Vermilion Arts Guild supports local creators through art exhibitions

The Vermilion Arts Guild has showcased local talent for 20 years.

According to its website, the guild is a program of Main Street Vermilion, a collection of local artists and artisans working together to provide opportunities that promote and identify Vermilion as an exciting arts community.

Main Street Vermilion executive director Marilou Suszko said the showcase is a way to showcase unique artwork and support local creators.

“We have a lot of local talent here,” said Suszko. “It’s also a way for artists to meet and learn from each other.

The gallery’s exhibits feature watercolors, acrylics, oils, mixed media, photographs, jewelry, potters, fiber art, wood, and handicrafts.

The Arts Guild hosts several shows per year and aims to showcase artwork that reflects the season.

After being unable to hold any traditional art exhibitions in 2020 due to a novel coronavirus pandemic, Suszko said she was happy to welcome the public to the gallery again.

“It’s really good to be back open,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to showcase what our artists have done and bring people back to the Guild of the Arts. “

The theme of the current art exhibition is “Sea and Shore.

It will run until September 5.

“Event lovers can expect sunsets, beaches and beautiful summer pieces to fill this spectacle with plenty of beach glass jewelry,” said Suszko.

Although the gallery is located in Vermilion, local art is not limited to the city itself, she said.

“All of our artists are local, but we’re not necessarily talking about Vermilion,” Suszko said. “We have other artists from Lorain and Erie County, but they’re all from that area. “

Suszko said if Main Street Vermilion was unable to hold art classes last year due to COVID-19, they will resume in the spring.

The gallery is located at 685 Main Street; currently, it is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.

The next available art exhibit will run from September 11 to October 31 and the theme is “Pause and Paws”.

“The art is original and affordable,” said Suszko. “We have a huge range and there is something for everyone. “

Vermilion’s Driftwood art competition, All Washed Up, returns for the third year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 31 at Exchange Park.

Participants of all ages will showcase their creations made from driftwood and – other washed up objects – collected from the shores of Lake Erie.

The sixth annual Vermilion Art Guild Chalk It Up! The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 7 at Victory Park.

The theme is “Lighthouses: let your light shine!” in honor of National Lighthouse Day ‘which falls on the same date.

Both events are free and open to the public, Suszko said.

Local artists and interested attendees can connect to Main Street Vermilion’s website.