Medina County Art League puts on 22nd annual Aquarius exhibition

MEDINA — Medina Library visitors can view the work of local artists and vote on their favorite piece as part of the Medina County Art League's Aquarius exhibition. The Medina County Art League comprises a group of artists who meet monthly at the A.I. Root Community Room. The organization puts on its Aquarius exhibition annually in February, which showcases the work of its members. Exhibit Chair Deanna Clucas said each member is allowed to submit two pieces, and media range from painting to sculpture to wood carving to photography. An awards ceremony was held on Jan. 31, where pieces were awarded best in show, first, second and third place and honorable mention. "The judges that I procure for these shows are usually out of the county," she said. "They don't know the artists, and they're always surprised when they walk in that library." The pieces are on display on the third floor of the Medina Library until Sunday. Clucas said visitors can vote for the people's choice award, and the winner of the award will be advertised at next year's Aquarius exhibition. "We have gallery sitters on duty every day, and we have visitors sign a book to let us know that they were there," she said. "They usually have a nice comment to make. (The exhibit) gives everybody an opportunity to show their work in a place where a lot of people visit." At the art league's monthly meetings, artists can demonstrate what they do or talk about their experience with art, Clucas said. It is a community where members range in age and experience with art. "Some people haven't done any artwork since grade school, and then we have the kids in high school that are really good too," she said. "Then, we have a variety of people that have been artists for a long time, so they've been there. They've gone through that, so they help the younger ones grow." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.