Carrington Arts arises once again

SANDUSKY — She visualized the concept, drew up plans, added some colorful elements and came up with a personalized composition to resurrect her beloved gallery. After nearly five years, Carrington Arts Creative recently reopened in a new space: 318 Franklin St. near the East Adams Street intersection. The name derives from its owner, Marsha Carrington, a lifelong artist who still creates pieces — via photography, painting, graphics, mixed media, among other mediums — to this very day. Back in 2021, due to several factors, Carrington needed to close her Sandusky storefront, named Carrington Arts, on West Water Street near Hotel Kilbourne in downtown Sandusky. She first opened this gallery in 2015. Each year, up until COVID-19 interfered with public gatherings, she'd host a handful of shows. Each show would typically feature different artists conforming to a certain theme. To kick off each show, on Friday nights, she'd welcome community members in for an opening reception, complete with entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and, above all else, a sense of togetherness revolving around art. Following the downtown storefront's closure, Carrington — who, even after her gallery closed, remained active in the local arts scene, affiliated with the Sandusky Cultural Center, the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council and the Port Clinton Artists' Club — didn't know if she'd ever open another gallery. But an opportunity arose near her home to transform part of a Franklin Street duplex into what's now known as Carrington Arts Creative. "After 15 years, our tenant moved out, and my husband said you should turn this into a gallery space and where you can teach some of your workshops, so I did," Carrington said. "It really worked out." Plus her passion for showcasing art and giving creators a space to learn, display and appreciate others' work never wavered. "We really need creative spaces in Sandusky, and this is the next best thing to what I had before," said Carrington, noting this site, when compared to her prior gallery in downtown, offers more space for visitors and a second story. "It's truly a great, intimate, neighborhood gallery." Want to go? Friday marks Carrington Arts Creative's first show and debut public unveiling. It features some of Carrington's older and newer paintings and photography along with children's books she illustrated. And just like before, she's hosting an open house, encouraging people to attend the show, scheduled from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday at 318 Franklin St., Sandsuky. People can park: • On the street • At the nearby Sloane House, 403 E. Adams St. • In a lot at 334 E. Washington St. "Just come out and enjoy a new art space in Sandusky," Carrington said. "We always had fun in the old gallery, and I'm hoping to do that as well here." In the future, Carrington plans to host additional shows with fundraisers dedicated to the late Lewis Hollins and the Sandusky Cultural Center. Carrington often featured Hollins' work during several shows. People can learn more, visit the gallery and inquire about workshops by emailing marsha@marshagraycarrington.com. "It's so important that we have a community creative space," Carington said. "We have a lot of great artists, and this gallery space can not only show my work but theirs as well. I would love the opportunity to feature artists."