Getting to know Jerry Schmidt from Waterloo 7 Art Gallery

How ironic that I met Jerry Schmidt about 4 years ago at the Arts Collinwood Gallery on Waterloo; we both grew up in Mentor Headlands, attended Mentor High School (that's right the school with the bullying issues) Shore Jr. High and pretty much knew the same people in Mentor but really never knew each other till about 4 years ago.

Jerry operated the Waterloo 7 Gallery at the Zaller building for about 8 years. In April of 2010 he relocated to Willoughby Hills, the gallery is now located at 35005 Chardon Rd. This location is currently home to about 25 artist .The gallery is open from 1-7 Tues. thru Thur. 1-10 Fri. thru Sat. 1-6 on Sunday.

Although Jerry moved the studio to Willoughby Hills, he still has his work studio here in N. Collinwood. He lives above one of my favorite breakfast places, Fotinas on E 156 St.

He is a second generation metal sculpturist; his father, Fred Schmidt was a world-renowned metal sculptor who worked also for the New York Central Railroad Service, and died in 2001 due to asbestos.

Jerry has two children, Andreah, 27, and Tyler, 16, who happens to be following in his father's footsteps, and one grandson, Nathan, who is 2 years of age.

Jerry is an ironworker by trade and is affiliated with local 17 of the ironworkers union. He has been sculpting since the age of 18, and has made Waterloo his home, and although he may not appreciate some of the antics that happen, his eyes are not closed to its problems.  

Here are Jerry's 10 Questions:

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My kids and Art.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Not to rely on people to be independent in the arts.

What quality do you most like in a person?

Honesty.

What do you value most in friends?

Accept them for who they are.

What is your most treasured possession?

My grandchild.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Rummaging through a scrap yard.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My children and grandchild, again.

What makes you unique?

I am very straightforward and say what I feel.

If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?

My attitude.

What's your favorite word?

Beautiful!!!!

All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life.
-- M. C. Richards

Jerry is truly a gem in this neighborhood.

We really hope that you have enjoyed the past year of Getting to Know You articles. If you would like to see a neighbor or business in this column please submit suggestions to the paper at collinwoodobserver@gmail.com, and put "Getting to Know You" in the subject line.