Marblehead artist Bailey VanKirk ‘painting live’ for Lake Erie

Bailey VanKirk of Marblehead, a popular Ohio artist and Desdemona’s Art Gallery owner, will be putting oils to canvas during the Progressive Catawba Island Boat and Yacht Show on April 26-28. One lucky attendee will be the painting’s owner when the show wraps up.

While some of VanKirk’s other paintings will be on display, her support for the Lake Erie Foundation will have her “painting live” throughout the 3-day boat show. Visitors will be invited to purchase a chance to own the painting. It will be awarded at show-closing on Sunday with all the proceeds going to the Foundation. The painting will be valued at $1,000 and chances will be available at her show exhibit for $5 each.

Of course, boats will be in the spotlight at the show, and record numbers of them. Most will dock at CIC and will be ready for a sea trial, said Michelle Burke of host Lake Erie Marine Trades Association.

“We will have more than 125 boats on display, a record amount for this show, and more vendors than ever before,” said Burke. “While the fleet includes 50- to 60-foot yachts, there will be boats ranging from smaller 18-footers to fishing boats of many styles.

“We’re working with Holiday Inn Express located at the gateway to Catawba Island with special rates (visit catawbaislandboatshow.com) so people can make a weekend of the show, which is held during spring break for many,” she said. “Twin Oast Brewery will be doing a beer tasting, we’ll have a Bloody Mary Bar on Sunday and also a wine tasting.”

VanKirk’s photorealist style oil paintings capture the peace and beauty of the Marblehead peninsula and life around the Lake Erie Islands. That’s not surprising since she grew up roaming the beaches, hanging out in marinas and fishing the area’s waters. She cites the islands area as providing endless inspiration for her works.

In 2014, VanKirk inherited Desdemona’s Gallery from well-known artist and her mother, Laura A. Brown, whose paintings hang in homes and offices throughout Ohio and beyond. Most recently, VanKirk purchased the gallery’s current location, fittingly a century old building on Main Street in historic and picturesque Marblehead village.

The show is held at the prestigious Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton. Show admission and parking are free. Hours will be: Friday (April 26), noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday (April 27), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday (April 28), 11a.m. to 5 p.m.

Paintings by Marblehead artist Bailey VanKirk will be on display at the Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show on Friday through Sunday (April 26-28) at the beautiful Catawba Island Club Marina. The show and parking are free.