FireFish Arts is pleased to announce a group exhibition exploring the creative possibilities of paper as a primary medium of artistic expression. Titled PULP: Fold, Rip, Draw, Print, the exhibit includes works of art by artists from Lorain County and beyond who utilize paper in their art in varied traditional and non-traditional ways.
Participating artists include Gregory Little, Nancy Halbrooks, Stevie Tanner, Jan Zorman, Sarah Nolan, James Ward Peak, Charlie Shaffer, Jason Shaffer, and Ryan Craycraft, each exhibiting a unique approach to the use of paper in their work. These include origami, printmaking, collage, installation, book art, drawing, and work that utilizes hybrid technologies. The exhibit is co-curated by FireFish Artist Board member Jason Shaffer and FireFish Community Arts Manager Ryan Craycraft.
Ryan Craycraft explains that “one of the goals of this exhibit is to bring a varied and impressive selection of art by respected artists to downtown Lorain in the beautiful gallery setting that Jason Shaffer’s studio provides. With a mix that includes both artists from Lorain, Lorain County, and beyond, we hope to open the eyes of the region to the exciting creative place that is Lorain.”
The exhibition can be viewed at 633 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, from March 18th – 25th and opens with a reception on Friday, March 18th from 5-10 pm. An informal gallery talk/tour will begin at 7 pm, with participating artists offering insight into their work and processes. The gallery will be open daily during its week-long run, including on the evening of Wednesday, March 24th. As with all FireFish Arts programming, this free exhibit is designed to bring unique arts experiences directly to the Lorain community.
“We hope that the people who live, work, or visit downtown Lorain will come to see this wonderful art, shop in some of our unique retail establishments, have lunch, dinner, or a drink at one of the amazing restaurants and bars downtown, and be a part of the creative transformation of downtown,” states Candice Pettigrew, FireFish Arts Marketing and Operations Manager.
FireFish Arts also serves as an advocate for artists in their roles as vital entrepreneurs within their local downtown neighborhood. According to Joan Perch, Interim Director, “Jason Shaffer is an important artist and entrepreneur in downtown Lorain. In this collaboration, we celebrate his work and that of the other arts pioneers in downtown Lorain that will continue to grow and impact the development of downtown Lorain.” Upcoming FireFish Arts programming in 2022 will continue to grow collaborations with local partners and artists, including interactive arts programming and experiences for community members and youth.
FireFish Arts is a non-profit community-based arts, cultural, civic, and economic development initiative that works to revitalize downtown Lorain by providing pioneering arts programming, community arts access and outreach, and critical arts leadership. At the core of the work of FireFish Arts is developing partnerships around a shared vision that establishes a new identity for downtown Lorain based on proven creative placemaking strategies that include artists, access to high-quality arts programming, creative spaces, and authentic small businesses.
Gallery located at 633 Broadway Ave, Lorain, OH. Visit www.FireFishFestival.com to learn more about PULP and FireFish Arts.
Click here to see pictures from the exhibit.