Another Dumm Art Show

[Jim O'Bryan]

http://collinwoodobserver.com/read/1/2/another-dumm-art-show
While looking over the recent Collinwood Observer I noticed that Lakewood Observer
cartoonists, Gary and Laura Dumm were having an art show at Arts Collinwood over on
15605 Waterloo Road (just west of the Beachland Ballroom) starting tonight,
October 9th and running through Halloween.

So last night I ran over to get a pre-show from Nan and Miles Kennedy owner of Arts
Collinwood and one of the driving forces in getting an Observer for their community.
While sitting in the Waterloo Cafe, a nice little restaurant and tavern now being run by
Arts Collinwood, we talked about how I knew Laura and Gary, and how they became
cartoonist for the LO. After reliving knowing Gary since the late 60s when he worked at
Kay's Books on prospect we went over to see the work. To be honest I was blown away.

There were a couple memorable pieces from the Lakewood Observer which was created with
fellow Lakewoodite and Observer Scott MacGregor. Some from his work with Harvey
Pekar. Which only made sense as Gary has been illustrating American Splendor with the
help of his wife Laura, and Greg Budgget since legendary cartoonist and past
Lakewoodite Robert Crumb stepped down. But what dominated the room was art from
Laura Dumm that was simply amazing! I know she is a good artist in her own right,
you might remember her pet cartoons that appeared in the Lakewood Observer, but
her paintings were unbelievable.

The series cats are about 24" - 36" wide, and everything on them is hand painted. When I first
saw the art in the proofs of the Collinwood Observer, I figured they were fabric, glued
down, and were "interesting." After seeing them in person I am amazed at the detail, in
the work.


Portrait of Luna - acrylic on canvas 36"x36" by Laura Dumm


Portrait of Gertrude - acrylic on canvas, 18"x24" by Laura Dumm


Portrait of Mr. Gray - acrylic on canvas, 18"x24" by Laura Dumm

Look at the detail and the perfection in the repeating patterns all done by hand.


Harvey as Sisyphus - concept, pen & ink/Markers by Gary Dumm, color by Laura Dumm

So if you get the chance drive over to Waterloo and Arts Collinwood and support some
fellow Observers and Lakewood residents, grab a cup of coffee, a Waterloo Cafe cookie,
and relax and read the Collinwood Observer. You can they talk about "I remember when..."

Not just another Dumm Art Show, a wonderful Dumm art show!

.

[David Anderson]

Jim -

As an aside, I was at a Cleveland K-8 school in the Collinwood area yesterday afternoon and saw stacks of freshly minted Collinwood Observers ready for distribution.

You and your colleagues in Collinwood should be proud.

[sharon kinsella]

I also think that our own Chris Richards is in showing there.

I love Harvey as Sisyphus, who knew and the cat pictures are great and would brighten up any corner of the universe where they would be hung.

[Jim O'Bryan]

You and your colleagues in Collinwood should be proud.

David

What I am proud of is that the project started here with friends and neighbors, and is
quickly growing, now out of state as well.

I would have to thank Lakewood Observer and Collinwood Observer publisher Betsy
Voinovich and her crew that got this up and going in record time.

Lakewood is becoming known as a leader in civic journalism.

I just wished the city civic leaders would trust the transparency.

Sharon,

The Dumms are the only artists at this show.

peace

[chris richards]

Actually, I am not showing there.

Shaun Edwards though is showing at Low Life in the Halloween Spooktacular show that opens Saturday evening.

[sharon kinsella]

I knew there was something. Close but no cigarette.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Actually, I am not showing there.

Shaun Edwards though is showing at Low Life in the Halloween Spooktacular show that opens Saturday evening.

Another Lakewood artists whose work I like, at another Collinwood gallery owned
by a really good guy.


Dave Desimore of Low Life in the Arts Collinwood District.

Chris, you are pretty talented too. Are you showing anywhere?


.

[chris richards]

thanks jim.

i don't have anything scheduled until april.