A stroke of genius: Carrington Arts finds success in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — She started with a blank canvas but remained determined to create a better art landscape for downtown Sandusky.And, four years later, many agree Marsha Carrington's bold approach helped transform the city into a more vibrant community which, more than ever before, welcomes expression through visual representation.Carrington owns and operates Carrington Arts on West Water Street, located next to Hotel Kilbourne.Since debuting her gallery in 2015, Carrington has hosted 19 shows. The 20th one, "ROYGBIV," which plays off initialism for the sequence of hues making up a rainbow's colors and pays tribute to LGBTQ Pride Month in June, premieres Friday.More than 100 artists — all across the U.S., spanning New York to California and many in Sandusky — have shown their work at Carrington's gallery. The pieces submitted come from very established, reputable artists along with young, emerging creators.Carrington talked about why she opened a gallery in downtown, art's overall importance in a community and more:Q: Why did you decide to open an art gallery in downtown Sandusky?MC: After living in Los Angeles for 30 years, I knew that if I did create an art gallery in downtown Sandusky, it had to be one that you might find in any large city, like New York or Los Angeles, with a light contemporary feel. I wanted to bring something to the city that was new and fresh. My aim was to have a gallery that featured solo and group shows with many mediums, giving an opportunity to local and other Ohio artists a place to show their work and also bring in artists from around the U.S. as well.Q: What's the importance of an art gallery in a downtown like Sandusky's?MC: Sandusky is going through a renaissance, of sorts. I would say it's a small city with a big personality. With that, new shops, restaurants, recreational and entertainment venues are popping up around the city. People are taking a chance and opening new businesses. I felt we needed an art gallery downtown. It brings cultural and artistic vision to our community and hosts wonderful opening receptions that bring people together in the community.Marsha Carrington stands inside her gallery, Carrington Arts, in downtown Sandusky on Saturday, June 8, 2019.. Since opening the gallery in 2015, she has hosted 19 shows featuring more than 100 artists.Q: Are you happy about your decision to open Carrington Arts?MC: Absolutely. It truly is a labor of love. I love what it brings to the community, and people tell me all the time how much they love that the gallery is here and how much they enjoy it. It's exciting being a part of the rebirth of this community and offering something to the city that is part of what it is and becoming.Q: Why is art vital in communities?MC: Art is an important element in any community. It's inspirational, educational and makes people see and think. Art is not just a pretty picture. It can be beautiful or even disturbing, but it is supposed to make the viewer feel something, take away something that makes them think. Art is to be experienced. Personally, I cannot even imagine a life without art.Q: Can you expand upon your views on downtown's "rebirth"?MC: When my husband and I moved here in October 2009, this town was dead. Originally from Virginia, after living in Los Angeles for 30 years, it was a bit of a culture shock for me. My husband grew up nearby and spoke of how amazing Sandusky was when he was a child. We saw potential with all of its history, the great architecture around town, the affordability of housing, the lake, Cedar Point and the water parks and knew it was, for many in the Midwest, a summer destination. We also live in downtown in a home built in 1892 and love it and all its character. So we decided to settle in and believed and hoped that Sandusky would make a comeback. With the wonderful work of so many, Sandusky is doing just that. Now, when you walk around downtown, there are people out walking around, going out to eat at great restaurants, seeing a show at the (Sandusky) State Theatre, staying in a cool downtown hotel and so much more. Sandusky is becoming "Coolsville." I love it. I love the people, the diversity and all that is happening here.Q: Why should people visit your gallery?MC: My motto for Carrington Arts is: a place for art, a place for artists, a place to experience unique, creative vision. It is just that. So come check it out and enjoy it and all that is happening in downtown Sandusky. You will be greeted and encouraged to enjoy the art and to ask questions if needed. Since Carrington Arts generally puts on five shows a year, guests will have the opportunity to see a variety of work by many different artists in a multitude of mediums. Art is also available for purchase, so it's a great place to find unique fine art for your home, office or as a gift. There is also a small gift shop offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, and art prints at very affordable prices.Marsha Carrington stands inside her gallery, Carrington Arts, in downtown Sandusky on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Since opening the gallery in 2015, she has hosted 19 shows featuring more than 100 artists.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.