Ohio Collage Society News: March 2023

The Ohio Collage Society is proudly showcasing the work of Ohio collage artists at the 17th Annual Members' Show from now through May 23, 2023. The opening reception was held this week at The Morgan Foundation's Peg's Gallery on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. An enthusiastic crowd of artists, friends, and family were in attendance. Suzanne, daughter of Peg Morgan, the namesake of the gallery was a special guest. The collages on display were diverse in form, subject, and medium and all outstanding examples of our art form. The reception was filmed by Hudson Community Television from start to finish. As soon as the video is finalized, the link will be shared here.

Kim Fratz was our point person at the gallery, and Mindy Tousley, Executive Director of Artist Archives of Western Reserve was the judge.

Five Merit Award winners were selected. They are:

Clare Murray-Adams

Al Aitchen

Louis Camerato

Shirley Ende-Saxe

Brenda Schneider

Comments were made (by me), awards presented, an excellent cellist entertained us, and the food and drink were excellent. It was a lovely afternoon/evening to spend with friends and art.Below please find a copy of the comments I made that evening followed by a selection of photos. Unfortunately, it was impossible to capture every artist and their work.

Opening Reception Comments by Shirley Ende-Saxe, OCS President:

Good afternoon. Thank you all for joining us for our opening reception.

I would like to begin my comments with a bit of history…..

The NATIONAL COLLAGE SOCIETY was established in 1982 by Gretchen Bierbaum as a way to recognize collage as an acceptable art medium. At the time, collage was not allowed in any art organization and nor was it listed as a medium in any art show or competition. Gretchen’s creation of this organization attempted to change that.

Twenty-five years later, in 2007, Gretchen formed the OHIO COLLAGE SOCIETY as a regional affiliate of the national organization. The first OCS Members Show was held that year at the Peninsula Arts Academy.

In 2008, Gretchen wanted to focus her efforts on increasing national awareness of collage, building membership in the National Collage Society, organizing the two annual members’ shows, and creating an annual NCS catalog. That's the year I took the lead. With the help of our “gone-too-early” member Chris Peringer, Vice-President Gwen Waight and Treasurer/Secretary Christine Jackovitz, we have continued to increase our membership in OCS and organize an outstanding annual members’ show.

Over the past 17 years, our Members’ Shows have been held in a wide variety of venues - from small local galleries to larger museums. In all cases, we have been able to showcase the work of Ohio collage artists in its many varied forms. This year’s show is no exception.

Now on to thank-you’s…….

First, I would like to thank Peg’s Gallery, for hosting our annual show, and specifically Kim Fratz for all her behind-the-scenes work in making this show happen. She is a rockstar.

Second, I would like to thank OCS members Gwen Waight, Helen Wilson, Susan Yingling, Karen Koch, Lou Camerato, Care Hanson, Joanne Giordanno, Janet Mickolaiczyk for helping with intake and the hanging of the show. We had fun and it looks fabulous!!

Third, I would like to thank Mindy Tousley, Executive Director of the Artist Archives of the Western Reserve, for being our judge. In the middle of hanging the annual Artist Archive Show- which by the way, opens tomorrow- Mindy spent time with us on Monday reviewing all of the entries.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for continuing your membership in the Ohio Collage Society and for entering your work in this show. This is how we not only showcase the work of local collage artists but also continue to raise awareness of collage as an art medium.

At this time, I would like to announce the names of the Merit Awards as identified by our judge, Mindy Towsley: Clare Murray-Adams, Al Aitken, Lou Camerato and Brenda Schneider. Congratulations!

Again, thank you all for being here this afternoon.

Photos from our exhibition: