Arts + Culture
With the kickoff of the FRONT Triennial last week, Cleveland has become an insta-darling of the international art world. So what better time to debut The HeART of Cleveland, a coffee table book containing over 100 colorful examples of the diverse array of artists who hail from and/or have resided here?
Certain images may come to mind when considering the art culture in different parts of the United States—the East and West Coasts, or the Desert Southwest. But what stands out about artistic culture in the Great Lakes region? That's exactly what Michelle Grabner set out to explore when she launched a yearlong tour of artists’ studios around the Great Lakes last year, investigating the heart of the Rust Belt and its influence on the art created in major cities.
Home to the Cleveland Orchestra, this gorgeous outdoor concert venue is turning 50 years old in 2018. Blossom has housed hundreds of classical music concerts over the years with world-renowned musicians, in addition to pop and rock artists including Fleetwood Mac, Pentatonix, and the Beach Boys...but you already know this. Here are five things you don’t know about Blossom Music Center.
Fresh Water's monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up the freshest free events in Cleveland.
Standup comedian Ramon Rivas II—named one of Comedy Central’s “Comics to Watch”—has said that “the Cleveland comedy scene has never been more abundant.” So does Cleveland really need another comedy troupe? Ryan Santa and Beau Buccilli answer that question with a resounding yes, and they’re launching a new company, Common Room Theatre, to prove it.
Ahhh, to be a kid again —if only to experience the ridiculously cool summer camps available around Cleveland. From golf games to wizardly fun, these six camps go well beyond the traditional to offer unique and unforgettable experiences for local youth.
For 80 years, Cain Park in Cleveland Heights has entertained audiences under the stars with quality theatre, nationally-known musical and comedy acts, and arts showcases. Read our retrospective of the outdoor amphitheater's history and highlights here.
Rain didn't stop thousands of LaureLive attendees from dancing, exploring, and enjoying great music on the grounds of Laurel School's Butler Campus this weekend. Acts included Brandi Carlile, Foster the People, Fitz & The Tantrums, and X Ambassadors. Check out our managing photographer Bob Perkoski's photos of this vibrant event.
Today marks Karen Gahl-Mills' last day with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, as she'll be leaving the funding agency to move to Chicago and explore teaching and consulting opportunities. Only the second executive director in CAC's history, Gahl-Mills was instrumental in passing a 2015 ballot initiative that extended the agency's tax resource though 2025. We asked Gahl-Mills to reflect on her eight years with CAC and where it's headed.
Ask Denny Young about the biggest music festivals in Ohio, and he’ll make a case for these three: “Bunbury in Cincinnati, Rock on the Range in Columbus, and LaureLive in Cleveland.” He might be biased about that last one—he did help found it, after all. But there’s no denying the numbers: LaureLive has already hosted over 100 bands from around the world and drawn thousands of attendees. And the festival, which takes place this weekend, is only entering its third year.
Fresh Water's monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up the freshest free events in Cleveland.
When Faith & Whiskey got involved with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland's Jam for Justice six years ago, drummer and singer Rich Wesorick admits they mainly viewed it as a great opportunity to play the House of Blues. But for Wesorick and many others, the event has become so much more. Showcasing musical acts comprised of local lawyers and judges, the annual benefit helps provide legal services to low-income or vulnerable Northeast Ohio residents.
The new book LGBTQ Cleveland showcases over 150 photos depicting five decades of Cleveland's LGBTQ history (including some by FreshWater's own Bob Perkoski). But along with a vibrant collection of images, local voices and stories shine through—thanks to author Ken Schneck's dogged efforts to bring them to light.
On May 18, 123 Cleveland Institute of Art seniors celebrated commencement at Maltz Center for the Performing Arts—representing 15 majors from Game Design to Printmaking. We spoke with five of CIA's most recent graduates to find out more about their mediums, messages, and what's in store for these talented artists.
In Susan Joyner’s painting “Darkest Before Dawn,” a city skyline looms, dark and ominous against a gloomy witching-hour sky. Electrical lines criss-cross against the outline of grey clouds. But beyond the darkened buildings and the vast night sky, there’s a glimpse of sunrise: a sliver of hope. Change is imminent.
The painting is one of many artworks on display at the Cleveland Justice Center throughout May as part of a special exhibit that seeks to dispel myths about mental health conditions in Cuyahoga County and beyond.
The painting is one of many artworks on display at the Cleveland Justice Center throughout May as part of a special exhibit that seeks to dispel myths about mental health conditions in Cuyahoga County and beyond.
The Make Your Mark on Moreland project will utilize public art to not only enhance the neighborhood, but also to honor the people and events that have shaped Shaker Heights' Moreland neighborhood. Artists Scott Goss and Charlotte Lees have been chosen to bring their proposals for gateways and historical markers to life. Find out more about the progress of this vibrant initiative here.
Festival season kicked off last weekend with a rousing "Konnichiwa!" Check out our photos of the best of the 2018 Cleveland Asian Festival.
Almost 50,000 people are expected at the annual Cleveland Asian Festival this weekend—offering great exposure to growing small businesses that operate a booth during the two-day celebration of everything AsiaTown has to offer.
Warm, sunny weather has finally arrived in Northeast Ohio, and folks are eager to shake off those winter blues. Clevelanders know how to take advantage of the summer months like no other, and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture meets that need with a wide range of outdoor activities offered by their grantees.
At 10 a.m. on a Thursday, a group of veterans has gathered in the TV room at the VA Domiciliary in Glenville. These veterans grew up in different cities in varying socio-economic settings. They served in different wars and suffer from different challenges: addiction, depression, homelessness, loneliness, PTSD. Today, they have one thing in common: “The Smiling People” by Ray Bradbury.