, second place; artist Delinda Mariani, third place; Willoughby Public Library and Barktown Willoughby, honorable mentions. Check out the WAC’s Facebook page for images from the event and the winning skeletons. River Gallery Jewelry anyone? The 15th annual Jewelry Invitational at River Gallery, 19046 Old Detroit Road, Old River Shopping Area, Rocky River, will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 9. Admission is free. In addition to stunning jewelry, the Invitational also will offer attendees an opportunity to meet the artists and learn about their creative processes. The exhibition will be on display both in-store and online throughout the holiday season. The event, celebrating artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship, showcases a remarkable collection of handcrafted jewelry by both new and established artists: Agnes Seebass, Alice Allen, Chris Keener, Elisa Bongfeldt, Emily Phillips, Heather Guidero, Jennifer Surine, Karin Jacobson, Kirk Lang, Maria Pujana, Matthew Smith, Melissa O’Brien, Michelle Pajak-Reynolds, Morgan Hill, Peter Antor and Susan Mahlstedt. River Gallery is dedicated to promoting and sustaining artists with roots in Ohio, featuring an ever-changing collection of paintings, sculptures, glass, wood, ceramics, and jewelry. For more information, visit rivergalleryarts.com, call 440-331-8406 or email [email protected]. Ashtabula Arts Center \Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., will present “Hope in Artistry: Suicide Awareness & Prevention” in November, which is National Suicide Prevention Month. The show was created by the Ashtabula County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Ashtabula LOSS Team to support survivors of suicide by offering them and the community an artistic outlet to express feelings, raise awareness and start conversations. Learn more at ashtabulaartscenter.org.