Variable Speed

E11even2 Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “Variable Speed” features the work of Katy Clark and R!ch Cihlar. The two regional artists, in collaboration around the common theme of “birds,” take full flight, alighting on various media, styles, and techniques. Within the pedantic naturalism of John James Audubon and the reductive vision of Constantin Brancusi, Clark and Cihlar, in tandem, soar in their distinctive manifestations of the avian, airborne, the essence of the wonder of flight.

Recently returning to her hometown from Madison, Wisconsin, Katy Clark demonstrates a
lyrical fearlessness in all her work, readily veering from decorative illustration to bold
abstraction. With virtuosity in acrylic, gouache, watercolor, pen/ink, and cut-paper collage,
Clark can be joyfully gestural, intensely chromatic and then sinuously precise with controlled curvilinear line. Observing birds in nature, singularly or in flocks, she ranges from meditative to exuberant.

R!ch Cihlar, as part of Don’t Panic! has helped propel graffiti art into Cleveland’s cultural
mainstream. His work offers a dynamic counterpoint to Clark’s fluid brushwork and intricate draughtsmanship with his multi-layered, spray-painted stenciled forms. As Clark’s birds flutter and hum, Cihlar’s scream. Along with his paintings, he perpetuates the Pop vernacular by appropriating found objects in quirky crafted “skateboard birdhouses,” fully functional and ready for backyard birdwatching.

In preparation for “Variable Speed,” Cihlar states, “In its simplest form this exhibition will look like a bird themed show, but the constructive result will be the completed work from two artists who were given the same project but ended up with much different results.”
Celebrate Spring and anticipate Summer with “Variable Speed” at E11even2 Gallery. Surround yourself with images of birds, these magical, mysterious creatures that perch on our trees, peck at our flowers, and gloriously populate our skies.

Opening Reception for “Variable Speed” at the E11even2 Gallery is May 20, 5-9pm with the Closing Reception June 17, 5-9pm

Call to Cleveland Area Artists

Hello everyone, I’m putting an exhibition together for E11even 2 (at W.78st Studios).  I’m looking for 5 artists for a group show.  Please email R!ch at thepopshop@gmail.com for consideration, subject “Variable Speed Exhibition”.  Please feel free to share this post.  Here are the bullet points.

1. The exhibition is called “Variable Speed” (referring to the different approaches and speeds in which artists work)
2. This is not a themed exhibition, but an exhibition to show the works in which an artist creates work independently.  Works should be new or have not been shown with in a 50 mile radius of the gallery.  All mediums will be considered.  Works must be cohesive as a grouping.
3. Number of works per artists will be based on size.  Ex. 10 Small works (if under 12 in x 12 in), 7 Medium works (if under 24 in x 24in) and 5 Large works (if over 24 in x 24 in, but under 48×48).  Works over 48×48 must be discussed prior with curator.
4. Submit a current website with updated images (not Facebook/IG) or 5 images along with your name, contact info and any other pertinent information to thepopshop@gmail.com
5. The exhibition will open and run from April 15-May 20, 2022 (Drop off of works will be at the end of March, TBD)
6. Artists should live in the Greater Cleveland area and be able to attend the opening reception and follow gallery/contract rules.  A contract can be found on the exhibitions tab of e11even2.com
7. Submissions will be accepted until the 5 spots are filled. 
8. If you have any question, please email R!ch.  Thank you!

Good Things Come in “Smol” Packages

E11even 2 presents it’s next BIG! We mean small…. show entitled, “The Smol Show”. Artists were asked to create intimate works for this exhibition. Pieces average in size from 4×4 inches to 6×6 inches. We hope to see you on Friday, Aug. 20th from 5p-9p. This is a one night cash and carry event. Get their early to get your pocket sized artwork.

Featured Artists:

1. Jared Gepperth
2. Celeste Stauber
3. Bob Peck
4. Lilly Buttitta
5. Ali Primisch
6. George Kocar
7. Sam Gorczyca
8. Claire Raack
9. Janet Luken
10. R!ch Cihlar
11. Christina Sadowski
12. Ben Lambert
13. Grace McConnell

Get your Tickets here compliments of E11even 2: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/78th-street-studios-august-third-friday-art-walk-tickets-166540030715?discount=78thVIP

Free Mystery Grab Bag of Art!

We miss seeing you all so much! So, we put together a Quarantine Challenge for you! Take a photo of yourself with your favorite piece of artwork you purchased (or were gifted) from @e11even2gallery and post it to IG or publicly on FB, tag us and let us know why it’s your favorite! We will randomly pick a winner for a special e11even 2 Mystery Grab Bag! Contest will end 5/6! Get to posting!! #bestdamngallery #cle #cleveland #quarantinechallenge #artistsoninstagram #supportsmallbusiness @ e11even 2

The Essential Artist: “When the going gets Tough, the Tough gets Cleveland!” says the gallery owners at e11even 2.

