We expected to be free — hugging our friends by now, but instead we have become masked marvels keeping our distance and finding new ways to connect and share our art. Virtual shows were cutting-edge not so long ago. But now they are the norm. Appointments are suggested for in-person viewing. Classes are small, and a growing number are online.

But through it all, art goes on, and the desire to create and express ourselves grows with intensity as life’s frustrations try to cage us in. The freedom to create knows no bounds other than the ones we set.

Artists are sought after to exhibit their works. Read on for details. Your work brightens the spirits of others. Creating art is a mentally and physically rewarding activity. And what better time to celebrate art than October, National Arts and Humanities Month.

The goal of National Arts and Humanities Month is to reach people through the media (my job) to increase awareness from local to state and national levels. And in doing so, to encourage individuals to participate in the arts, as sponsors as well as artists.

Communities support the arts though festivals, exhibits and classes offered through public and private facilities that provide opportunities for people to create and collect art.

Humanities relates more to the study of the arts, including the history, theory and practice of music, art and theater and how it has influenced us throughout history. The arts always have had a huge impact on civilization. Consider, for instance, the early cave drawings.

Artists can communicate where words fail us.

Chagrin Arts

The Joan P. Wenk Gallery at Chagrin Arts, 88 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, is premiering a photography exhibit, “Freedom of Expression — Giving Voice to Victims of Wrongful Conviction,” through Nov. 20. This is a collaboration between Healing Justice, the Ohio Innocence Project, John Carroll University and Chagrin Arts.

“Freedom of Expression” features photography by Magali deVulpillieres that captures art made by crime victims, the exonerated and family members of both. Healing Justice, a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., serves individuals who have experienced trauma and inequity in our justice system.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday or by appointment. A virtual gallery of the photographs is available by QR code at chagrinarts.org. For more information, call 440-247-9700.

Mentor City Hall

The highlight of the Lake County Art Contest, “Unveiled,” is the Dorothy McNamara Maloney “Best of Show” award, which provides the winner with a solo exhibit of their work at Mentor City Hall, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., in February. This year that honor goes to photographer Lauren Patton for her entry, “Reflections of Fall.”

Here are more winners. Watercolor: first place, Richard Janke; second place, James Hawkey. Acrylics and Oil: first place, Deb Steytler; second place, Ariana Kocab. Photography: first place, Anne Kline; second place, Linda Kelley. Mixed Media: first place, Louise Tomlinson Burgess; second place, Kathryn Akucewich. Drawing: first place, Dustin Kaiser; second place, Nancy Baker.

This year’s show has gone virtual and may be viewed at artsteps.com by using the keyword search “Unveiled.”

Valley Art Center

Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St. Chagrin Falls, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The current exhibit, “Visionaries,” celebrates the influential artists involved in the early years of Valley Art Center and may be viewed through Oct. 16.

The deadline for artists to enter the 49th annual “Juried Art Exhibit” is Oct. 9. The show will be up for viewing Nov. 6 through Dec. 16. Learn more at valleyartcenter.org or call 440-247-7507.

Stella’s Art Gallery

The “Oddball Art” show opens Oct. 10 at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, as part of Downtown Willoughby’s Second Saturday celebrating the city, its art, shops and eateries.

Get ready for the November show, “Bricolage.” My first question, and perhaps yours: “What’s a bricolage?” Pronounced bree-kuh-lahzh, it’s a construction or creation from a diverse range of available things. In art, it’s a piece of makeshift handiwork. Seems like the perfect follow-up to “Oddball Art.”

The categories are Mosaic, Collage, Assemblage and Mixed Media. This is a juried show with cash prizes and ribbons. Artwork dropoff is from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 and 6 and from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Area artist Nancy Brotz will jury the show.

Visit stellasartgallery.com for complete details or call 440-266-9111.

Gallery One

It’s final. The building has sold, and Gallery One, 7003 Center St., Mentor, will be in a new location just a mile away when 2021 begins, with owners Alan and Norah Lynne Brown not ready to retire but instead downsizing.

But for now, and through Thanksgiving, the sale is on. In addition to fine artworks, the fixtures and supplies from decades of hosting art shows and receptions, including coffee urns, chafing dishes, and more items are all for sale. It’s not too early for Christmas shopping; after all, there are only eleven weekends left before the holiday.

Gallery One is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 440-255-1200 or 800-621-1141, email alan@galleryone.com or visit galleryone.com.

Ashtabula Arts Center

Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., is hosting the “Geneva Camera Club 65th Anniversary Photography Show” this month. The gallery is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

AAC also is collaborating with the Ashtabula County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Ashtabula County LOSS Team in seeking artworks for the fourth annual suicide awareness and prevention show, “Hope in Artistry,” which will be the November exhibit.

For more information or to schedule an off-hours viewing appointment, call 440-964-3396. Admission to the gallery is free. Visit AAC online at ashtabulaartscenter.org.

Beachwood Community Center

October certainly is an artsy month. Check out the Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd. in person or at beachwoodohio.com through Oct. 28 to view artworks by Lisa Gerla-Feder, Meghann Hennen and Deb Steytler.

The center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 216-595-3733 for a personal tour of the show.