Current & Upcoming Exhibits

FELLOWS RIVERSIDE GARDENS
D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

Ongoing
Outdoor Gallery
Fellows Riverside Gardens – Outdoor Gallery
Experience another level of Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Outdoor Gallery. View original works from local artists whose displays range from steel to wood to topiary. Enjoy the art experience in nature through all the seasons.

Ongoing
Mill Creek MetroParks History
Fellows Riverside Gardens, Davis Center – Melnick Museum
The Melnick Museum offers the visitor a peek into the unique history of Mill Creek MetroParks. Look back and discover how Volney Rogers garnered property and how that land has grown into Mill Creek MetroParks. Learn about the generosity of Elizabeth Fellows that was the beginning of Fellows Riverside Gardens. And take time to learn about the early days of McGuffey and his boyhood homestead located in Coitsville and now known as the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve.

January 24, 2023 – March  26, 2023
“Moments In Time”
Fellows Riverside Gardens, Davis Center – Weller Gallery
Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Moments In Time,” featuring artist Dr. W. Gordon and will be on display in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens beginning January 24, 2023.

This free exhibit is being displayed January 24, 2023 – March 26, 2023, during normal operating hours of Tuesdays – Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed Mondays.

Dr. W. Gordon (1928-2022) was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to immigrant parents. “Billy”, as he is known to friends and family, holds fond childhood memories of riding in a peddler’s wagon with his grandfather. He learned of daily life back in Europe while observing local life on his streets. This experience may have sparked his interest in humanity, his desire to share the complexities of individual lives and reflect upon universal truths and concerns.

As a child, Billy loved the outdoors. He loved woodworking, metalworking, and crafting things with his hands. His desire to create and problem solve remained throughout his life and his love of the wilderness grew along with him, from Boy Scout to Eagle Scout and then to Scoutmaster.

His introduction to photography surfaced while attending Ohio University and his self-taught passion continued to evolve through graduation from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. During his years as a dentist in the United States Navy, he continued to perfect his technical photographic skills.

Dr. Gordon continued to practice dentistry for 61 years, receiving the Dental Society’s Recognition of Outstanding Service. Other passions include nurturing a backyard garden, DIY woodworking projects, continuing education classes at Kent State, and community volunteering. He and his wife, Carol, are actively involved with Inspiring Minds, providing students opportunities to better themselves through education.

“Billy” treasured his wife, Carol, their three children, their spouses, and three grandchildren. Despite his passing in mid-December, all who knew him were made richer with Billy’s kindness, wisdom, and life lessons.

Artist’s Statement

“Moments in Time. My photography is about the world of man and his influences. It is not always perfect in a technical sense. Fancy frames and vivid colors are nonessential. Predominately, natural light and minimal equipment capture the subject. Super optics and the best lens do not always guarantee good photographs. It is important to have a strong image, one that captures the subject and tells a story. Great photographers use their minds and their hearts, as well as the proper equipment.

Street photographers wander and respond instinctively to what they find rather than consciously searching for specific subjects. They observe and let their subjects speak for themselves, capturing the complexity and relationships of everyday life.

At times, my approach has been candid. More often, it has been confrontational. For many years, I have photographed on the street, a pursuit that has allowed me to express my feelings and derive much pleasure. Personal contacts with the subjects have helped create lasting memories of the persons, places, and creatures that have come my way.

At times, my approach has been candid. More often, it has been confrontational. For many years, I have photographed on the street, a pursuit that has allowed me to express my feelings and derive much pleasure. Personal contacts with the subjects have helped create lasting memories of the persons, places, and creatures that have come my way.”