Arts + Culture
Tucked away on a hard-to-find, one-way street in a neighborhood full of worker cottages and hulking industrial buildings is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to preserving the art of papermaking.
Wending your way to the Morgan Conservatory, sandwiched between a factory and aluminum-sided Colonials on East 47th Street off of Commerce Avenue, is like traveling into a forgotten world. It's the perfect warm-up to a venue that celebrates paper in an increasingly paperless society.
The gallery and educational center offers classes in the basic process of pulling handmade paper, more complex processes such as pulp painting, the art of sculptural 3D papermaking, Korean and other Asian papermaking techniques, and historic bookbinding techniques such as creating double-book structures.
The mission of the nonprofit Morgan Conservatory is to provide instruction in the art of handmade papermaking, book arts, letterpress arts and silk screening. Despite the increasing popularity if the iPad and other paperless devices, classes are often full. The conservatory also seeks to become a hub and resource center that will keep artists in Cleveland and offer workshops to students of all ages.
"The best part for me is seeing young people get involved," says Tom Balbo, Executive Director of the Morgan Conservatory. "This kind of facility is rare in any part of the country, and there are only a handful of similar facilities. Cleveland offers the affordability to do this; none of the others are nearly this large."
The Morgan Conservatory incorporates many sustainability efforts. Workers capture rainwater on site and uses it to water the garden. Additionally, the venue recycles a wide array of materials, converting many of the items into paper.
Currently, the gallery features work by artists Qian Li and Don Lisy which will be on display through August 26th. The conservatory is located at 1754 E. 47th Street.
Source: The Morgan Conservatory
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Wending your way to the Morgan Conservatory, sandwiched between a factory and aluminum-sided Colonials on East 47th Street off of Commerce Avenue, is like traveling into a forgotten world. It's the perfect warm-up to a venue that celebrates paper in an increasingly paperless society.
The gallery and educational center offers classes in the basic process of pulling handmade paper, more complex processes such as pulp painting, the art of sculptural 3D papermaking, Korean and other Asian papermaking techniques, and historic bookbinding techniques such as creating double-book structures.
The mission of the nonprofit Morgan Conservatory is to provide instruction in the art of handmade papermaking, book arts, letterpress arts and silk screening. Despite the increasing popularity if the iPad and other paperless devices, classes are often full. The conservatory also seeks to become a hub and resource center that will keep artists in Cleveland and offer workshops to students of all ages.
"The best part for me is seeing young people get involved," says Tom Balbo, Executive Director of the Morgan Conservatory. "This kind of facility is rare in any part of the country, and there are only a handful of similar facilities. Cleveland offers the affordability to do this; none of the others are nearly this large."
The Morgan Conservatory incorporates many sustainability efforts. Workers capture rainwater on site and uses it to water the garden. Additionally, the venue recycles a wide array of materials, converting many of the items into paper.
Currently, the gallery features work by artists Qian Li and Don Lisy which will be on display through August 26th. The conservatory is located at 1754 E. 47th Street.
Source: The Morgan Conservatory
Writer: Lee Chilcote
How do you export an entire region? That's the question Northeast Ohio's promoters are pondering as the investment in local tourism is projected to reach into the billions of dollars over the next few years. Harnessing the economic power of the tourism industry means telling the world loud and proud, "Northeast Ohio is the place to be."
Bringing the 18-county Cleveland Plus region to the disposable income-flush masses should not be a hard sell these days, says Lexi Hotchkiss, director of communications with Positively Cleveland, the region's tourism and economic development group.
Cuyahoga County alone is undergoing a $2 billion tourism investment revival over the next five years, a confluence of high-profile projects including a new casino, a medical mart and convention center, and the dramatic renovation of Cleveland's illustrious art museum.
"Two-billion is not chump change," says Hotchkiss. "It's a big deal that can have a domino effect [on the area]."
Tourism is bigger business locally than many people realize, adds Hotchkiss. The industry is Cuyahoga County's fourth-largest employer. In 2011, 30 million people visited the Cleveland Plus region, sustaining 163,000 jobs with $13 billion in economic impact. During that same time frame, 14 million visitors decended upon Cleveland, supporting 61,000 jobs.
(Continue reading...)
Bringing the 18-county Cleveland Plus region to the disposable income-flush masses should not be a hard sell these days, says Lexi Hotchkiss, director of communications with Positively Cleveland, the region's tourism and economic development group.
Cuyahoga County alone is undergoing a $2 billion tourism investment revival over the next five years, a confluence of high-profile projects including a new casino, a medical mart and convention center, and the dramatic renovation of Cleveland's illustrious art museum.
"Two-billion is not chump change," says Hotchkiss. "It's a big deal that can have a domino effect [on the area]."
Tourism is bigger business locally than many people realize, adds Hotchkiss. The industry is Cuyahoga County's fourth-largest employer. In 2011, 30 million people visited the Cleveland Plus region, sustaining 163,000 jobs with $13 billion in economic impact. During that same time frame, 14 million visitors decended upon Cleveland, supporting 61,000 jobs.
