The fine art exhibit Random Acts of Art is open at Sam B’s Restaurant Gallery, 163 S. Main St.
The collection of over 150 pieces of fine art and American craftsmanship features several new artisans,
as well as local community favorites.
An opening reception to see the new collection as well as meet many participating artists with free
appetizers and drinks will be held on May 23 from 7-9 p.m. in the back bar area of the restaurant.
New artists to the gallery space included Suzanne Cook, custom jewelry design; Bill Thien, oils and
watercolors; and Thomas Dunaway of Thomas Wood Designs.
Cook started collecting beach glass pieces along the shores of Lake Erie many years ago. She was
fascinated to find pieces of irregular broken glass in a rainbow of colors eroded by the water into soft
translucent shapes. Among the sand she recognized pieces of wine, beer, and soft drink bottles as well
as occasion pieces of Depression glass, insulators, china and canning jars.
Once she collected the bits and considered their potential as raw materials she started designing custom
jewelry for friends and family.
Library House Gallery in Grand Rapids is introducing another artist they represent to the public through
the Sam B’s Gallery. Thien graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in art. He studied
with other artists including Jackson Grey Storey and Paul Chidlaw while also teaching night courses in
art at Ohio State University.
He worked as a design artist for several advertising agencies and marketing studios, eventually becoming
the art director of several including Container Graphics in Toledo. He has mastered many different
medias, exhibiting a tendency toward a soft impressionist style.
Dunaway began woodworking as a hobbyist creating keepsakes, furniture and cabinetry. His designs
incorporate different varieties of quality hardwoods carefully finished to accentuate the grain, color
and texture of each wood. Favorites are custom clocks and cutting boards. Each gift is labeled with care
instructions to prolong the life.
Another featured woodworker in the exhibit is Perrysburg resident Dave Grabarczyk, whose one of a kind
wood jewelry boxes are works of art as well as treasured storage units. He cuts many of his band saw
boxes without a specific pattern, making each one different.
Wisniewski is a local artist with a national following. Declared legally blind early on in his student
years, he refused to be discouraged and went on to graduate with an art degree. On display are his
larger than life cowboys, as well as a cowgirl, farmer and clown. He said his works have been described
as “stylized, sometimes cartoon-ish, and impressionistic, but always presented with depth, detail and
conviction.”
Other community artists include the Vollmars from Eagle Glassworks who are masters at fusing, casting,
slumping and grinding glass. Just in time for the summer, the Vollmars have created pieces depicting
sailing, florals, nature, gardens, wildlife and coffee.
Annette Jensen has added whimsical watercolor creations inspired by observations of nature, as well as a
representational Colorado Landscape made with alcohol ink.
Artistic License by NJA has spontaneous pours of flowing acrylic accentuated with exciting textures and
sparkles. Darleen Krohn is showcasing her abilities in a formal oil portrait as well as spring floral.
Melanie A. Stinson will be showcasing collage, ink, pastel, photos and alcohol ink techniques.
Photographers J. D. Jensen and David Ridenour have new works of beautiful digital photos capturing
nature.
Stop in to see additional works by other artists, including a collection of handmade products from
Haitian Artists who participate in The Circle of Life Project by Missions International of America.
Sales from the products made in Haiti help educate students, and support the agricultural and technical
training of adults to support their families.
