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Posts Tagged ‘Cleveland arts’
It’s starting….
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 What are YOU doing this weekend?
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009What are your plans for the weekend? There is plenty going on to keep you interested!
First off, for bicycle enthusiasts is the exhibition at Spin Bicycle Shop in Lakewood. It is a photographic exhibit of bike related art, featuring prints by RUSSELL LEE and GREY CARDIGAN. It opens Friday, Dec. 4th with a reception that starts at 6pm. Spin is located at 14515 Madison Ave In Lakewood and will be serving Fathead beer for the opening…mmm…
Be sure to stop by Visible Voice Books in Tremont as well. Do a little holiday shopping, and while browsing the shelves participate in the tasting of Fort Ross Wines from Sonoma. The wine tasting is Friday, December 4th from 7:30 to 10pm. You can find Visible Voice Books at 1023 Kenilworth Ave
Get down and dirty with a great workshop on composting. My buddy Timothy Smith of the Cleveland Greenhouse Project will be leading his Composting Workshop this Saturday at the Trinity Community Garden (East 35th & Cedar, behind the McDonalds on Carnegie) It would be great to see you there!
Help the Cleveland Greenhouse Project build composting bins at the Trinity Community Garden downtown at East 36th Street and Cedar Avenue in order to experiment with arrangement, mixes and composition of nutrient-rich compost. Bring gloves, shovels, hammers, heavy-duty Staple guns, old newspapers and cardboard boxes, and be ready to have fun while getting a little dirty and learning a lot! We’ll be combining organic food waste, yard waste, cardboard, newspaper and wood chips in order to make a rich compost for next year’s growing season. Food waste and shipping pallets will be donated by the Sanson Company, located at the Northern Ohio Food Terminal.
If you don’t know about the Cleveland Greenhouse Project, you should! It is all about building a great greenhouse that can help provide economic benefit to Cleveland and provide real food to low income urban environments. It is an idea whose time has come!
Saturday night is the F**K Cancer event at the Beachland Ballroom. Three bands, $7, all the proceeds of which are going to support the Taussig Cancer Center. This event was organized by a friend of mine in honor of her late father and the great care he received during his illness. Gift her a birthday gift worth getting, and have a blast while you are at it! The event starts at 8:30, the Beachland is at 15711 Waterloo Rd.
You can go and see The Santaland Diaries directed by my friend Brian, to put you in that holiday mood:
CPT is proud to present the return of The Santaland Diaries, onstage in the James Levin Theatre from November 27 through December 19 (Preview, Friday, November 27; Opening Night, Saturday, November 28)! This CPT favorite is the story of a 33 year-old slacker who takes a job as Crumpet, a Macy’s Christmas elf. Written by NPR favorite and accomplished satirist David Sedaris, The Santaland Diaries is a hilarious retelling of one elf’s unique experience in the throes of the holiday season and is sure to bring a smile to even the grinchiest face! Directed by Brian D Bethune, featuring Doug Kusack as Crumpet the Elf.
Reserve your spot at a cabaret table and bring your own wine to the show! Reserve premium seating at just $30 per ticket and enjoy reserved seating, corkage and table service during the performance (cash sales of beer, soda, coffee and snacks). Grab your friends and a great bottle of wine, come early, enjoy the show and mix and mingle afterwards! Cabaret tables and corkage are only available in advance through the CPT website or by phone at 216.631.2727 ext. 501.
Round out the weekend with a nice brunch in Ohio City…what is your favorite spot? Finish the whole weekend in style with a great dinner at Sergio’s Sarava in Shaker Square. Through December, every Sunday enjoy Live Music at SARAVA from 5-9 PM!
Come get in the Brazilian spirit & take a mini vacation without leaving home!
Duke of jazz Kenny Davis & Brazilian guitarist Moises Borges play Bossa Nova and Samba Classics.
Enjoy your weekend!
It’s not weird, its Bizarre!
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009Wouldn’t it be nice to have a holiday season that didn’t involve using a ton of extra energy to light the lights, filling our landfills with cards and wrapping paper, and export more of our dollars to China as we buy cheap crap to shove under the tree? While I know that I won’t get most people to stop the commercial shopping experience that is Christmas (or Hannukah, or solstice, Kwanzaa, whatever). As “Black Friday” approaches, I am hoping that everyone will put out the effort to support local businesses. There are plenty of events around town that will allow you to help the local economy, while still getting your shopping fix.
