Posts Tagged ‘Cleveland arts’

Yum, Dim Sum, and the Flats…

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Cleveland is stretching and growing and trying to reinvent itself.  I love the energy and enthusiasm of the young people of this town.  They have a definite love of Cleveland and a desire to make it a better place.  So many are working hard to breathe new life into the region.  For those of you who are feeling that Cleveland has gone stagnant, then you are not paying attention!

Matthew Mytro and Kim Burant

First off, Friday was the latest installment of Yum! at the Mercury Lounge.  This is a monthly event put together by Stove Monkeys and Crisp Catering.  This event is usually on a weekday, but this month they wrangled a prime Friday evening spot.  This month’s menu was a little more dessert heavy with the liquid raviolis being served with trail mix cupcakes, liquid nitrogen milk shakes, Red Bull and sorbet shots, snickers bombs, and some inventive cocktails.  I am always eager to support cool ideas and things going on in Cleveland, so I managed to carve out a couple of hours to come down to check it out.  In addition, I had mini Ruben sandwiches and gyros from a the Old World Deli (delish!).  I ran into my friend Anabel Kouri (formerly of E4S) and was surprised to find out that they were there because of my blog-I guess someone does actually read this thing!  Her and her husband are running a small farm and selling their goods at the Lakewood Farmers Market on
Saturday, near the Marc’s.  We had a great time discussing local foods and the trials and tribulations of urban farming.  I was sad to see Anabel leave E4S, but was happy for the Peace Corps for managing to snag her.  Perhaps she will be willing to write a blog post about the Peace Corps and the good work that it does (hint, hint).  Kim Burant was telling me about the next edition of Fearless and it looks to be even more exciting than the last one!  Watch this space for details!  Matthew hinted at the future of Crisp Catering a possible food truck in his future….Read more about Matthew on the Cleveland Magazine website.

Goodies from Old World Deli

Gourmet Cracker Jacks with prizes!

Liquid nitrogen milk shakes....

Speaking of food trucks, Dim and Den Sum is on the radar!  If you watch food shows, then you may have seen The Great Food Truck Race.  This is a show that pits teams of food trucks against each other as they try to make the most amount of money in a couple of days in a city they are not familiar with.  While this is not the greenest show out there (food trucks and cars driving around the country), it is fun and a great insight into the challenges that are particular to food truck chefs.  One team is Grill Em All, an LA based burger truck that is run by chefs from Rocky River.  So… for next year, the Food Network has called for nominations from around the country.  One of them is our very own Dim and Den Sum!  You vote you can vote every day for this truck!!  Chefs Chris Hodgson and   Jeremy Esterly are great guys and would make great advocates for NE Ohio, because the winner of this challenge gets $10,000 and a chance to appear on the next season of the Great Food Truck Race!  GO!  Vote early and vote often, show the world how Cleveland really is!!  Besides, for every vote, you are entered to win a trip to the NY Wine and Food Festival.

I also wanted to clue you in to another fun thing that I have found.  It is the Cleveland’s A Plum blog and their fun web series The Flats. If you ever wondered what it is like to be young and having fun in today’s Cleveland, then this is a great blog.  I am living vicariously through Alexis Marino and her friends as they show off the fun spots to hang out in Cleveland.  Their new web series, the Flats, is a fun parody of the Hills.  While I have never actually watched an episode of The Hills, I have seen enough buzz to get most of the humor and I thin it is just plain fun!  There are only a couple of episodes so far, but I am waiting patiently for the next installment…

To round out the weekend I worked as back up support for Chef Bob Sferra at the LGBT Center Garden Party.  All the sparkling glitteratti of gay society were there as well as a few celebrities.  It was a great event, but my feet are killing me.  I have to say Kudos to Chef Bob for pulling off another great event for the Center.  The food was fantastic ( what little I got to taste) and the presentation was amazing.  If you ever need a chef to cater your event, then Bob is your man!!  Oh, and check out his new website, and you can follow his blog at Culinary Occasions-I built his new website, so this is a bit of shameless self promotion.

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Are you a film maker?

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Bulletin from the cause: Cleveland International Film Festival

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Posted By: Patrick Shepherd
To: Members in Cleveland International Film Festival

The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival Announces Its Call For Entries

The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival CALL FOR ENTRIES is currently open. Short and feature-length films made after June 1, 2009 are now being accepted for consideration. Films must be available on DVD (Region 1 or 0) for review and must be submitted before November 30, 2010. For complete details visit www.clevelandfilm.org or www.withoutabox.com.

