Arts + Culture

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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.

Our CIFF48 picks: Two films with local connections
With hundreds of feature and short films to choose from at the upcoming Cleveland International Film Festival, We chose two films with Cleveland ties to highlight: "What's Next," the story on a 101-year-old physician, and "American Delivery," a documentary on the vital work of nurses in addressing the country's maternal mortality epidemic—especially at The Metrohealth System and Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.
From darkness to light: Photographer Jason Toth uses art as a therapeutic comeback
Jason Toth's photo of a willow tree at Edgewater Beach in 2022 sparked a transformative journey as he dealt with his POTS diagnosis. Two years later the former marketing exec has a booming career in Photographic Pop Art and currently has an exhibit at Kaiser Gallery in HIngetown.
Slam Dunk: CMNH hosts summer exhibit on Cleveland’s favorite large fossil
For a limited time, visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History can view the "Discovering Dunkleosteus terrelli" exhibit and the learn the story behind the discovery of the armored fish that lived about 360 million years ago and is affectionately known as "Dunk."
Call for artists: Shaker Arts Council wants submissions to Celebrating Shaker Artists exhibit
To celebrate its 21st anniversary, Shaker Arts Council is hosting a fundraiser and family fun day in May at Edwin's Too. To celebrate Shaker Heights' dedication to the arts, the organization has opened a call to artists for submissions.
Cosmic Glow: CVNP Conservancy, Museum of Creative Human Art launch eclipse-inspired exhibit
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Museum of Creative Human Art announced a partnership, and the first exhibit, Cosmic Glow, opens March 30 and features the works of five NEO artists inspired by the transformative potential of the upcoming total solar eclipse.
‘Eve:' CMNH hosts author Cat Bohannon in honor of Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) will host researcher, scholar, and bestselling author Dr. Cat Bohannon on Wednesday, March 20 to discuss of her book, “Eve” and how modern medicine, neurobiology, evolutionary biology, and feminism are all undermined when research focuses primarily on the male body.
Literary thrill: Explore Cuyahoga County Public Library's Writers Center Stage this spring
Cuyahoga County Public Library launched the second half of its Writer Center Stage Series last week with author Hernan Diaz. Attendees can look forward to hearing the stories of Rebecca Makkai, Kiese Laymon, and Imani Perry later this spring.
All about the women: CMA’s MIX celebrates women in DJ culture
Just in time for Women's History Month, the Cleveland Museum of Art will host MIX: Women on Wax this Friday, when groundbreaking DJ Minx and Cleveland DJ Red-I keep the Ames Family Atrium hopping while celebrating women in the DJ culture.
Flying bullets: Local filmmaker Johnny Wu releases newest work
Filmmaker Johnny Wu's newest film, "Bullets, Brothers and Blood," featuring a diverse cast, delves into a gripping tale of mistaken identity amid a crime-ridden town. The film premieres this Saturday.
Ode to Joy: Jon Batiste treats intimate audience to music mix
Award-winning, multi-talented Jon Batiste treated an intimate sold-out crowd of 700 people to a variety of melodies and sounds during his hour-long performance at Cleveland Museum of Art's Gartner Auditorium this past Sunday. Bob Perkoski captured some of the magic.
Keeping it short (and sweet): CLE’s largest short film fest returns for 13th year
The 13th Short. Sweet. Film Fest returns to Shaker Square, featuring nearly 300 short films from 23 countries across four screens at Atlas Cinemas. The event includes a diverse genre range, filmmaker appearances, local talents, and international works, promising something for all. Highlights include Mayfield Heights native Anne Hu’s 'Lunchbox' and the Swiss film 'Lose me not.’
A chaotic evening with villains: An account of Playhouse Square’s 2024 Jump Back Ball
As a youngster, Addie Balester participated in many of Playhouse Square Education Department's programs. As an adult, she experienced her first Jump Back Ball last week, hosted by Playhouse Square Partners. She shares her experiences during the themed evening of Villains Unleashed: A Night of Chaos.
Seasonal upgrade: Brite Winter returns to the Flats
Brite Winter, the festival that is full of art, fire, music, and fun to beat the winter blues, returns to the West Bank of The Flats for its 15th year this weekend. There will be more than two dozen musical acts, food trucks, Sibling Revelry beer, and fun. Take a break from winter and warm up to Brite Winter!
Poetry + Art Intersections: Cleveland Poetry Festival announced for April
Literary Cleveland announced today it will host its third Cleveland Poetry Festival in April at Cleveland Museum of Art's Community Arts Center in Tremont. This year's festival celebrates the overlapping influence of poetry and visual art with workshops and events with local and national poets and artists.
Grass roots crime fighters: Funding programs to keep kids out of trouble
In late 2023, the City of Cleveland used $10 million in ARPA money to create and support the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund, which helps grassroots organizations fight the root causes of crime with educational, inspirational, artistic classes. FreshWater Cleveland talks to six of the grant recipients and what the programs are doing.
Art, stories, and fun: Lake Erie Ink Kids’ Comic Con returns, bigger than ever
Lake Erie Ink's 12th annual Kids' Comic Con: Ignite you Imagination takes place on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2 at institutions like Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art's Pivot Center, and MoCa. Kids, teens, and adults are encouraged to ignite their creativity all weekend!
Unleash the villains: Playhouse Square Partners team plans for Jump Back Ball
For more than seven months, the Playhouse Square Partners young professional group has been planning, plotting, and building sets for the organization's annual Jump Back Ball—an evening of dancing, drinks, and music to raise money for Playhouse Square's Education Department. This year's theme is "Villains Unleashed: A Night of Chaos." Find out more about what goes into the planning of this signature event.
Call for artists: Shaker Arts Council seeks artists for utility box design competition
Shaker Arts Council has issued a call for artists to submit designs for utility box wraps on Shaker Heights streets in its Painting the Town design competition. Get the details on applying here!
Orchids Forever: Golden Hour in photos
Orchids Forever: Golden Hour, Holden Forests & Gardens' annual flower show, opened last weekend at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Managing editor Bob Perkoski captured some of the vibrant colors of the orchids. Get your tickets to the exhibits and classes today!
Winter, retreat! It’s time to chase away winter at annual Kurentovanje festival
It's time to scare away winter this weekend with the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival—when the mythical Kurenti appear, their bells loudly ringing as they dance around a bonfire to chase winter away and welcome spring at the Slovenian National House in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.