Beck Center for the Arts Presents 'Abstract Infrastructure' Solo Exhibition

Berea artist Debbie Clapper's meticulous freehand abstract geometric artwork is featured in the new show.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio is hosting a solo art exhibition titled 'Abstract Infrastructure' featuring the work of Berea artist Debbie Clapper. Clapper's abstract geometric artwork is created entirely freehand without the use of rulers, compasses, or other tools. The exhibition will be on display from March 6 through July 12 in the Berkey Gallery and includes both preliminary sketches and final abstract compositions.

Why it matters

Debbie Clapper's unique freehand abstract artwork challenges traditional notions of precision in art. The exhibition provides an opportunity for the community to explore how structure, line, and experimentation evolve from concept to final piece in Clapper's creative process.

The details

Clapper, a 1998 graduate of Lutheran High School West, returned to Northeast Ohio in 2020 after living in Colorado for many years. Her abstract geometric 'optical illusion art' is created entirely freehand without any tools or aids. The free 'Abstract Infrastructure' exhibition at the Beck Center will feature works such as '... Of Course I Was Mistaken,' created with archival pens on Bristol paper. In addition to the exhibition, the Beck Center will host an April 25 Sketchbook Workshop led by Clapper to provide participants a closer look at her creative techniques.

  • The 'Abstract Infrastructure' exhibition will be on display from March 6 through July 12, 2026.
  • The public is invited to attend a free artist reception on May 22, 2026.

The players

Debbie Clapper

A Berea artist known for her meticulous freehand abstract geometric artwork.

Melinda Placko

The Associate Director of Visual Arts at the Beck Center for the Arts, who invited Clapper to participate in a recent holiday show before asking her to host a solo exhibition.

Beck Center for the Arts

A community arts center in Lakewood, Ohio that is hosting the 'Abstract Infrastructure' solo exhibition of Debbie Clapper's artwork.

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What they’re saying

“Debbie Clapper's dedicated approach to art-making inspires. She is an endlessly curious artist, exploring new facets of her artistic expression through daily drawing and painting. The art on exhibition combines high-level craft, intense focus and meditative compositions.”

— Melinda Placko, Exhibition Curator (Press Release)

“My work is very abstract and non-representational, so it's an exciting partnership. The Beck Center is always innovating and thinking of different ways to share art with the community.”

— Debbie Clapper (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The public is invited to attend a free artist reception for the 'Abstract Infrastructure' exhibition on May 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Debbie Clapper's unique freehand abstract artwork challenges traditional notions of precision in art, providing the community an opportunity to explore the evolution of structure, line, and experimentation in her creative process through the 'Abstract Infrastructure' exhibition at the Beck Center for the Arts.