In recent years, more than $100,000 has been awarded to short films and independent features presented in the CIFF competitions. These include the American Independent Award, the Central & Eastern European Film Competition, the Greg Gund Memorial Standing Up Film Competition, the Nesnadny + Schwartz Documentary Film Competition, and fourteen short film competitions.

The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 – April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas in Tower City Center. For more information, visit www.clevelandfilm.org or call 216.623.FILM.

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OM at Playhouse Square.

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

One of my artist buddies, Melissa Daubert has an interesting installation coming up at Playhouse Square.  You may remember Melissa from Ingenuity Fest.  She is the brain and vision behind the “trotter” that was seen around the grounds.  It was the animatronic horse that moved like a real horse when you pushed it around teh festival-complete with clopping horse sounds.  I think her work is always a delight, so mark your calendar and stop by to see this interesting installation.

OM postcard page 1OM postcard page 2

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Monday reflections

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Earth Day is later this week, but that did not stop most people from celebrating early. Most Earth Fest activities were held this weekend in advance of the big day. That was the case with Earth Fest at the Zoo. We volunteered at the NEO USGBC table for a couple of hours and had a good time. We arrived a couple of hours early and saw the exhibits and wandered the grounds. It was most of the usual suspects, like the Green Triangle, Nature’s Bin, and Cleveland Bioneers. Of course, there are always some people at these kinds of events that make no sense to me-like the Radical Communist Party and the Colleges who have no real green program. But hey, it is a party and everyone is welcome. I do find much of these kinds of events very ironic, though. Just like so many other green events, every table is loaded with paper and other freebies that are really not necessary. While working at the table, there was a bowl of candy out. It attracted plenty of children who have no real interest in the USGBC or green building. Still, armed with their free grocery bag from Wal Mart, they picked up several brochures as well as their free gobstoppers. I remember the days as a kid when we would go to the state fair. We would get our free bag and go through the exhibition hall and see just how many free brochures we could fit in the bags. It all would go in the trash when we got home. If we were particularly successful in our endevours, it often got tossed right on the fairgrounds as it became to heavy to lug around, as we wanted to ride the rides. It got me to thinking about waste and recycling, and I noticed there were no paper recycling stations set up anywhere on the grounds. While I can understand that the zoo has no need for paper recycling on the grounds in general, as usually there is little paper to collect that isn’t stained with burger grease or what not. Still, it seems to me that they could easily have gotten some bins for the day. At any event, there are people who are always trying to shove paper at me, and when I try to turn them down, they look hurt. I would expect less of this at an Earth Day event, but that was not the case. Still more intriguing was the cheap crap that was being given away, much of which was not going to even survive the day, let alone avoid landfill. This is the irony of planet saving and baby steps. We were given stainless steel water bottles emblazoned with the slogan to drink local drink tap. While I support the sentiment and especially the reduction of plastic water bottles, the irony of it is the water bottles were NOT made locally. In fact they were made in China-probably from steel that came from materials in the US that was shipped there, processed into steel bottles and shipped back here for our event. At least there were plastic bottle recycling stations for the only other beverage that I had while there, and I added a selection of reusable bags to my arsenal. I have managed to not bring new plastic bags into our house in over a year, so I am a happy camper.
I think the Earth Day Coalition could take a page from the play book of a homeowner named Rollie in Cleveland Heights. I accompanied Bud and our friend Judy to a GLSEN event at this lovely Cleveland Heights colonial, but was most impressed with the recycling efforts they were making. Lined up were a series of trash cans, each individually labelled and properly lined with blue bags for their recycling products. One for each kind of material and a staging area for sorting, I was so moved that I think a tear came to my eye. I admit that I don’t know much about the program in place in Cleveland Heights, but this kitchen was obviously making use of every bit of it!

The other event that I attended over the weekend that was stunning was the Art Cares event, a benefit for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. I always donate a piece or two to this worthy cause and am pleasantly surprised when they sell in the pre sale. The event was held at the Saigon Plaza on the edge of Gordon Square and was a huge success. Packed with all sorts of people, art pieces flew out the door like there was no tomorrow. This is the preeminent arts event of the year for the Taskforce and I am always proud to be a part of it. My buddy Rebecca had a huge part to play in its success this year, so hats off to her and her efforts. Catered by Marigold, I think, there was plenty of food and plenty to drink-the easy way to open hard fast wallets. We sneaked out as the live auction began, but hear it was a huge success. Congrats to everyone involved for putting on another fantastic show!

