Elyria Arts Council sees the new Elyria Library nearby as an art partner

Closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elyria Arts Council Community Art Center and Gallery remains busy inside its Broad Street building, as well as throughout the community. Specifically, it's the shadow of the new Central Branch Library rising over Pioneer Square that has Elyria Arts Council founder Clint Rohrbacher excited about the future of the downtown area. "We're in talks with the new library about being in charge of a covered art walk on the west-facing wall with removable recessed panels," Rohrbacher said. "What we want to use those for is to engage as many community members — schools, churches, civic organizations — as possible to create artwork, which will be displayed for three months at a time on a rotating basis throughout the year. "This will allow people to express who they are, what they stand for, what they believe in and what they do. That will start next year when the library opens." Rohrbacher said it's important to note that the Elyria Arts Council won't be creating the art as much as curating the eight panels that will be changed quarterly to epitomize the spirit of the community. "Through fundraising, we plan to offer materials, paints and panels, as well as whatever guidance is needed to help schools, churches or anyone that's community-minded or any civic organization," Rohrbacher said. In addition, the Elyria Arts Council will be involved inside of the Central Branch Library with not only a stained-glass display, but also an internal mural. Rohrbacher and his husband, David Pavlak, will paint the large work featuring classic characters from literature. The two are working on the design. The Elyria Arts Council founder said the seeds of a renaissance taking place in downtown Elyria have been planted. "It's going to engage people with the new downtown that would never have come into the area or didn't feel there was a reason to or feel welcome or safe," Rohrbacher said. "With the new library, the Elyria Arts Council and Pioneer Plaza, if there's something that engages as deeply into the city as we can go, then there's going to be an emotional investment and a sense of ownership. That's going to benefit downtown, the library and the Elyria Arts Council. It's a no-lose situation. That's how we look at." As far as the current operation of the Elyria Arts Council, the nonprofit — which touts a mission to support and celebrate local artists — remains closed to the public but is open for appointment with social distancing guidelines in place. "We've also been increasing our online presence by putting artists online and allowing people to stroll through the gallery in a virtual sense," Rohrbacher said. "If they see artwork they'd like to take a look at closer, we can make appointments for them to do that." The venue is also looking ahead to its first in-person exhibit, whenever that may be, by remodeling the location and adding wall space. Despite life seemingly at a standstill while the world waits for the pandemic to pass, Rohrbacher had this message for the community. "Stay creative, we will be back," Rohrbacher said. "We miss you and we want to see you again when it's safe." For more information, visit facebook.com/gallery.336/. Contact John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net.