Bizarre Bazaar
This event was one of my favorite last year. Billed as an “indie craft show” we really didn’t know what to expect. We wondered what we would see at a show that promised “not to be your grandma’s craft show.” We were so pleasantly surprised. The place was packed with people-shoppers and stalls alike. The wares were all across the board. Not only was there jewelry and hand sewn goodies, but T-shirts, soaps, and all kinds of things that I have seen nowhere else. 
So popular was this show, in fact, that they added a second show on the East Side this year. The East Side show is Black Friday Weekend (this Friday and Saturday) 12635 Larchmere (across from Vine & Bean) during the Larchmere Holiday Stroll. 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. There are 50 vendors for this event. The West Side event is once again at the 78th st studios 1300 W. 78th St to 1305 W. 80th St., north parking lot, north entrance (behind the building) — accessible from W. 78th OR W 80th St. Saturday December 12th from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday December 13th from noon to 6:00 p.m.
The 22nd annual Holiday Open Studio and Sale
If you have ever gone to Sparks Gallery Hop, then you know just how great some of the artists are that are housed in this building. If you haven’t, then you should definitely find out. This show has over 20 downtown artists and 30 regional artists working in fine arts and crafts, working in a whole range of media. If you want something outstanding for giving this year, then this is the spot! For fine arts and crafts, this is billed as the largest collection of artists for the holiday season.
Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, December 6, 2009, from 11am to 5pm.
The Art Craft Building is at 2570 Superior Avenue, Cleveland 44114 Studios on the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th floors.
Free Parking available. Elevator access.
TerraVista Studios 10th Annual Holiday Sale
Friday, December 4: 11am – 4pm. Saturday, December 5: 12-7pm. Sunday, December 6: 12 – 4pm
Just down the street at 1400 East 30th St. #401 216.523.1382
Detroit Shoreway After Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend
A great way to shop and support local retailers is to check out the newly refurbished Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. The retailers here are great! Get something locally made or hand crafted at Room Service, the shop that started the whole Made in 216 event! Get something wacky, funny and unique at Kitsch City, I mean where else can you buy a rubber ducky shaped like Elvis or the Pope? Be sure to stop in at Duo Home, a fantastic home store. I would love to get anything from this store, and they have a yummy selection of some of my favorite gourmet food lines. So much good taste in one shop, you think you are in heaven. Shopping wear you out? Not to worry! Get a quick pick me up at Gypsy Beans with a mocha and a hand made pastry. Round off the day with a nice meal at Luxe, Latitude 41, or the newly reopened Big Egg! Since you finished all your shopping in one day, celebrate with a drink at the Happy Dog, or Stone Mad pub! Come see all this great area has to offer.
Art and giving back collide…
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009I love glass art. I am working on some of my own designs right now! But there is one company who is doing great designs from recycled glass bottles that is really cool. The company is From the Blue Bag. Taking waste out of both the waste AND recycle stream, this company creates cool glass art that is functional. Check them out to see some cool stuff. Upcycling is the purest form of reuse, keeping trash out of the landfill. This company’s products are also great, because after being used for another purpose, they can still be recycled at the end of their second life. They are making a great product, and can be seen in a slew of retail outlets.
They recently moved to their new location at 2085 W. 114th Street in Cleveland, and as a grand opening celebration, they are having a “GIVE BACK” Party on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This is not just a cool party and celebration, this company is doing even more good. A portion of all sales for the evening will benefit E-CITY—a non-profit that teaches students entrepreneurial, business and life skills to enable economic independence. Given the new world economy that we are in, this is a great cause that is sorely needed, especially in Cleveland. This is an open house, so you can see their cool new digs, and do a little shopping, while doing a little good of your own. Remember, that by buying these eco friendly gift items, you are promoting the local economy as well. Why do you shopping at the last minute, when you could do it here and benefit a good cause, support an environmentally sound company, and have a beverage while you are at it. But do a little giving back of your own, and bring some non-perishable food items to help those who are in need.
Make your holidays Green!
Art Open Studio Event this weekend!
Friday, November 6th, 2009I got this email from one of my favorite artists. Take a little time to stop by this event this weekend, and maybe get your holiday shopping all done! Remember that buying local helps support local artists and the local economy. I hope that I will see you there!
The artists of the Lake Erie Building are hosting an open studio event on Saturday, November 7th from 3-9pm. Included are works in glass, ceramics, mosaics, jewelry, fiber art, prints and paintings as well as clothing.
