Shores & Islands Ohio Fine Art Trail

Nestled between the towering roller coasters and the miles of relaxing sandy beaches of Shores & Islands Ohio is some of the finest collection of art in the world! A number of locations throughout the region will fill your soul with inspiration and appreciation. So, if you are looking to add a little bit of culture to your life, start coasting through the Shores & Islands Ohio Fine Art Trail.

ISLANDS

Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden

Charles Herndon is an accomplished artist who grew up in the Cleveland area and now calls Kelleys Island home. Herndon draws inspiration from the island itself, with two on-site studios, a gallery, and an outdoor sculpture garden. No visit to Kelleys Island is complete without an immersive walk through these amazing outdoor pieces of art. Visit daily from mid-May to Sept, other times by appointment, and group tours can be arranged.

110 Laylin Ln.
Kelleys Island, Ohio 43438
419.746.2249

CENTRAL SHORES

Outdoor Sculpture Walk –

Eight sculptures are placed at various outdoor locations throughout downtown Sandusky for the enjoyment of the public. The sculptures change annually, provided by the Midwest Sculpture Initiative. The exhibit is brought to the area each year by the Lange Trust of the Sandusky Library. See the sculptures through a walking tour of each piece.

Various locations, downtown Sandusky
419.625.3834

Peddler’s Alley and the Brehm Building Wall

“The Wall” was a public arts project that was done in 1980 through a partnership with Sandusky City Schools. It was built by an artist named John Spofford, from Athens, Ohio. The abstract brick design was installed on the sidewall of the Brehm Building ten years before the building was demolished. A small section of the supporting wall was saved when the building was razed. The Wall is a popular photo spot and can be accessed via Peddler’s Alley on Columbus Avenue or from the Jackson Street parking lot.
 

EAST SHORES

Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery

The Vermilion Arts Guild is a collective of local artists and craftsmen who work together to promote Vermilion as a vibrant arts community through opportunities and events. Gallery shows feature watercolors, acrylics, oils, mixed media, photography, jewelry, potters, fiber art, wood, and hand-crafted items. The Arts Guild hosts seasonal shows at the Main Street Vermilion building, featuring artwork that reflects the season, with opening receptions to kick off each show. Visit the gallery Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat-Sun 12-4 pm.

685 Main St.
Vermilion. Ohio 44089
440.963.0772

Vermilion Postcard Project

Public Art Vermilion’s first public art installation, The Postcard Project, features 15 mural-sized paintings of vintage postcards placed around the coastal town as an ode to Vermilion’s heritage as a vacation destination. A keepsake tour guide is available from Mainstreet Vermilion which features a trail map and a short history of each postcard. Souvenir postcards are also for sale to benefit future public arts projects.

685 Main St.
Vermilion, Ohio 44089
440.963.0772

The Milan Museum’s Galpin Glass Gallery –

Part of a multibuilding historical museum, the Galpin Glass Galleries explore European and American glass from the earliest piece in the collection of Roman glass, through works of contemporary and local artists. The Folk and Decorative Galleries showcase examples of early American Folk and Decorative Arts. Unique displays include glowing Vaseline glass and a beautiful Dale Chihuly sculpture. Please call or check the website for hours or to arrange a group tour.

10 Edison Dr. (off SR 113)
Milan, Ohio 44846
419.499.2968

Schoepfle Garden

Relax with a leisurely walk through this 77-acre garden and arboretum, which features natural art in the form of 20 acres of topiaries, rose gardens, a children’s garden with working carousel, and more. Immerse yourself in your natural surroundings and appreciate the art of horticulture. Garden paths open year-round 8 am-sunset and group tours via tram are offered.

11106 Market St. (off SR 113)
Birmingham, Ohio 44816
440.965.7237

NORTH SHORES

Ferguson Gallery –

Internationally-recognized glass artist Cary Ferguson offers a gallery of his works, along with an on-site glass blowing studio, viewing area, and gift shop. Glass blowing lessons and group tours are available. Demonstrations are usually offered Sat-Sun 11 am-4:30 pm. Call to reserve a lesson.

5890 E. Harbor Rd. (SR 163)
Marblehead, Ohio 43440
419.734.0600

Rosemary Schramm Gallery –

Artist Rosemary Schramm operates her studio and gallery near downtown Port Clinton. She paints mostly in oil with palette knives on canvas, but also works in acrylic, watercolor, graphite, woodcuts, copper enamel, etchings, batik, and more. She is also available for hand-lettered boat names and murals. Born and raised in this coastal Ohio region, and remaining here as a resident, she has the opportunity to capture some of the almost endless beauty offered by northern Ohio. Gallery is generally open Tues 10 am-6 pm, Wed, Fri, and Sat 10 am-3 pm, other times by appointment.

113 W. 6th St.
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
419.732.7778

WEST SHORES

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto & Stations

The Grotto is a replica of the world-famous Grotto in Lourdes, France. It is made up of 14 Stations of the Cross with each Station’s bronze reliefs made and brought from Italy. The grotto is made from one million pounds of tufa. Tufa is not rock, but post-glacial petrified vegetation. It is coated with mineral deposits and comes from the subterranean springs of the Blue Hole in Castalia, Ohio. Upon close examination, many of the weed-like formations can still be seen on the now moss-covered walls. Grounds open year-round dawn-dusk. A gift shop is available selling religious items and gifts. The shop is open after weekend masses and by appointment.

204 Main St.
Genoa, Ohio 43430
419.855.8501

Schedel Arboretum and McAlear Gallery in Brown Welcome Center

Museum-quality lighting and cathedral-style ceilings create a dramatic venue for the hosting of exhibits by regional to international artists. Also enjoy a 17-acre arboretum featuring a Japanese garden, a kitchen garden with more than 80 varieties of ornamental hot peppers, a bonsai collection, water gardens, perennial gardens, and dozens of flower gardens featuring over 10,000 annuals. Walking paths and gardens feature beautiful statues. The brand-new, onsite Blair Museum of Lithophanes houses the largest collection in the world consisting of some 2,300 pieces and is the only lithophane museum in the United States. Lithophanes are three-dimensional translucent porcelain plaques which when back-lit reveal detailed images. Open Apr-Oct and group tours are available.

19255 W. Portage River S Rd.
Elmore, Ohio 43416
419.862.3182

NEIGHBORS

 Art@106

Art@106 is the home gallery for the Bellevue Artist Guild and features over 20 artists from the four-county area showing and selling paintings, pastels, scratch art, charcoal and line drawings, photographs, graphic art, woodwork, glass work, pottery, jewelry, applique, and knitting. Classes are offered as time and volunteers allow in watercolor, pottery, and acrylic. Open yearround, Thurs-Fri 3-6 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm.

106 S. Sandusky St.
Bellevue, Ohio 44811
419.483.3244

Sorrowful Mother Shrine Grotto

The Grotto at Sorrowful Mother Shrine features 120 acres with over 40 points of interest, including the Stations of the Cross and paved walkways through the woods. Shrine and Chapel open daily 8 am-dusk and groups are welcomed by appointment.

4106 SR 269
Bellevue, Ohio 44811
419.483.3435

Arts & Culture

From theatrical and musical performances to enchanting galleries, we are truly a community of the arts.

Shopping

Shop until you drop at the huge selection of retail stores in Shores & Islands Ohio.