R!ch Cihlar, Christina Sadowski, & Billy Nainiger

“We’re Cleveland Tough and we’re all necessary,” state the owners of e11even 2.  We all have jobs to do, some are small and some grand but that’s what makes the world work.  “When you come to 78th Street Studios for a Third Friday event, e11even 2 is on your list of “absolutely necessary” places to visit,” says Christina Sadowski.  We work hard to make sure our guests and friends enjoy themselves after a rigid week of life.  Life is tough enough and along with the art we share, we want to divert our guests rough week into a few hours of fun.  We offer quirky themed exhibitions, a lively atmosphere, and top it off with a friendly welcome.  We all want to have a good time and not seeing our friends in-person is starting to put a damper on what we do.  We are adjusting like everyone else, but it’s not the same behind a computer.

“Although separation from the gallery is distressing I have to be an optimist” says R!ch Cihlar.  “The best thing I can do right now is what I’ve been doing all along.  I make art, I plan art, and I think art.  It’s what I do, so I’m not going to stop because I can’t hang out with my friends or go to the store. I’m still creating, just under different circustances. I still see my friends, on social media or via video chat, and I know that I will see them in person in time.”

“On my days home, I have focused on building robots” says Billy Nainiger. “It has been a good way to distract myself from the current situation. I am looking forward to when we can get back to holding the Third Friday events, seeing our friends and sharing our artwork. Until then, keep washing your hands!

Did you Know? The owners of e11even 2 are all deemed essential employees. We are working hard each day to stay safe and do a vital job.

Billy Nainiger is a Cleveland Fireman. As a first responder, he is on the front lines every day. He constantly answers the call to help.  Each and every time he responds to a call or tends to a sick or injured person, he is putting himself at risk.

Christina Sadowski is a Safety Officer for Cleveland Public Power. She ensures the electrical crews are working safely and have the necessary PPE to do their job. She is out in the field regularly helping reduce the number of workplace injuries and keeping the essential workers at work! Without CPP, many of us would be in the dark! Shop her Etsy store at: www.etsy.com/shop/christinasadowski

R!ch Cihlar is an Art Department Office Manager. While schools are closed, he ensures studio supplies are available to students along with overseeing a direct line of communication to all resource’s.  Education and communication are vital to the culture.  Richardcihlar.com

When you need a distraction, stay connected with e11even 2.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and on our website.  We are working to add new art, videos and making the online shopping experience easier!  We can’t wait to see you all soon!

Nightfall: Cleveland After Dark

Nightfall: Cleveland After Dark is a photography exhibition offering a new perspective of the city.  Artist and gallery owner Christina Sadowski says “I wanted to go back to my roots and photograph the city I love. However, I wanted to capture the city after dark which is something I had not done before.”

  Sadowski went out downtown after sunset and shot several long exposure images. The buildings were lit up, streaks of cars passing by and people wandering on foot. Sadowski says, “I opted to edit all the images to black and white. Early on in my career, this was the way I worked. I moved away and focused on colorful imagery. When working in a monochromatic palette, you have to consider the subject matter and composition in a different manner than if you were using full color palette. Contrast, shadows, tones and textures all guide the emotion behind the images. I hope this collection presents Cleveland as a thriving underdog.”

These photos will be on display January 17 – February 21, 2020.  The opening reception for Nightfall: Cleveland After Dark will be on January 17^th from 5-9pm at e11even 2 Gallery.  

Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly

“Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly”

Collaborative works by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck

May 17 – June 21, 2019

Don’t Panic! Tread lightly is the next exhibition at E11even 2 gallery to open on Friday, May 17^th from 5p-9p.  The name, ‘Don’t Panic!’,  that’s used by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck for their art collaborations started out as a title to bring on a sense of excitement for their initial showing together.  As R!ch and Bob ensured more live-painting events together, they realized the name could also be tied to the audience’s reaction to their process as they layer their work.  Onlookers have had shocked reactions as they watch various sections of each painting being sprayed over repeatedly by the artists, often appearing as the image is being defaced by the other before the final product is unmasked.  This dynamic duo continues to leave their imprint on the city with murals, scavenger hunts, fine art and more.  And this time, they’re back with a word of advice. “Tread Lightly”.