The Lake Erie Building Holiday Open Studio includes work from over 20 resident artists including: Ann Brown, Gina DeSantis, Robert Durr, Michael Hudecek, Peter Jennings, Karen Jewell-Kett, Phyllis Kohring Fannin, Chad Hansen, Marc Konys, Chrissy Lapossy, Level Design, Christine Mason, Michelle Mowery, M.C. Nagel, Mary Beth Norton, Nadine Norton, Shannon Okey, Steve Ollay, Ann Onusko, Arabella Proffer-Vendetta, Dan Pruitt, Kari Sanford & Kate Tobin.
Visiting artists include: Elizabeth Emery, Frank’n stuff, Mallorie Freeman, Erika Kleinhart, Kylee Koszela, Deborah Pinter, Sandy Millman, Alicia Nagel, Suzanne Sebold, Second Saturday Artists, Ruth Sholtis-Furyes, Small Screen Designs, Nancy Spotts, Udella Spotts, Bart Virtunski & Cheryl Weinstein.
Live music from Casual Encounters & Mark Kleinhaut.
After party at the Grafton St. Pub. located at 13603 Madison Ave, Lakewood. Visit http://www.screwfactoryartists.com for more info.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Over the bridge…or under…
Sunday, September 27th, 2009I really like that Cleveland took part of the Detroit Shoreway bridge and made it a pedestrian and bike friendly through-way. Part of what has been missing from the overall plan for Cleveland’s green future has been to add access to those who are not using a car. In case you did not know, there was originally a trolley line that ran under that bridge. It came up onto the street somewhere by the Van Roy coffee building (near 28th and Detroit). There was a major station that was housed at each end of the bridge. The bank building on 25th and Detroit (where Massismo restaurant is housed) has a beautiful entrance that is still in great shape. Under the bridge, most of the rails still exist as do several other entrances. The tile work is still in great condition in much of the space and with some minor work could almost be made usable again. Let’s face it though, that is not likely to happen.
The underside of the bridge is open to the public at least once a year to walk. If you have not been, then watch for your next chance. The views are great and the columns of the structure add a great ambiance to the overall experience. This weekend was the Bridge Project. The folks who bring us Ingenuity Festival every year decided to expamd on their concept and bring us a little art and culture in September. This time, they held it on the bridge. This was a great way to esperience the mile long expanse of bridge. In the past, it has just been a walk and and gander, but this time I was excited by all sorts of sights, sounds and smells.
There were great exhibits of local artists. My favorite was a Main Street made from toys (like Polly pocket houses and Weebles tree-house) all lined up. They were all boarded up, though to say a little something about the state of the economy in regions like NE Ohio. I say some great drawings and paintings. This type of venue is perfect for struggling artists to get their work out to the public, so you see some truly interesting stuff. There were several bands that played and music varied through out the 2 day event. I hope the organizers felt it was a success, as this is a great way to get more interest in our downtown.
We made the trip with our friends the Purdums. Check out Prasti’s blog here for some great pictures. They have 3 kids, so I was thrilled to see this type of event with little hands and eyes along. It was really a family friendly experience and a great way to expose young minds to new and interesting arts. If they do this again, do NOT miss out!
The space is so interesting, and rarely used, that it makes me wonder why we can’t put together a local market that is open every Saturday during the summer. I love our local farmers markets, but one issue that i see is that there are so many that they tend to be small and fragmented. If we could tap into the energy of the West Side market experience, and bring many vendors together in one place, then we could make something truly incredible happen. The one complaint that I have about the West Side Market is that so few of the vendors are selling anything from Ohio. Most are selling the same produce that is available at Giant Eagle or Dave’s, imported from Chili, New Zealand or California. Farmers markets, on the other hand are full of local (and thus healthier and tastier) produce. Why not expand on it too? Every arts or street fair in Cleveland is packed with people. Why not bring some of these local arts and artisans to one place, mix them with food and farmers, add a little music and voila! The Cleveland Urban Market. The venue is already available. It is currently unused. The costs of having a booth would easily offset the marketing and restroom set up…Know anyone who would like to make this happen? Would you go?
Ingenuity is Ingenius…
Saturday, July 18th, 2009I have never seen anything like it before. I am talking about Cleveland’s Ingenuity Fest. Scattered over several blocks and incorporating an assortment of venues was this premier arts event. Not really knowing what to expect, we arrived on Friday evening. After getting our wristbands and entering onto the main thoroughfare, we were greeted with the mandatory food stalls. Not surprisingly, they featured a huge assortment of fried foods and the obligatory funnel cakes. You cannot go to any event in this region without seeing a food stall, and makes me wonder how we moved up the rankings to #15 in Men’s Health magazine’s list of America’s Fittest Cities. (I suspect me friends over at Crossfit Cleveland are part of the answer.) After passing the smell of grease and cotton candy, we hit the main stage. Over the 3 days there were a variety of acts that preformed here.
