The art of dining: Strauss Studios curates exhibits at downtown Canton restaurants

CANTON − Fine art and good food are being paired in new art exhibits at Fronimo's restaurant and Deli Ohio in downtown Canton.

Strauss Studios is curating the artwork at the eateries, where the pieces will be for sale.

Strauss Studios, 236 Walnut Ave. NE, said the exhibits will serve as satellite galleries.

On Saturday, Strauss Studios; Deli Ohio; and Starflyer Brewing Co. will welcome visitors to view Matthew Rose's artwork and sample new offerings from the brewery. The reception will be 3 to 5 p.m. at Deli Ohio, 328 Walnut Ave. NE. and is open to the public.

Carisa Marie Strauss of Strauss Studios is curating exhibits and facilitating art sales for the satellite galleries, a news release said.

Strauss Studios, which specializes in designing and making custom furniture, also has an upstairs space that regularly showcases art exhibits, including private receptions and public showings in conjunction with First Friday events in downtown Canton.

Fresh artwork and artists will be represented on a regular basis by Strauss Studios using the satellite gallery concept. Strauss Studios hopes to expand into more local businesses "to keep art alive and fresh in the community," the news release said.

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Canton artist Joe Ostrowske's paintings are on display at Fronimo's Downtown, 315 Cleveland Ave. NW.

Ostrowske's art shows have included a joint exhibition with Jo Westfall last year at Cyrus Custom Framing & Art Gallery in Canton.

"I am very grateful that I live in a community that shares my interest and passion in art," he said when asked about the new venture. "My artwork is deeply personal, and I love being able to share it in such an intimate setting as Fronimo's restaurant. I hope that my work inspires conversation amongst the patrons, and helps to build awareness of the vibrant art scene in Canton."

President of General Transport in Akron, Ostrowske began producing his own artwork during the pandemic. The 1984 Lake High School graduate paints abstract pieces, although he sometimes incorporates nature scenes and urban architecture.

Unique downtown business Strauss Studios in Canton showcases art both in home furnishings and gallery

"When I have that blank canvas, it's as much a surprise to me what comes out as to anyone else," Ostrowske told The Canton Repository during an interview about his Cyrus gallery show.

"When I paint, I do it with a lot of passion and energy, and I think it's reflected in the paintings," said Ostrowske, who often opts for bright colors while using acrylics. He took lessons from local painter Wanda Montgomery.

International artist creates diversity of work

Growing up in Long Island, Rose graduated from Brown University in 1981 with degrees in linguistics and semiotics. Following college, he worked as a journalist, freelance writing about art and advertising, including for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Rose also produced a large body of collage works, drawings, altered objects and paintings.

In 1992, the artist moved to Paris, France. Since that time, Rose has created thousands of collage works and other art, and has exhibited his work throughout the world, including at the Karuizawa New Art Museum in Japan.

Rose also installed the 30th iteration of "A Book About Death," a global project he initiated and curated in 2009 at The Emily Harvey Foundation gallery in New York City.

He's also the author of several books including "Coronaville" in 2020, "Animal Farmy" in 2020 and "People" in 2015.

Rose's artwork was featured in an exhibit at Strauss Studios in March.

Exposing more people to the 'creative spark' of local art

Carisa Marie Strauss, co-owner of Strauss Studios with her husband, John, is an interior designer from the West Coast.

"When I moved to Canton, I was impressed by the number of working and talented artists in the area and wanted to highlight their work to expose the creative spark to more people," she said.

"My partner John Strauss and I want to create a creative hothouse where art and furniture and home goods all co-exist and stimulate people into thinking about how to create vibrant living spaces. Our galleries are part of that effort."

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com. On Twitter @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Strauss Studios merges art with food at downtown Canton restaurants