10 October What's Next in the Riffe: Inaugural Juried Exhibition October 10, 2015 artists, For Artists, For the Public, Public, Riffe Gallery Bill Franz, Clare Murray Adams, Cleveland, Columbus, contemporary art, Cuyahoga County, Dayton, Diane Belfiglio, exhibitions, Franklin County, inaugural juried exhibition, John Carlson, Judith M. Brandon, Lakewood, Montgomery County, North Canton, ohio artists, Riffe Gallery, Southington, Stark County, Tim Rietenbach, Trumbull County 0 A space dedicated to the state's artists and cultural institutions, the Riffe Gallery has been home to many Ohio-centric exhibitions. From history-based displays to the likes of contemporary furniture design, it continues to present niche yet diverse collections dedicated to Ohio arts and culture. While displaying Ohioans in the Riffe Gallery may not seem new, The Inaugural Juried Exhibition is in fact the very first time the gallery has put out an open call to artists, and of course, it was open to all Ohioans (not in a degree-granting program and 18 or older). This exhibition is also unique because it's one of the largest displays of Ohio artists in the space at a given time—59 artists to be exact. We spoke to a few of them about their selected pieces and how it feels to be a part of the very first Riffe Gallery juried show. It's an honor to be part of a show in the Riffe Gallery because of its vision and dedication to bringing quality work of Ohio artists to the viewing public. -John Carlson, Lakewood Recently, a lot of my photography has been done at some of Ohio's oldest factories. Looking at the Lineman photo, I realized that the identical photo could have been taken in 1950, or even before. Dayton Power and Light has been training lineman for over 100 years. -Bill Franz, Dayton To be included in the first juried show at the Riffe Gallery is beyond thrilling—it’s a badge of honor. -Diane Belfiglio, North Canton The space lends itself to accommodating media of all types. I have often left a Riffe Gallery exhibit with inspiration from the work that I encountered which challenged my thinking and caused me to look at my own work in a new way. -Clare Murray Adams, Southington To feel a depth of emotion that is able to cripple you is one of the most amazing human experiences one will ever have. So in the quiet, I let the swell of it all spill onto paper and the act of creation comforted me...there is love and comfort within the ink and charcoal on paper. - Judith M. Brandon, Cleveland I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to receive support from the Ohio Arts Council. A majority of the work that I have made over the past two decades has benefitted from OAC funding. To have my work exhibited in the Riffe Gallery will fulfill a long-term goal. -Tim Rietenbach, Columbus We hope you'll join us at the Opening Reception to celebrate contemporary artists from across the state on Thursday, November 5, 5 to 7 p.m. A $1,000 Best in Show Award and three $500 Juror's Choice Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. The Inaugural Juried Exhibition will be on view November 5, 2015, through January 9, 2016. DON'T MISS... Be sure to stop by the lobby of the Vern Riffe Center, right outside the gallery, for Inside Looking Out: Creative Works by Ohio Prison Inmates. Presented by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the OAC's Riffe Gallery, and the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee, inmates from several Ohio prison facilities create works of art with unexpected, imaginative recycled materials in addition to conventional media. On view November 5–December 12. ABOUT THE RIFFE GALLERY The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio's artists and the collections of the state's museums and galleries. The Riffe Gallery is located in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, across from the Statehouse on High Street in Downtown Columbus. Like the Riffe Gallery on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov. ### Comments are closed.