Gloria Ferris

Because just as one art show ends, another begins.

BEGINNING:

My first encounter with the art of Thomas Frontini was at Convivium33 in 2005. Alenca Banco opened the gallery with a show by this talented artist.  I just received a postcard announcing a new show of this wonderfully creative artist called Side by Side at  MOCA Cleveland.  The Public Opening is Friday, January 26th from 7-10 p.m. Tim and I have it on our calendar.  I can’t wait to experience it.  I am assuming that Tom’s talented wife Heather B. Moore, a jewelry designer and artist in her own right, still handles his marketing.  The postcard announcing the show is another keeper just like the first one we received, and the website (click on his name above) continues to evolve showcasing his work to great advantage.   

ENDING: 

Christopher Pekoc’s show at Convivium33 closes this Sunday, January 21.  The usual hours are 10-12 but Alenca told us that at times the hours have been extended because of the popularity of Chris’s show.  He is an amazing talent who calls Cleveland his home.  Many of you are probably familiar with a piece of Chris’s work and may not even know it if you are anything like me.

When I arrived in Cleveland in 1975, I knew no one and so weekends loomed long and the hours stretched endlessly.  So, on Saturdays I usually hopped the rapid and spent my day in downtown Cleveland.  First, I would wander through Higbee’s shopping for the latest bargains. I would eye a must have item, and then, each week hope that it would become one of the great bargains that always seemed to appear at the downtown department stores.  Then, I would amble over to Alvie’s in the Williamson Building and have lunch. I would then spend my afternoon in the Public Reading Room at the library until closing time. 

 All of that reading could play havoc with the eyes so I would often gaze at a beautiful painting called the “Night Sky” and think of home.  As I have said before, one of the things I miss about the country is the beautiful night sky.  Stars in the city get lost in all the glare.  Imagine my surprise to see a photograph of one of my first fond memories of Cleveland featured at an art show by an artist that I have met, have had conversations with, and have  had no idea that I had loved his art since I arrived in Cleveland thirty years ago. 

And so, I have now told you one of the reasons why I love this place.  There is always something new to discover.