Heights Arts Hosts Linda Ayala's Imaginative Interpretations of the Natural World

Heights Arts’ Spotlight Gallery showcases new work by Cleveland Heights-based artist and former Walleye Gallery co-founder Linda Ayala. Ayala is a graduate of Cleveland State University. Join the artist in the gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday, May 6, for the opening reception.

Her small, intricate drawings are fun and imaginative with serious depth and character. Ayala’s new works are created with graphite on polyester film (Dura-Lar). The drawings are 4 in. by 6 in. and 5 in. by 6 in. These smaller works are perfectly fit for the intimacy of Heights Arts 100-sq.-ft. Spotlight Gallery.

“Linda Ayala's intimate drawings have a sense of wonder and mystery,” says Heights Arts guest curator David King. “These highly detailed and sensitive drawings lure you to keep coming back for repeat viewing and when you do, you are rewarded with something new every time. Linda’s artwork is created with a hand so beautifully crafted it’s as though the image magically floats on the surface. I urge everyone to come to the opening and experience them for yourself.”

Ayala found inspiration for her latest series from the natural world of plants and herbs. Using real scientific information as her muse, Ayala reimagined a fantastical storybook world filled with inventive plants, animals and insects.

"A few years ago, I became more mindful of the food I ate,” Ayala elaborates. “My everyday reading turned to nutrition, recipes and food as medicine. My reading led me to herbs, and I became fascinated by the testimonies and studies of their medicinal qualities. This series of work is a display of these qualities, but each drawing is like a page taken out of a storybook. In this world, plants visually tell you what they heal. Animals and insects make tinctures and teas. There’s a lovely symbiosis in nature and we are invited to take part."

The night before, Heights Arts hosts Time Canvas for the Cleveland-based chamber music ensemble’s third and final program of the 2015-16 concert season at Heights Arts. The ensemble of Joshua Stauffer (guitar), Chiara Fasani (violin) and Robert Nicholson (cello) will be joined by special guests Aniela Eddy (violin) and Sarah Poe (viola).

Time Canvas explores classical chamber music by exploring three too often overlooked genres: early music, new music and improvisation. Specializing in intimate performances, the group has performed throughout Northeast Ohio, across the east coast of the US and internationally in Bangkok, Thailand. The performance begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 5.

Things That Fly, a group exhibition exploring themes of flight and aviation, is currently on view in Heights Arts main gallery. All events are free and open to the public.

(Heights Arts) 2175 Lee Rd., 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org