— Woodmere, Ohio
Cleveland resident, Don Frey, will premiere his art exhibition for a limited engagement at Eton Chagrin Blvd opening Saturday, April 27 through Saturday, June 1, 2019. The gallery will be located inside Eton’s atrium next to Matina’s Bridal and hours will be Thursdays 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Fridays & Saturdays 10:00am until 6:00pm.
Having grown up in the Midwest as a child, Frey was captivated by nature and its vast colors and textures upon close examination. With that inspiration, his passion for art incorporates these stunning and varied pieces of nature.
The gallery will exhibit these dazzling paintings that capture the essence of nature in its most basic and raw form. They are not just simple representations of nature, but rather an artistic collaboration with nature.
Frey’s artistic process begins outdoors, year-round, as paint is applied to a stretched canvas and still-wet oils are manipulated into organic patterns and textures. The complexity emerges when crushed leaves, weeds, sand and other natural matter are layered within the wet oils. Especially striking are the pieces of art that are integrated with frozen snow.
Frey, who is also a senior graphic designer for a global professional services firm in Cleveland, creates new emerging pieces of art inspired by everything surrounding his environment. The process of his artistic creation continues as colors, water and occasional fire are incorporated into the creative mix, further altering every painting’s finished appearance. The entire process for creating such a unique association with various forms of nature will often take months to complete. From ice to fire, and everything in between, each piece is completely unique.
On describing the experience of having his premiere gallery showing, Frey said “Sharing what I have created throughout these years with the public for my first gallery showing is the natural progression in my journey as an artist. And while it’s the natural and obvious step to take in my career path, each painting represents a specific time, place, emotion and point in my life that is being exposed for the public to view. I’m honored to have this incredible opportunity for my own gallery showing at Eton Chagrin Boulevard for the Northeast Ohio community, but it would be impossible to not also find it to be a bit intimidating. It’s natural to feel protective over each piece which truly defines the term ‘a labor of love’ since every artistic sensory and talent I utilized in creating each piece in a private setting is now being available for the public to view and, I hope, appreciate.”
Stacie Schmidt, Vice President of Marketing for Eton Chagrin Blvd was on-board with not only a mere display of Frey’s art, but upon review of his entire collection, felt that it was only appropriate to showcase these pieces in a gallery setting at the stunning boutique lifestyle center. “A passion for art has always been a pillar Eton Chagrin Blvd has been built on, from aesthetic to design and décor,” says Schmidt. “We care very much about partnering with locals in the community with that same vision, which made our partnership with Don Frey a natural fit. We are so excited to help share his beautiful and intricate work with the East Side community.”
Frey’s art can be previewed online at www.donfrey.net and on Instagram @DonFreyArt. For private group showings, and any interview requests, please contact Rita Russo at 216.272.1265 or at [email protected].
Eton Chagrin Boulevard, located just east of the I-271/Chagrin Boulevard interchange, is a mixed-use property consisting of upscale retailers, specialty shops and exclusive dining. Special events, outdoor chessboards and an award-winning garden further add to the center’s unrivaled ambiance. For more information visit etonchagrinblvd.com.
