Vermilion Arts Guild supports local creatives through art exhibits

The Vermilion Arts Guild has been showcasing local talent for the past 20 years.

According to its website, the guild is a program of Main Street Vermilion, a collection of local artists and craftsmen working together to provide opportunities that promote and identify Vermilion as an exciting art community.

Marilou Suszko, executive director of Main Street Vermilion, said the showcase is a way to feature unique art and support local creatives.

“We have a lot of local talent here,” Suszko said. “It’s also a way for artists to come together and learn from one another.”

Gallery shows feature watercolors, acrylics, oils, mixed media, photography, jewelry, potters, fiber art, wood and hand-crafted items.

The Arts Guild hosts multiple shows per year and aims to showcase artwork that reflect the season.

After not being able to hold any traditional art shows in 2020 due to novel coronavirus pandemic, Suszko said she is happy to welcome the public back to the gallery.

“It feels really good to be back open,” she said. “It is nice to be able to showcase what our artists have been up to and reintroduce people to the Arts Guild.”

The theme for the current art show is, “Sea and Shore.

It will run until Sept. 5.

“Event goers can expect sunsets, beaches and beautiful summer pieces to fill this show along with plenty of beach glass jewelry,” Suszko said.

Although the gallery is located in Vermilion, the local art isn’t restricted to the city itself, she said.

“All of our artists are local, but we don’t necessarily mean from Vermilion,” Suszko said. “We have other artists from Lorain and Erie County, but they are all from this area.”

Suszko said while Main Street Vermilion could not hold art classes last year due to COVID-19, they will resume in the spring.

The gallery is located at 685 Main St.; currently, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends.

The next available art show will run from Sept. 11 until Oct.31 and the theme is “Pause and Paws.”

“The art is original and affordable,” Suszko said. “We have a huge range and there is something for everybody.”

Vermilion’s Driftwood Art Contest, All Washed Up, will return for the third year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 31, at Exchange Park.

Participants of all ages will display their creations made of driftwood and — other washed up items — collected from the shores of Lake Erie.

The Vermilion Art Guild’s sixth annual Chalk It Up! event will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Aug. 7, at Victory Park.

The theme is “Lighthouses: Let Your Light Shine! in honor of National Lighthouse Day” which falls on the same date.

Both events are free and open to the public, Suszko said.

Local artists and interested participants can log onto Main Street Vermilion’s website.