Asterisk Gallery’s 19 exhibition takes its inspiration from an unlikely source. “I grew up emulating Bernie Kosar,” says owner Dana Depew about the Browns’ former quarterback, who sported the number. “In college, I went to the extent of having his number tattooed onto my left hand.”
The third-annual show (which opens tonight) features paintings, photography, and sculptures by 19 local up-and-comers – including Joe Ayala, Thomas Felegy, and Kortney Niewierski. Depew says each year unveils a whole new group of artists. Many of them were handpicked by Depew from area art schools. “All the work is fresh and new,” he says. “This year’s stable produced a thought-provoking exhibition.”
As soon as last year’s display closed, Depew began seeking out artwork for this year’s outing. Over the past 12 months, he’s gathered paintings by Amy Casey, Lou Muenz’s photos, and sculptures by Rebecca Ozbolt. “I’m trying to create a well-rounded show,” he says. “I want people to leave this exhibition excited about the Cleveland art scene. These artists are the cornerstones of this city’s creative potential.”
Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Starts: July 14. Continues through Aug. 4
This article appears in Jun 28 – Jul 18, 2006.