Works featured in the upcoming exhibition pay reverence to the little things in life.  Those that may be neglected as posing a threat or to think twice about.  R!ch says, “ When Bob and I were planning this exhibition, I was thinking about things that could really ruin your day, something like getting stung by a bee or being bit by a snake.  It may or may not kill you, but you should never underestimate the little guy. So the collaborative works in this exhibition, are just that.  Bob came up with the secondary title “Tread Lightly”, as a means of explaining these things could be found right under our feet, literally and figuratively. That’s the concept of the exhibition, a mere warning to be aware of your surroundings.”

Bob Peck says “The idea of treading lightly ranges from sidestepping a poisonous creature, to removing toxic people from your life.  Keep your head on a swivel and always be aware of your surroundings.  At the same time, we wanted to juxtaposition them with artistic flair and dynamic imagery.  Just because something is dangerous, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful as well. ”

Bees, snakes, and more are all fair game for R!ch and Bob as they pair up on the new series of paintings.  R!ch creates highly detailed stenciled images and Bob works over, under, around and through them with his abstract style, using color and line work to help set the tone.  In the end, each collaborative piece ends with a harmonious mix of spray paint and acrylic paint that ensures excitement with its kinetic energy and unassuming dialog.

Also being released during the exhibition is the official “Don’t Panic!” affiliation pin.  An enamel pin featuring the Duo’s namesake for those who want to join the cause.

Opening Reception Friday May 17^th 5p-9p

Closing Reception Friday June 21^th 5p-9p

 

Door no. 1, Door no. 2,…. How about Door 112!

Stop out for our Holiday Showcase, Dec 8th (10a-9p) & 9th (10a-6p) and Dec. 21st (5p-9p) featuring great holiday gifts by Clevelands own, Serg and Destroy, Rick Sans, George Kocar, Greg Renkas, Jenny Goe, Jared Gepperth, Sam Gorczyca, Celeste Stauber, & Nicole Fraley.

E11even 2 will also be featuring its newest Koozie for the holidays. “Step Aside Coffee! Holidays are a job for Alcohol!”  Available while supplies last.

Time Warp: A Twisted Exhibition

Time Warp, a new exhibition opening at E11even 2 will commemorates the 5 year anniversary of the Cleveland based contemporary gallery. Time flies when you’re selling art in this exhibition.  The opening reception is Friday, November 16th from 5-9p during the 3rd Friday events at 78th St. Studios.

Owners- Christina Sadowski, Billy Nainiger, and R!ch Cihlar set out to make a new body of work for their special occasion.  Each artist/owner created a series of work following their own interpretation of words “Time Warp”.

R!ch set out to build bottle openers inspired by vintage pop crates, a reflection into the past.  His works cater to the aesthetic of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s logos and symbols.  He says, “It’s the feeling or memory of what we all call ‘Retro’.  My pieces will remind guests of years past.”

Billy focused directly on time, using clocks as focal point and building around them with mixed media and found objects.  Nainiger, states he’s always been interested in clocks, mechanically, and found the exhibition ideal for his style of work.  He also states, “Plus, they’re functional and decorative works”.

Christina, a photographer, shot landscapes with a Lensbaby circular fisheye lens to warp her images into complete circles.  Sadowski says, “The process was fun and tricky.  Trying to capture the essence of Cleveland in a new manner was exciting and challenging.  With this lens, I am able to explore new perspectives of iconic Cleveland structures.”

November 2nd 6p-8p (e11even 2 day/5 yr anniversary party)
November 16th 5p-9p (third friday’s @ 78th st. studios)

Reservoir Fiction: An Exhibition of Two Tarantino Films

Reservoir Fiction is the next featured exhibition at E11even 2 gallery opening September 21^st from 5p-9p  Artist and gallery owner, Billy Nainiger mashes up his favorite Quentin Tarantino films (Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction) in this heist style art display.

Nainiger, known for his pop art influence and mixed media approach to his work, says “I am sticking with a pop art stylistic approach,  like my last 2 “movie” shows. I will be focusing on portraits of main characters from both Tarantino films. I think it will relate to countless people since both films are so well known and relative to my generation. It’s interesting to me to take footage from a film and convey it into visual art pieces that hang on a wall.”

Nainiger’s medium can be summed up as “Mixed Media”, but it’s a bit more involved than that.  Nainiger states “The portraits consist of many different styles and textures of papers that I cut out by hand with an x-acto knife and then it’s layered for a three dimensional effect.  One sheet on top of the next brings the portraits all together. Most pieces also include paint, pastel, image transfer and found objects. I’ve always liked adding many different elements and mediums to my pieces, but the main material is layered paper.”

Opening Reception Friday, September 21, 5-9p

Closing Reception October 19, 5-9p