Arts + Culture
Cleveland's collection of world-class arts institutions would be a boon for a city of any size. For nearly a century the Cleveland Museum of Art has served as one of the finest galleries in all the land, recently made all the better thanks to a just-completed $350-million transformation. Rubbing shoulders with the museum for the past 100 years has been the Cleveland Orchestra, which delights fine-music fans at home-base Severance Hall. Toss in the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Institute of Music, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Public Theatre, Museum of Natural History, Cleveland International Film Festival, the Rock Hall, live-music clubs, and funky galleries too numerous to name, it is clear that art, indeed, lives here.
The Cleveland Foundation announced the finalists in the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards for the first time in its 90-year history. Ten books addressing racism and cultural diversity have been selected in four categories. The winners will be revealed in April, with additional celebrations planned for Cleveland Book Week in the fall.
Canalway's annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade brought together more than 300 participants to welcome spring and bid farewell to winter. The event featured creative lanterns made by community members and commissioned works by 11 local artists—all using upcycled materials.
Canalway is hosting its annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade tonight, Saturday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Sokolowski’s Overlook. The eco-friendly celebration features lanterns created by local artists using repurposed materials, highlighting themes of creativity, sustainability, and welcoming spring along the Cuyahoga River.
With a diverse background, BAYarts' new executive director Elizabeth "Beth" Milli says she wants to make art more accessible and welcoming to the community and engage younger residents while also overseeing the Huntington Playhouse restoration.
Lake Erie Ink's 13th annual Kids' Comic Con occurs this weekend at moCa and the Cleveland Museum of Art Community Arts Center at the Pivot Center. The two-day event offers young artists and storytellers an immersive experience in comic creation and artistic expression with workshops, guest artists, an Artists' Alley, and activities.
Another brilliant day of music, creativity, community, and fire is in the books as #BriteWinter2025 wraps up its Sweet 16th year. Photographer Shawn Brewster recaps the memorable event this photo essay.
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!
The Shaker Arts Council (SHAC) is launching its annual Painting the Town project, a public art initiative that transforms utility boxes into vibrant artworks along Shaker Heights streets.
Ghost signs, faded hand-painted advertisements from the 19th and early 20th centuries, can be found throughout America, including Cleveland. Photographer Jeff Christner shares some his favorite relics of a bygone era.
The Cleveland Botanical Garden's annual flower show, Orchids: Love in Bloom, returns on February 14. Featuring more than 3,000 blooms in romantic displays, the show offers an immersive and educational experience that includes special events and classes.
"Out of the Picture," a documentary exploring the future of art criticism, will make its Cleveland premiere at the Cinematheque this weekend. Directed by Mary Louise Schumacher, the film follows art critics as they navigate the changes in the art and media landscape. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Schumacher and former Plain Dealer art critic Steven Litt.
A 750-foot mural—one of the largest murals in Ohio—reflects the culture and history of Cleveland's Woodhill neighborhood as part of the Elevate The East public art plan.
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is hosting Winter Toyland, a holiday exhibition featuring the HollyDays miniature village. Other attractions include the Euclid Beach Park Carousel, the historic Hay-McKinney Mansion, decked out in holiday decor, and several ongoing exhibits—all included with admission.
The BorderLight Theatre Festival—the four-day event that pushes creative boundaries and celebrate diversity—will return to Playhouse Square from July 16 through 19. Right now, the BorderLight has opened its call for artists, with applications due by the end of January.
The beloved Loganberry Books is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend. Known for its large, eclectic collection of books and unique atmosphere, the store has become a community hub for readers and popular for its various events and book clubs. Owner Harriet Logan reflects on the store's history and the importance of physical bookstores in the digital age.
Canalway Partners is looking for artists to create large-scale lanterns for its fourth annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade. The celebration of light, creativity, and sustainability features illuminated art made from recycled materials to encourage environmentalism and welcome spring to the banks of the Cuyahoga River.
"Wild Horses: 60 Years of Ford's Mustang," is now on exhibit at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. The exhibit celebrates the iconic American car's 60th anniversary and features all seven generations of Mustangs, from the 1964 original to the latest 2024 models.
Trumpet player turned music produce Sammy Haig has made significant strides in the music industry by blending classical training with modern production techniques. His talents have led to collaborations with major artists like DJ Drama, Tyler, The Creator, and Meghan Trainor.
The 20th Annual Día de Muertos Festival on Saturday brought thousands to Cleveland Public Theatre and the Detroit Shoreway. Curated by Artistic director Héctor Castellanos Lara, the event featured a colorful procession, traditional music and dance, ofrendas created by local artists, and Mexican cultural traditions to honor ancestors and lost loved ones.
The Jane Austen Society of North America, Ohio North Coast Region Chapter, is holding its sold-out annual meeting in Cleveland this weekend. "Austen, Annotated: Jane Austen's Literary, Political, and Cultural Origins" will bring together scholars, speakers, and Austen devotees for a weekend of activities and academic discussions.