Friday, March 12, 2010

Eric Alleman

Courtesy of Bailiwick Framing and Starling Gallery, Youngstown Ohio.

The graphic images of Eric Alleman have graced the walls of the Lemon Grove since it's beginning. Spray painted stencils on found objects were Alleman's original method of working, but as his business relationship developed with the Grove, his work began to evolve.
With its networks and business contacts rapidly expanding, the Grove's resources were directed toward Alleman's Cleveland studio and he found his production levels and creativity increasing. He no longer had to work exclusively with found objects as the Lemon Grove provided him with fine art and high end construction grade materials.
Currently a team of trained art professionals and art related Youngstown businesses, working through the Lemon Grove, act as support to Allemans current artistic endeavors in Cleveland Ohio. These businesses include Starling Gallery and Baliwick Framing.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Lemon Grove as Art Agent

Jason Van Hoose. Summer Hilltop/Mill Creek Park. Oil on Canvas. 40x30 Inches


Within the past six months of its existence the influence of the Lemon Grove has grown considerably. Incredible live entertainment, a powerful media presence and attention from a wide array of politicians and celebrities has created a scenario unparalleled in the past 30 year history of downtown Youngstown.
With this has come as strong interest in the very fine collection of art currently on display here. As our art sales increase, we've found it necessary to create systems that benefit the Lemon Grove, the Artists and the Patrons who support us.
Obviously , managing these sales is not a simple task. Unless one is active in the art business, it can be very difficult to understand the complexities involved. Each artist, patron and transaction is unique and has to be handled as such. We cannot afford to take anything for granted, especially considering the amount of money that is sometimes paid for a single piece of work at the Grove.
We have very high standards for the work that we show and sell, so if we display your work, consider yourself not only talented, but lucky, for there is a great number of highly skilled artists desiring to be represented by the Lemon Grove. As a Patron, please know that we've done all within our power to bring to you the finest work from our region.
On rare occasions, for our most trusted Patrons, we set up commissions. This is a complicated matter that we don't take lightly. We have a reliable system in place for insuring the Patron, Artist and Lemon Grove all walk away satisfied. We ask that you abide by our system, should you take advantage of our resources, so that you are insured of receiving the best product in the most reasonable amount of time with the most efficiency.
We have a wide range of Art available for purchase in a wide range of prices. We'd like you to stop in and have a look around. Our servers are trained to answer your basic questions and they can direct you to our more highly trained staff for your more in depth questions. For purchases of larger, more expensive pieces, we suggest you set up an appointment with one of our Art Managers.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Lemon Grove Artist Enrichment Program


It is common knowledge that Youngstown and Northeast Ohio produce fantastic artists, thanks to institutions like the Butler Art Museum and Youngstown State University's Bliss Hall. There are other factors as well, such as the low cost of living and free resources such as Mill Creek Park. However, with The Great Recession in full swing, artist are the first to feel the negative impact of a local economy that has suffered terribly for 30 years.
The Lemon Grove is fully aware of these circumstances as artists are its frequent patrons. Upon opening in August of 2009, the Grove installed the Artist Enrichment Program to enable artists to continue to contribute to our local and national culture despite crushing economic circumstances. Artists are provided with monetary resources, art supplies, business opportunities and advice, art sales opportunities, employment opportunities, and food. Over $2,500.00 in cash and resources has been spent since August, 2009 on the Artist Enrichment Program. Funding has come through donations by management, investors in the Lemon Grove, and Patrons of the Arts.
Goals for the near future include helping select artists to expand their businesses by providing studio space, more advanced materials, equipment and resources.
The Lemon Grove will be hosting a Fund Raiser where donated, original artworks will be sold at very reasonable prices and all monies will be placed into the Artist Enrichment Program.
A number of works have already been donated. These include pieces by Jason Van Hoose, Michael Green, Scott Pergande, Eric Alleman, and Julius Veal.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Unveil the Art!


The Lemon Grove Cafe' is now accepting the work of of artists from the Mahoning and Shenango Vallies. Anyone can can apply to show their work but we ask that your work be posted online through a website, blog or social networking site. This makes it easier for management to review the work. Artists can be professional, student or nonprofessional. We are looking for 2-dimensional work such as paintings, prints, photos, drawings or wall sculpture.

We are geared toward sales, and the Lemon Grove has nearly 1,000 customers per week. We ask that all work be for sale, and it should be ready to hang. We will soon post a list of other requirements and a basic artist contract.

For information about showing or buying work contact Jason via email at Artbake777@aol.com