Doing an 'About Face'

SANDUSKY — COVID-19 caused many entertainment-based businesses to do an about-face on their operations. Take Carrington Arts in downtown Sandusky for example, which pulled a 180, from welcoming visitors inside for shows to shutting down for several months. The pandemic's fallout "has greatly affected the gallery, as it has most families, essential workers, businesses and schools," said Marsha Carrington, owner of the gallery named after her. "Having an independent art gallery is challenging at best, but with no shows or income from art sales, while incurring all of the same bills, the challenges can feel insurmountable," she added. Despite the difficulties, Carrington did manage to put together two shows during the second half of 2020, in which a limited audience — following strict guidelines, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing — could still attend. "I am thankful I was able to do those shows," Carrington said. Fast-forward to 2021, and she's preparing for a year's worth of exhibits. The first of which, titled "About Face," debuts Friday "Art is a cultural essential for any thriving community," Carrington said. "I dream one day that Sandusky will have its own art center, offering the community a place to experience art and artists as well as a place for education through art and creative classes." Painting the picture Carrington provided some context for the upcoming exhibit: Show preview The solo show features assemblage art by the prolific artist Ken Arthur of Mansfield, Ohio, who uses ready-made and found objects to create sculptures. His works include installations, public demonstrations, conceptual art and collaborations with other artists. Show specialness In a statement for this show, Arthur said, "The exhibition was conceived with the idea to create faces using a variety of found materials. Bringing together new works and revisiting some recent endeavors, most of the pieces feature faces as the common denominator." Show pieces Abstract, conceptual and found objects are brought together in unusual ways and include such items as piano parts, machinery, typewriters, cash registers, wood, animal bones, tools and more. All pieces are for sale. Show setback Originally this show was supposed to open in April 2020 but was canceled due to restrictions with the pandemic. It's been a rough year for most businesses, and it surely has been challenging trying to run an art gallery. So I am very excited to finally open a new exhibit this year. Show debut There will be an opening reception and reservations are required allowing a maximum of 10 visitors in the gallery at one time for 20 minutes periods each. The artist will be in the gallery for the duration of the opening reception, allowing visitors a chance to talk to him personally about his work and process. Want to go? What: "About Face," an upcoming show at Carrington Arts Where: Carrington Arts, 231 W. Water St., Sandusky When: A special free opening reception takes place 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday. The entire exhibit, meanwhile, runs through June 4 Cost: The show is free to attend. More: For the opening reception, people must call 419-621-7617 to reserve a space. After the opening reception, no reservation is required during regular business hours for the duration of the show. Regular hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Hours may periodically change. Rules: At all times, inside the gallery, people must adhere to social distancing guidelines and need to wear a mask. Visit carringtonartsgallery.com for updated information on the gallery.