Gallery Notes
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Call for artists & poets
Say it Like a Poet: June Open Call for Artists
What does poetry look like?
For some, it lives on a page. For others, it appears through paint, photography, sculpture, music, collage, or found objects. Poetry has always been more than words. It is expression, emotion, memory, and the human desire to communicate something meaningful.
This June, LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary invites artists throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio to participate in our newest gallery theme:
Say it Like a Poet
We are seeking artwork inspired by poetry, words, phrases, prose, lyrics, storytelling, personal reflection, and creative expression in all its forms.
Whether your work incorporates written language directly or simply captures the feeling of a poem through visual means, we encourage you to interpret the theme in your own unique way.
Possible interpretations include:
- Poetry-inspired artwork
- Visual art containing text or typography
- Lyrics as visual storytelling
- Mental health and personal reflection
- Spoken word influences
- Mixed media incorporating language
- Experimental and conceptual work
This exhibition will also feature performances from the Tri-C Poets Group, whose work promotes awareness surrounding mental health through spoken word and creative expression.
Visitors will have opportunities to contribute to a collaborative Community Art Wall and participate in interactive poetry activities throughout the exhibition.
Submission Deadline
June 6, 2026
Submit Artwork
Text: 330-614-2789
Email: ghostrighterzartistservices@gmail.com
Every artist has something to say.
This June, say it like a poet.
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DREAM: A Night of Art, Music, and Community at LemonChrystal
The DREAM exhibit at LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary was an unforgettable evening filled with creativity, music, movement, and meaningful connection.
Held inside the inspiring creative environment of Ingenuity Cleveland, the event welcomed artists, musicians, collectors, families, and first-time visitors from across Northeast Ohio for a night that truly embodied the spirit of community art.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. Creative conversations flowed naturally throughout the gallery as attendees explored the DREAM exhibit, connected with featured artists, and discovered new works to take home with them. Many visitors left not only carrying art in their hands, but also memories and inspiration that will stay with them long after the evening ended.
Among those present were local creatives including Chrystal Robinson, Lennon Strain, Suzy LeeLo, and Juniper Mainelis, all contributing to the welcoming and collaborative energy that has become central to LemonChrystal’s monthly exhibitions.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing young attendees fully engaged with the returning collaborative art wall. Watching families and children create together on a large scale reminded everyone that art is not only something to observe — it is something to participate in and share.
The musical performances throughout the evening brought incredible energy to the event and turned the gallery into a lively celebration of artistic expression.
The live music portion opened with a last-minute lineup addition from CLE Collective, neighbors of LemonChrystal on the fourth floor of Ingenuity Cleveland. Their willingness to open their creative space to attendees helped expand the evening into an even more immersive community experience.
Following their set, J.J. Vicars and Dr. Lisa filled the room with raw Rock ’n’ Roll energy and timeless boogie-driven performances that had attendees pairing up to dance together throughout the gallery space.
Closing the night was The Vacillating, whose set quickly became one of the evening’s most memorable moments. After their opening song, lead singer Ashley joked:
“On Monday my drummer quit, on Tuesday my guitarist quit…”
before guitarist Suzy LeeLo added:
“And on Wednesday I joined the band.”
The audience loved learning that this new iteration of the band had only practiced together for three days before performing live. Their chemistry, humor, and performance left attendees excited to see what comes next for the group.
We also want to extend sincere thanks to everyone who helped make DREAM possible:
- All of the live musicians and performers who maintained the energy and atmosphere throughout the evening.
- Ingenuity Cleveland for continuing to provide an inspiring home for LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary and the wider creative community.
- Huffman Information Technology Services for donating marketing resources supporting our recent Fourth Floor Friday event.
As one chapter closes, another begins.
Our upcoming June exhibition theme is “Say It Like a Poet”, featuring a performance by Active Minds — a mental health advocacy group focused on destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental health, treatments, wellness, and community support. Active Minds at Tri-C East is currently welcoming new members. Those interested can reach out to z.hood9525@gmail.com for more information.
Looking ahead to July, LemonChrystal is also currently seeking artists for an upcoming exhibit focused on hip hop portraiture and hip hop culture-inspired artwork, including 2D work, 3D pieces, fashion, and installations. Artists interested in participating can contact ghostrighterzartistservices@gmail.com or text 330-614-2789 for submission details.
Thank you again to everyone who attended, performed, supported, created, danced, explored, and helped make DREAM such a meaningful experience. LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary continues to grow through the creativity and support of the Greater Cleveland community, and we cannot wait to share what comes next.
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Community Art
One of our favorite moments from last month? Watching a blank wall turn into a shared work of art.
We’re bringing it back.
At this LemonChrystal event, you’ll find our Collaborative Art Area – a space where anyone can pick up a marker, add their voice, and become part of something bigger. What starts as simple banner paper quickly transforms into a living, evolving piece created by our community throughout the night.
This space is open to all ages and all experience levels – which makes a perfect reason to bring the whole family. Whether you’re sketching your first doodle or adding to an already-growing masterpiece, you’re part of the creative energy that makes these nights special.
We’re also exploring new ways to expand this area with more interactive and collaborative art experiences in the months ahead.
Come create with us. Add your mark. Be part of the story.
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A Message From the Curator – DREAM
Dreams are deeply personal. They can be hopeful, surreal, emotional, prophetic, comforting, or even unsettling. For artists, dreams often become a doorway into imagination — a place where memory, symbolism, and possibility merge together.
This month’s exhibit, DREAM, invites viewers into those spaces between reality and imagination. Each artist approaches the theme differently. Some works reflect aspirations and future visions. Others explore subconscious imagery, emotional landscapes, or fragments of memory that feel difficult to explain but impossible to forget.
At LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary, we believe art has the power to connect people through shared emotion and experience. DREAM is not about finding one interpretation — it is about allowing yourself to feel, wonder, and reflect.
As you walk through the gallery, we encourage you to slow down, ask questions, and explore the many ways dreams can shape creativity. Perhaps you will see pieces of your own dreams reflected back at you.
Thank you for supporting local artists and being part of this growing creative community here in Cleveland.
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New website launched
A huge thank you to Huffman IT Services for helping bring the new LemonChrystal website and digital vision to life.
From technical support to creative problem-solving, their generosity and dedication helped make this project possible. As we continue building a space that supports local artists, musicians, and community creativity, it truly feels like a DREAM come true.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have people who believe in the arts standing beside us.
Thank you for helping support creativity in Cleveland. 💛