North Coast Men's Chorus sings 80's music
While the rock bands were a bit too raucous for me, I loved the performance by the North Coast Men’s Chorus. They always put on such a great show, so if you haven’t seen them, plan on it!
After turning down an alley, we ran into another stage. It was an interactive game show. This stage also saw a variety of performers. Farther down was a weird alien creature hanging on the wall that was “laying eggs” or some such thing. One of the empty buildings was a makeshift gallery showing a variety of artists. The work was mostly painting and some were delightful, while others more whimsical in nature. In the Halle Building, we watched a surreal dance piece done in the waterfall fountain. The Danse Agua was intriguing and exotic! We saw a variety of NASA booths. 3-D games, painters, and watched as some participants had themselves digitally inserted into photographs of astronauts in space. We even watched an Eco Fashion Show. On the street again, there were more booths which changed throughout the festival. There was healthier food, used books, Whole Foods, and various arts and entertainment. Another stage had more stuff, my favorite of which was the Hip Hop dancers. In the Idea Center you could see more modern dance by groups like Morrison Dance Studios, watch shorts, even make your own robots. There was a performance at the Hanna by Tim Miller-a highlight of the weekend for me. Asterisk Gallery got together an enormous show of their artists and put them in the now defunct Christian Science Reading Room building. Truly avant-garde, this was a fantastic collection.
The "Urban Trotter" by Melissa Daubert
On the street you never knew what you might see-jugglers, minstrels, magicians. My favorite was by Melissa Daubert. She created an “Urban Trotter,” which was a nearly life sized kinetic sculpture of a horse being ridden by a monkey. Complete with the recorded clip clop of hooves, attendees were invited to participate by taking a turn pushing the sculpture around the festival. Much of the festival was interactive. We all participated in the “Hands Across” experiment. Photography, painting, robots, virtual gaming, and many others were interactive. There will be another experience in September on the lower level of the Detroit bridge!
On of the other events that we attended was the Cain Park Arts Festival. An annual event in Cleveland Heights, this was our first year we attended. I was shocked at just how large this festival has become and how high the quality of the vendors. The art ran the gamut, too. Photography, sculpture, painting, jewelry, just to name a few. One of my favorites was an artist named Lewis Tardy. 
His futuristic designs came to life in the form of sculptures that were created from gears, metal and parts. Graceful and fluid, yet cold and robotic. Sometimes you see art in your lifetime that years later you will recall with the same feeling of fascination, and Lewis has created this type of work. His card stays in my files for future reference! Be sure to visit his website for a real treat! If you love art, be sure to include this on your calendar for next year.
We also stopped by the 78th Street Experience. Located at the 78th Street Studios, I was treated to huge works by Matt Dibble. I have been to his studio and seen a lot of his more surrealist work, but this show had a wonderful selection of his larger pieces that were more abstract in style. I was delighted by the texture and the colors of his pieces. In addition to the great work of Matt Dibble at Tregoning and Co, the artists work spaces were also opened and turned into a fantastic gallery space upstairs. A great addition to the Gordon Square Arts District, it is worth a trip. Be sure to check out the next big event in October-just in time for the holidays!
Cleveland is really a great place for the arts! Besides our world class museums and symphony orchestra, the local artist here are fantastic. And just in case there aren’t enough galleries or locals, we have so many festivals that draw both vendors and crowds from around the country. What a great place to be!
I know Art-He’s such a great guy!
Friday, July 10th, 2009If you don’t have art on the agenda for this weekend, then you are missing out! There is so much art and culture going on this weekend, that I am having trouble figuring out what to do! First there is the open studios tour at the 78th Street Studios. This is a great building that was converted into galleries and studios. This is there big summer open house. The studios are open from 5:30 to 9pm Friday and 1-5 pm Saturday. Check out this flyer for more info. Also tonight is the Tremont Art Walk. All the galleries and many of the local watering holes will be debuting their new artists for the month. Grab a glass of wine and see some great art!
Of course the big news for the weekend is the Ingenuity Fest. An entire weekend chock full of performance and other arts, this is the place to be this weekend. I meant to go last year, but was unable to attend. This year promises a full calendar of exciting things. Melissa Daubert is going to have her “Urban Trotter” rambling down the streets. This is going to be a great place to hang out. I got my tix online with the promo code STRE for 50% off. I also saw that you can get your tickets at Dave’s Markets for half off as well. This is a great way to support your local merchant as well! Robotics, music, video, opera, singing and who knows what else! The streets, alleys, theaters, and halls of the Theater District will all be transformed into performance art spaces. I can’t wait to see what cool things await…Join me!