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As the weather warms, things are heating up!

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Now that the snow has stopped falling (we hope) and everyone has started to look at their spring tasks, more events seem to be popping up on the calendar. Here are some that you should think about trying to squeeze into your schedule:

Wednesday, April 14

Cleveland Composts! 8:30 – 11 am  Trinity Commons, 2230 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 A Zero Waste NEO Network Event

This looks to be another great event by E4S.  I have been so happy to have connected with Annabel and Victoria at E4S.  It was through these guys that I was able to hook up with all the contacts that I needed to make the Hospitality Headquarters reduce its waste to almost zero.  It should be fun, we will be hearing from people who are experts in this area: Nancy Hughes, Compost & Recycling Coordinator Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Jessie Jacobson, Director of Premium Services Aramark – Quicken Loans Arena; Dave Pindel, LEED AP, Herschman Architects, Inc.; Denise Stoudenmire, The George Gund Foundation; Josh Steffen, Hershey Children`s Garden Manager-Cleveland Botanical Garden and Jill Ziegler, LEED AP, Program Manager, Sustainability Initiatives Forest City Enterprises, Inc. Many of these companies are already composting or are finishing their plans to implement a composting program. Cost is $25 for E4s members, $35 for non-members. Register online to pay by card or you can pay by check at the door.

West Side Coop Meeting- 6pm Gypsy Beans and Baking Company. If you have a vested interest in seeing a co op come to Cleveland’s west side, then you should come by and find out where the group is at these days in its plans.

If you have ever thought about volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, then come by their location for a volunteer orientation.  It is scheduled to run from 6-7  and is a prerequisite for volunteering with them.  You don’t have to commit now, but if you think you might want to help them out this summer, get your orientation out of the way now.

Thursday April 15

Now that the taxes are mailed, come to Shaker Sq-area Movers and Shakers at Sarava.  This new group will be meeting to network from 5-7:30 pm.  I was invited by my pal Rachel Downey of Studio Graphique, so it is sure to be a great mix of people.  Come by and meet some great folks!

Friday April 16

If you are interested in learning more about  80 green area businesses, then come to the Green Dream at the Beachwood Community Center, 23235 Fairmount Blvd. from 1-7 pm. Between 1 and 4 each attendee can bring up to 3 boxes of paper to be shredded, so get out your old receipts and bring them by. We exhibited here last year and it was great fun. We will only be spectators this year, but I can’t wait to see the Tesla Roadster that will be on display ans see who is new to the area.

If you do not know of Keller Williams, they are moving into the area like gang busters. They are celebrating the grand opening of their downtown office from 5:30-10 pm. Find them at 700 Johnson Court  and help celebrate this contributor to the local economy.

Then it is time again for the 78th St Experience.  This open house is in the former American Greetings Creative Studios building between W 78th and W 80th Streets (1300 W. 78th St to 1305 W. 80th St) I always enjoy this show.  There are always a ton of great pieces and plenty of good artwork at this show.  Check out their Facebook page to see who is being featured this quarter.  The event runs from 5-9 pm.

Saturday April 17

Art Cares Initiated by the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) in 2003, ArtCares is a collaboration between the CIA and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. Born out of the awareness of the devastating impact the AIDS epidemic has had on the world of art, and out of a consequent awareness that artists can contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS, ArtCares celebrates contemporary art by providing opportunities to bid on original works in a variety of media, while enjoying wine and savories at an elegant reception. All proceeds from the event benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.

Tickets for this event are $50 per person, and $100 per VIP.  Please contact Rebecca Strong at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland to order tickets. Call 216-621-0766 ext. 255, or email atrstrong@atfgc.org.  I have a few donated pieces up for sale here.  Last year the turnout was great and the art was phenomenal.  There were some incredible deals as well.  I had a hard time not going away with more that I donated.

Sunday April 18

Earth Fest: Earth Day event at the Zoo.  This is another great event.  You can see most of the zoo, visit the exhibits by 175 participants and have a great time.  I will be at the NEO Green Building  table in the afternoon, so stop by and say hello.  If you want to get in free, simply ride the shuttle from public square.  Last year, I got a ton of free stuff, too.  Granola bars from Whole Foods, shopping bags, CFL bulbs, and more.  I ran into so many friends that it was just one big party!  Come join the fun!

Tuesday, April 20th

E4S networking meeting at the Tasting Room of the Great Lakes Brewery.  This event is the Small Business Showcase and will feature start ups in the area that are worthy of watching.  Great Lakes beer, appetizers, great networking and a good program.  Never disappoints. 5:30-8:30 pm.

