Nature's Views for Free
Two Metroparks Exhibits Burst with Life

The Cleveland Metroparks features two no-cost, worthwhile art exhibits this month which are first; the colored-pencil drawings of a new book entitled Alphabetic Butterflies in Color, The Art of Lawrence (Larry) Hohman at Rocky River Nature Center and second; a series of black and white photographs by Steve Cagan entitled Industrial Landscapes at CanalWay Center. Industrial Landscapes digs much deeper than its name implies. Not only are the places of industry featured -- steel mills, slaughterhouses, shipping on the river –- but the faces as well; the stoic hardworking people that make the stuff Cleveland is known for.

This photographic display of industrial landscapes blends nicely with the permanent exhibit in the CanalWay Nature Center which organizes what you see in the park into themes of People at Work, Nature at Work and Systems at Work. In the photographs we see that although earlier in the twentieth century the factories and steel mills of Cleveland were fueling the economy and employing the people, the billows of pollution were choking the very people they supported. In the photos of abandoned boats and still, hulking Hewletts we see nature creeping back to reclaim it's place, but the cost is paid in jobs and the economy. You can meet the artist at CanalWay Center on Thursday, November 20 from 6:30 -- 9PM, light appetizers and beverages will be provided.

At Rocky River Nature Center the meticulously-rendered butterflies are shown in their natural environments, in different positions, which shows a surprising change when some of them open and close their wings, and when they fly away. Looking closely at their surroundings, you can see the variety of textures and clear colors expertly rendered by this American Greetings Alumni. This exhibit shows the artists latest alphabetic collection of natural themes which joins his previous works; Alphabetic Birds in Color, Alphabetic Beasts in Color and Alphabetic Botanicals in Color. You can meet the artist at Rocky River Nature Center on Sunday, November 16 from 2 - 4PM. Both exhibits are brief and when combined with a walk in park, make a great way to broaden and deepen your appreciation for your surroundings.

Learn more about both exhibits and other Cleveland Metroparks programming this month by clicking here.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Carol Drummond carolATdrummondesign.com
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