Local artists open exhibit on Medina, hoping to capitalize on visitors for Triennial

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2026 at 9:47 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A group of artists met on Thursday at Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Café in Medina to display artwork this month.

The group, the Medina Art Initiative, formed to promote local artists and to piggyback on the visitors who will be in the area for the Medina Triennial. That arts initiative opens on Saturday and runs through Sept. 7 and is expected to bring 50,000 people to the community to see work from 39 artists from many countries.

Pictured from left at Nola’s include Rosie Patronski, Arthur Barnes, Patrica Greene, Amirah Hicks, Kira Sinclair, Shirley Nigro and Amy Mayne.

Additional artists with work that will be featured include Mike O’Keefe, Ninandre Bogue, Amy Belotti, Terry lake, Angela Udell and Rhonda Parker.

“We want to make the most of the opportunity we have with people coming into Medina who love art,” said Mayne, who is leader of the local group. “We want to share it.”

Mayne created a large oil painting, 4 by 3 feet, of her family’s cat named Calico. That cat was orphaned and in rough shape when it was rescued by the Mayne family.

“She was ugly and sickly,” Mayne said. “But then she turned into a sumptuously coated cat. She has never met someone she didn’t like.”

Mayne said the painting has a message that everyone has intrinsic value and shouldn’t be cast aside even when things may be going rough.

The art show features about 30 pieces altogether. It will be on display until July 5 at Nola’s, 525 Main St.

That business is a creative location that works as an ideal spot to display artwork, the artists said.

Steven Sones, co-owner of Nola’s, said he is pleased to welcome the local artists and also is excited about the Medina Triennial.

“Anything that brings people to Medina is a good thing,” he said.

The Medina Art Initiative will see how the first art show goes before looking at their next venture. Some of the artists said they hope it is a springboard for more shows and arts programs in the community.