Karin Connelly Rice

Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 20 years she has reported on the local business community for publications such as Inside Business and Cleveland Magazine. She was editor of the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood and was a reporter and photographer for the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water she enjoys telling the stories of Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing the business and research climate in Cleveland.

Natural world: CMNH first in U.S. to host renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is hosting the prestigious "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" exhibition, marking its first appearance in the United States. The exhibition showcases 100 photographs, capturing diverse wildlife and natural landscapes from around the world.
Hot summer nights and cool world music: CMA’s Summer Solstice returns
The Cleveland Museum of Art's 14th annual Summer Solstice festival will return on June 21—combining music, art, dance, and visuals for a immersive experience. The event will feature music from international bands and DJs, and access to the museum's collections. Plus, get a sneak peek at portions of the upcoming "Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow" exhibit.
Renewal of spirit: Innovative photography gallery, listening room opens at 78th Street Studios
Cleveland artist Jason Toth has opened a new gallery and listening room at 78th Street Studios, combining high-end audio with Toth's hyper-colored immersive photography installations. The space creates a unique experience for art lovers and audiophiles alike.
Well earned: CMNH named Institution of the Year by Ohio Museums Association
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History $150 million transformation has attracted more than 100,000 people in the first quarter of 2024, national media coverage, and now the title of 2024 Institution of the Year by the Ohio Museums Association. CMNH senior vice president and chief strategy officer Meenakshi Sharma reflects back on the transformation, and the positive reception since opening.
Western Reserve Historical Society Library reopens to the public this week after September 2023 fire
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Library will reopen this Thursday after an 18-month closure from a September 2023 fire. Swift action by WRHS staff and collaboration with restoration experts Belfor Property Restoration and The Conservation Center allowed for a total restoration.
Beyond the stage: Two Playhouse Square programs mark 10 years of impacting young lives
Playhouse Square is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Dazzle Awards and Disney Musicals in Schools. These education initiatives bring performing arts to Northeast Ohio students of all ages, providing opportunities for growth and recognition through sustainable theater programs—reaching beyond its renowned Broadway productions.
Nature Includes You: Traveling CVNP photo exhibit depicts how people connect with the natural world
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the traveling photo exhibit and program series  "Nature Includes You." The Conservancy for he Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Museum of Creative Human Art worked together to showcase the diverse ways Northeast Ohioans connect with nature and challenge stereotypes about who belongs in green spaces.
Making a mark: Cleveland teens design warm-up shirts for Charge's final home game
A group of 10 teenage designers recently participated in a graphic design clinic as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' "Bigger than Basketball" initiative. The students designed warm-up shirts worn by the Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League affiliate of the Cavs, during their final home game of the season.
Lyceum Series: Celebrating 50 years of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century since the U.S. National Park Service established it as a National Recreation Area and, ultimately, a National Park. The Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park has already started celebrating the milestone year with its Lyceum Series on the park's history, challenges, conservation, and vision for the next 50 years.
Get rolling: Regional food truck inspection program streamlines permit process
A regional food truck inspection program initiated by the South Euclid Fire Department is streamlining the process for mobile food vendors to obtain their certifications. The program brings together multiple municipalities to conduct coordinated inspections, reducing redundancy and saving time.
Cleveland native brings hometown soul food flair to Cleveland Restaurant Week
Cleveland Heights native Jeremy McBryde's  soul food restaurant Comfort CLE in Glenville is about to start its second run in Cleveland Restaurant Week—offering $39 three-course prix fixe menus today through March 14. Find out what Comfort CLE has on the menu!
Sweet 16: Celebrate the season with a Brite Winter weekend
Brite Winter, Cleveland's annual winter festival, returns for its 16th year with a new location on the East Bank of the Flats. This weekend's event features nearly 30 musical acts, art installations, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. With a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, Brite Winter brings the community together around the fire during Cleveland's coldest months!
Humans Over Human Trafficking: Massive campaign raises awareness
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking launched a new proactive campaign, Humans Over Human Trafficking. The imitative focuses on community empowerment and victim dignity, rather than fear-based messaging, to educate the public about the realities of human trafficking and inspire action.
Breaking the cycle: A Place 4 Me alum fights for a safe haven in Ohio City
Jakiah Moore experienced homelessness three years ago while pregnant with her daughter and fleeing domestic violence. The nonprofit A Place for Me helped her get back on her feet, rent an apartment, and offered her a job. Today, Moore is helping Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, A Place for Me, and other community partners in the fight to open a Drop-In Center for homeless youth in Ohio City.
Mission Possible: Explore freedom, justice, democracy through creativity at Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will a day of free activities, performances, and exhibits inspired by Dr. King's legacy. The event explores themes of freedom, justice, and democracy through art, music, dance, and storytelling, while also offering free admission to the "Picasso and Paper" exhibit.
Snoop out the new Fidelity Hotel in historic Baker Building with Cleveland Restoration Society
The Cleveland Restoration Society is offering its members an exclusive Snoop! Tour to preview the new Fidelity Hotel, on East 6th Street. The historic building, first named the Fidelity Building and later the Baker Building, is rich in history and architectural features. Led by historic preservation consultants Naylor Wellman, LLC, members can explore the adaptive reuse transformation from 1919 office building to a modern hotel.
Bridging Cleveland's digital divide: BlueBridge Networks celebrates two decades of innovation
BlueBridge Networks has evolved from a data center to one of the top comprehensive IT solutions providers in the country under the leadership of Kevin Goodman. As BlueBridge celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to adapt to technological changes and maintain its commitment to excellence in IT services and community involvement.
Come shopping, leave smiling: Big Fun returns to Coventry for second holiday pop-up shop
Big Fun, the beloved nostalgic toy and novelty shop in Cleveland Heights, has returned as a seasonal pop-up store for the second year in a row. Owner Steve Presser offers a wide array of unique items including vintage toys, handmade afghan quilts, and rare rock memorabilia.
Home for the holidays: Local food entrepreneurs set up shop at The Grocery at City Goods
The Grocery at City Goods, a new food-focused retail concept in Ohio City, brings together local food entrepreneurs under one roof. Launched through a partnership between City Goods, JumpStart, and Ohio City Incorporated, the pilot program offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season and grow their brands.
Monsters Among Us: A conversation with author Claire Dederer
Claire Dederer, bestselling author of "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma," will speak at the Cleveland Museum of Art this week, when she will explore the challenges of appreciating great art created by controversial figures—addressing questions of genius, monstrosity, and our role in navigating these ethical dilemmas.