A Celebration of Seasons
a series of nature scenes by Ron Friedman

This summer the Clara Fritzsche Library will host “A Celebration of Seasons,” an exhibit featuring a series of nature scenes by local artist Ron Friedman. The amazing and often spiritual natural beauty around us inspires Friedman, who paints to express his feeling when viewing these scenes. A keen observer, he paints in a delicate style often reminiscent of Robert Laessig.

A resident of Chesterland, Ohio, Friedman has enjoyed drawing and painting since childhood, when his aptitude for art was noticed by one of his aunts. This encouraged him to take art classes throughout school and in college where he majored in business. After a stint in the army, marriage, raising four daughters and starting a business, Friedman’s artistic endeavors took a back seat until much later. He credits Anita, his wife of 52 years, with jumpstarting his urge to paint. While on vacation with friends in Rockport, Massachusetts, one of the most painted and photographed locations in America, a “Nor’easter” hit. The storm precluded any outside activities for the group. Anita went out to stock up on food and came back with a set of pastels and a sketchpad. He then completed “Rockport Rocks,” his first painting in years, reactivating a much-loved hobby.

Now that Friedman is retired he has more time to paint, sometimes doing pictures for friends, such as “Two Girls by the Window,” but mostly for enjoyment. He and his wife travel frequently throughout Ohio and the United States, providing much material for future works.

The exhibit will run from June 22 through August 3, 2006. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 22nd from 7 to 9 p.m. The show may be viewed during library hours: Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; WECO Fridays (June 23, 30) 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday CLOSED. For more information, contact Karen Zoller at 216-373-5267.