Another great event is the Cain Park Arts Festival. The entire park will be transformed into a juried art fair with vendors from all over coming to show and sell their wares. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as I hear this show is worth taking the time to see every little thing! There are something like 150 artists with booths at this show, so if you are in need of art (and who isn’t) this is the place to be! Besides, outdoor art festivals are a great way to get some exercise, spend time with friends or family, and are a great way to work that excess energy off of the kids! So the show is FREE on Friday night and $2 each on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 3-8, 10-8, and 12-5 respectively.
While you are out and about on Saturday, check out the Cleveland Food Co-op. It is at 117th and Euclid. This weekend is their Summer Social.
Join us to celebrate the season with other community-based groups… food, local artists, farmers, and musicians! There will be raffles, free samples, you name it!
Sarva Soaps will be a vendor, and we look forward to seeing you!
Sounds like fun and it is a great place to shop for healthy foods.
Wrap things up on Sunday with a trip to the Gordon Square Farmers Market and a trip to Reddstone. Reddstone is hosting the anniversary party for Metromix. Called the Get Lei’d Birthday Party, they will have a free pig roast , food and drink specials, and even a sand volleyball tournament. Be sure to check them out, they have a great patio! The festivities start at 1pm. What? Never heard of Metromix? You should definitely check it out. I would call it a Cleveland Interactive Entertainment News and Events Online Magazine. There is so much going on in this town that this is a great way to be connected to the events and happenings in the area. Want to find a new place for dinner? Wondering what is going on when your out of town guests arrive? Want to get reviews of the latest music, TV or movie? Where is the hottest new club? All these questions can be answered in one spot at Metromix!
So in honor of the Arts this weekend, I am giving away another print. This is an 8×10 Black and White print. Matted and mounted. Simply comment on my blog ( and I am not picky-any post is fine!) before noon on Monday! Good luck! Congrats to RG for the last win!
A day late….but a giveaway all the same…
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
So the idea behind the giveaways was to increase the dialogue, but also give people a reason to check in at least once a week and see what is going on at the blog. However this ideas will only work if I manage to be on time and post these giveaways on a regular basis. Last week’s winner was Jessica in Canada! Today I am giving away another 8×10 print. This one is a color print. Matted and mounted for framing. Once again, post a comment on my blog anytime this week and Friday morning I will randomly choose a winner.Okay-go crazy!
Food, Fun and Shopping-all in 216
Friday, June 26th, 2009
The shops of Detroit Shoreway
A great crowd!
We just got back from Made in 216 . This is the brain child of Danielle, owner of a store on Detroit called Room Service. A big believer in helping local artists and manufacturers, Danielle had her first event as a celebration of all things Cleveland. Her shop is a cozy spot on Detroit Ave, just west of 65th Street. The event was so successful that it drew both shoppers and participants alike from all over the city. People poured onto the street and hovered about and crammed in close to see what was new. Danielle, smart woman that she is, realized she had stumbled onto a great idea. This incarnation was an event to rival some of the hottest festivals in the city. She involved the other local merchants. Kitsch City, the fun gift shop, has items like Moses rubber duckies and the best birthday cards in town. Duo Home has some of the coolest home items I have ever seen. Rarely do I enter a store and find that I love EVERYTHING! And they have Stonewall Kitchen products-homestyle sauces and condiments that are like Gramma made em. Just a few doors down, we stopped for a beer at Luxe. The pizzas are amazing here, and the service is phenomenal. This time around, Danielle made use of a large storefront area across the street that is currently empty. Room Service created a huge showroom that allowed a lot of people to see the great products that made right here in 216!
Among my favorite items this year were Sarva Soaps. These hand crafted soaps are all natural and made with eco friendly packaging. The scents are absolutely AMAZING! 
APOC was also well represented. I have written about A Piece Of Cleveland before, but this time I got a chance to see larger designs. In addition to the cutting boards and kitchen items, I got to see some tables, chairs and other exciting furniture. Seeing these items was worth the trip all by itself! The Cleveland Clothing Co was there with his own individual spin on T shirts that celebrate Cleveland. He even created a limited edition made in 216 shirt just for the event! The Made in 216 event continues Saturday from 11-9. There are bands playing at teh Happy Dog both nights, so get out and celebrate all that is Cleveland!