A Designer’s Footprint is a panel discussion of the creative industry and how it impacts consumer experiences in our city.  This event is at the CIA Aitkin Auditorium and starts at 6pm.  Come early to see a special viewing of the CIA Spring Design Show.  Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the event and will be followed by a meet up at the Greenhouse Tavern.  I know most of the panel, so I am sure it will be an informative and lively discussion.  Panelist include, Bill Doty of Doty & Miller, Dan Cuffaro of the CIA, Susie Frazier Miller an environmental artist, and Jonathan Sin-Jin Satayathum a designer ans sustainability director of the Greenhouse Tavern.

Wenesday April 21

GCA and TiE Ohio Portfolio Showcase. This event should be interesting.  I will be going to see the portfolios of local entrepreneurs and see what the local talent is working on.  I wrote about Sunflower Solutions and they are likely to be showing off their portable solar array.  The event is at the GCA offices-10550 Carnegie Avenue, at kicks off at 5pm.  Presentations will start at 5:45 and an open house will follow at 7pm.  Register here and join me for an interesting evening.

Thursday, April 22

Crain’s Cleveland Breakfast Series at the Doubletree downtown from 7:30-9:30 am.  This month will be a look at the Environmental Economy and Clean Water at a valuable asset.  This should prove to be another valuable topic!  Tickets are $35, register in advance.

Saturday and Sunday, April 23-25th

Synergy Fest is the weekend long sporting event at CSU.  Local area teams and athletes will compete and the Synergy Foundation will hone their skills for the upcoming Gay Games in 2014.  The inaugural SynergyFest will host individuals and teams in the following sports: Volleyball, Billiards, Tennis, Flag Football, Racquetball, and Squash.  Come for the fun and watch the sports, or if you like you can still sign up until the 16th.  Visit the Synergy Fest site for more details.

Saturday, April 24th

Come turn Compost! Last November a group of Cleveland Greenhouse Project members set up Compost Bins at the Trinity Community Garden at East 35th and Cedar.  Now we plan to turn and combine the bins and do a site clean-up in preparation for planting.  Rain or Shine! Bring rakes and shovels! Refreshments and education provided!

Then on Monday I will be on a panel for the Ohio Museums Association to discuss Going Green at museums.  As you can see the calendar is getting pretty stuffed, so sorry I haven’t had the time to post much.  In addition, I am planting a large garden (two in fact) in an effort to grow my own food.  Let me know if you are planning on going to one of these events, maybe we can meet up.  Also, be sure to become a fan of ours on Facebook to see daily posts of interesting articles and things I come across.

Great lakes Green Pages Fan Page

Great Lakes Design Collaborative Fan Page

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It’s starting….

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

34th CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL’S (CIFF)
WEBSITE IS LIVE

Let’s Go.  The 34th CIFF’s website is now live.  Visit www.clevelandfilm.org to see our newly redesigned film description pages and to learn what will be on screen at this year’s CIFF, March 18 – 28, 2010 at Tower City Cinemas.  Be sure to check back for program updates between now and March 28th.

The CIFF is thrilled to announce our CIFF iPhone App.  Search for films, get screening times, view program details, watch the 34th CIFF trailer; it’s like having the CIFF in your pocket! Click here to download our FREE iPhone App.  Special thanks to FORM for designing the CIFF iPhone App.
Tickets go on sale to members only on Friday, February 26th and to the general public on Friday, March 5th.  Not a member?  Become one here or call 216.623.3456 x10.  Ticket prices for most films are $10 per film for CIFF members and $12 for non-members.  Tickets will be available online at www.clevelandfilm.org, by telephone (1.877.304.FILM), at the CIFF store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas, or by mail using the Program Guide order form.

Program Guides will be available throughout the region, including all Dollar Bank locations, the week of March 1st.
Cleveland International Film Festival
2510 Market Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44113-3434 | 216.623.3456

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What are YOU doing this weekend?

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

What are your plans for the weekend? There is plenty going on to keep you interested!

ride02
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!

Cleveland Greenhouse ProjectHelp 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.

n179984474826_2331You 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!

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It’s not weird, its Bizarre!

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Wouldn’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.
bazbiz2009image
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.

artshowThe 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

n204488826702_7908 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.

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Art and giving back collide…

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

I 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!

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Art Open Studio Event this weekend!

Friday, November 6th, 2009

I 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!

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