Local photographer to auction off prints of his work to charity

CLEVELAND — Brunswick native and photographer Gabe Wasylko will host a silent auction of his work that will benefit 15 local charities in June. Wasylko is a landscape photographer who takes photos around the Cleveland area. He said he has always been interested in photography but in January 2021, he wanted to expand his skill level. He set a goal to take a photo every day and post it on social media to track his progress. "From there, it kind of blossomed into something I could never have imagined," he said. "Just being able to learn more about the area in which we live in Cleveland (and) getting to meet so many different people." The characteristics of the people of Cleveland made Wasylko want to contribute to the community through a fundraiser of his art, he said. "It sounds kind of corny because so many people talk about it, but really when you live in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, you're driven, you're gritty, you're creative," he said. "You just are hardworking and really make a difference in the area in which we live in." Fifteen local businesses will donate a canvas with one of Waylko's photos on it. The images are of different aspects of Cleveland such as the Cavaliers, the Guardians of Traffic downtown, University Circle, Tremont, Ohio City and more. "I really want to try to paint the story of the Cleveland narrative through those 15 canvases that will be auctioned off," he said. Each business will choose a charity that the proceeds of their canvas will go to. He said the exact charities and businesses are still in the works but so far, the causes support mental health, education and supporting families in need. This is Wasylko's first time holding an event like this but he hopes to make it an annual event. "Sometimes they say the best ideas just kind of started as an idea and from there you don't know what to expect and you don't know what situations, problems (and) surprises might pop up," he said. "It's the fire that fuels me. It's just really trying to make this a success and give back to the community." The Capturing Cleveland photo charity event will take place at Limelight at Electric Gardens in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood on June 10 from 7-10 p.m. The event is timed so that fireworks from the Guardians game will be going off near the end. Drinks and food will be provided and everybody in attendance will receive a free signed print. The event is free, but making a reservation at bit.ly/3MY9HeL is strongly encouraged. "I wanted to not only give back to the community and the nonprofits that are making a difference each and every day," he said, "but I really wanted to use this as a way to say thank you to the people on social media, people in my life that have just inspired me and kind of have that opportunity to thank them in person." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.