Creatures and Clay opens at St. Paul's gallery

Family Photos, by Julie Friedman.

View Image Gallery

On Friday, Dec. 1, St. Paul's Episcopal Church hosts an opening reception for a new show by four Cleveland artists, on view through Feb. 25 in the church’s Nicholson B. White Gallery. Creatures and Clay features the work of Maggie Denk-Leigh, Sarah Johnston Knoblauch, Julie Friedman and Greg Aliberti. The artists will be on hand at the opening, 5–7 p.m.

Maggie Denk-Leigh is an associate professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She works in the printmaking department there, and with the Morgan Conservatory. The processes she uses currently are lithography and screen-printing. In this show, Denk-Leigh presents new works on paper depicting animals inhabiting simple backgrounds, or in artistic décor around us. Some of her unique pieces draw from details within the space at St. Paul’s.

Sarah Johnston Knoblauch, a Cleveland Heights resident and a member of St. Paul’s, works in watercolor. Knoblauch has put together an exquisite selection of paintings in which animals, and the places they inhabit, come together in a natural and peaceful way. Her travels and love of animals have inspired her. A former middle school art teacher, Knoblauch continues to teach watercolor painting to children and adults in the community.

Julie Friedman, an artist from Medina, brings to the show a different kind of view of animals in our world. Cats, dogs, fish and birds are depicted inside homes and interior places. This coexistence sometimes appears peaceful, but often not. Her canvases convey a sense of disarray and discord. Creatures are seen as intruders. An adjunct professor of art at three colleges, Friedman works with multiple media in her artwork. In this show, viewers will see her recent acrylic paintings on canvas.

Ceramist Greg Aliberti, a resident of Shaker Heights, produces ceramic works for residential, commercial and public spaces. His designs in clay are attractive and distinctive, and his use of color is rich and vibrant. This show will feature a range of creations that includes handmade planters, a fountain, decorative tiles and functional tables. His works are suitable for use inside and out, standing up to all elements of nature.

The artwork is for sale, and the artists receive all proceeds from the sale of their work.

Creatures and Clay runs through Feb. 25 at the Nicholson B. White Gallery at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.