The second pull-out-all-the-stops and throw-in-a-little-more Local Social event was held last Friday evening in the CWE. The weather gods have been kind to the organizers of these happenings and a very pleasant July evening brought many neighbors and visitors out to view street performers and artists that lined the sidewalks at Maryland and McPherson.
"Death by Tickle" performers from Circus Kaput, above and below, had their audience engaged as they tossed clubs over a volunteer's head alongside Gringo's patio. The subject was unaware that the clowns had switched from clubs to knives, below, which in fact, they only pretended to throw.
To tie in with openings that took place at the art galleries on McPherson Friday
night, there were more artists participating in July's Local Social event than usual. Artist Chabi Byaoc, above, set his easel up alongside the Maryland Plaza fountain.
Jason Simmons, aka Mango Jay, played his steel drum there too.
At first it wasn't apparent that artist Byran Pease (shielding his eyes from the late-day sun) was using a model for inspiration. She (sitting in the chair) appeared to be people-watching, a great activity anytime around the CWE. Brian is the proprietor of Concrete Ocean Art Gallery on South Jefferson, [email protected]
Zack Smithey explained his process to those stopping by as he painted a likeness of Mark Twain on the patio of the future Gamlin Whiskey House at Euclid and Maryland.
CWEnder Jeanne Roberts Johnson exhibited her stunning jewelry at a trunk show organized by Mary Jane's, 387 N. Euclid. To unwind from the stress of her profession Jeanne, a lawyer, makes earrings, bracelets, and necklaces under the moniker Gigi by Jeanne. She use pave crystals, semi-precious stones, and Swarovski crystal pearls set in 14k gold-fill. Dangly earrings are priced from $50 to $100, bracelets are $40 to $60, and long necklaces are $60 up. Visit her website to view her work up close and get more information.
Philip Slein opened two exhibitions in his gallery Friday evening, including paintings by artist Barry
Leibman, above. The gallery was packed with old friends of the artist's who was, as many of you know, a founder of Left Bank Books.
Centro drew a large crowd to help celebrate 15 years in the Central West End; and Duane Reed Gallery had many visitors viewing the new exhibition, "Introduction", showing paintings by Miles Bair and Monroe Hodder, and sculpture by Ryan LaBar.
One of my friends said yesterday, "Last Friday night in the neighborhood was dreamy and superb…" If you haven't attended one of the first two Local Social events, be sure to see what all the fuss is about at the next one, Friday, August 9.