(Continue reading...)
Market Square Park, which recently received a $1.5 million makeover from the City of Cleveland, was always intended to serve as a community hub where Ohio City residents and visitors could gather. Now, thanks to the Cleveland Public Library, there is another reason to do so.
In recent years, Cleveland Public Library has expanded its community outreach efforts. One example is the library's new Tech Central at its main branch, which offers card holders the ability to use the latest digital devices, such as tablets and e-readers.
Now the BookBox, a mobile unit of the Cleveland Public Library that connects with users in the community, brings CPL's outreach efforts to Market Square Park. The unit, which is stationed at Market Square Park and will open this month, offers reading materials, access to electronic books and programming in the park.
The BookBox was developed by architect Cristian Smitt of Santiago, Chile, who spent six months in Cleveland developing his idea for a portable, changeable retail unit. Smitt traveled to Northeast Ohio as part of the Cleveland Foundation's Creative Fusion program. Eventually, his ShopBox gave birth to the BookBox, too.
The BookBox will be staffed by Cleveland Public Library on Saturdays during the summer and fall. In the future, CPL could expand staffing to days that the West Side Market is open (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) based upon demand. The library also offers free wireless when the BookBox is open.
"This is an experiment and pilot project to bring the library to people in places where they already gather," says Greg Peckham, Managing Director of LAND Studio, a nonprofit organization that participated in the project. "Instead of bringing people to the library, how do you bring the library to people?"
The BookBox was made possible by a grant from the Creative Fusion program, which supports international artist-in-residence programs. CLEVELANDtm (teach and make), comprised of PlayhouseSquare, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, and LAND studio, secured the Creative Fusion grant. CLEVELANDtm's goal is to "bridge diverse cultures, expand the collective imagination, and promote global perspectives in the local community through the lens of design," according to LAND Studio's website.
Source: LAND Studio
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In recent years, Cleveland Public Library has expanded its community outreach efforts. One example is the library's new Tech Central at its main branch, which offers card holders the ability to use the latest digital devices, such as tablets and e-readers.
Now the BookBox, a mobile unit of the Cleveland Public Library that connects with users in the community, brings CPL's outreach efforts to Market Square Park. The unit, which is stationed at Market Square Park and will open this month, offers reading materials, access to electronic books and programming in the park.
The BookBox was developed by architect Cristian Smitt of Santiago, Chile, who spent six months in Cleveland developing his idea for a portable, changeable retail unit. Smitt traveled to Northeast Ohio as part of the Cleveland Foundation's Creative Fusion program. Eventually, his ShopBox gave birth to the BookBox, too.
The BookBox will be staffed by Cleveland Public Library on Saturdays during the summer and fall. In the future, CPL could expand staffing to days that the West Side Market is open (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) based upon demand. The library also offers free wireless when the BookBox is open.
"This is an experiment and pilot project to bring the library to people in places where they already gather," says Greg Peckham, Managing Director of LAND Studio, a nonprofit organization that participated in the project. "Instead of bringing people to the library, how do you bring the library to people?"
The BookBox was made possible by a grant from the Creative Fusion program, which supports international artist-in-residence programs. CLEVELANDtm (teach and make), comprised of PlayhouseSquare, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, and LAND studio, secured the Creative Fusion grant. CLEVELANDtm's goal is to "bridge diverse cultures, expand the collective imagination, and promote global perspectives in the local community through the lens of design," according to LAND Studio's website.
Source: LAND Studio
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Tremont Farmers Market, which takes place on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. in Lincoln Park, has quietly grown into one of the largest in Cleveland, attracting more than 1,500 people on a recent Tuesday.
"People come from all over," says Jim Votava of the Tremont West Development Corporation, who organizes the weekly market. "We've tried to create a weekly destination event that embraces good food."
This season, the market's lineup has included demonstrations from local chefs, an art yard sponsored by the annual Tremont Trek benefit, live music and booths from local businesses. The addition of more prepared foods is also a change. Presenting sponsor MetroHealth provides information on healthy living.
Modeled after the North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square, Votava says the market demonstrates growing consumer interest in local, sustainable foods.
The Tremont Farmers Market runs all summer long and continues into the fall. During the winter, the market takes a holiday break and then continues at Holy Ghost Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church and Cultural Center on West 14th.
Source: Jim Votava
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"People come from all over," says Jim Votava of the Tremont West Development Corporation, who organizes the weekly market. "We've tried to create a weekly destination event that embraces good food."
This season, the market's lineup has included demonstrations from local chefs, an art yard sponsored by the annual Tremont Trek benefit, live music and booths from local businesses. The addition of more prepared foods is also a change. Presenting sponsor MetroHealth provides information on healthy living.
Modeled after the North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square, Votava says the market demonstrates growing consumer interest in local, sustainable foods.
The Tremont Farmers Market runs all summer long and continues into the fall. During the winter, the market takes a holiday break and then continues at Holy Ghost Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church and Cultural Center on West 14th.
Source: Jim Votava
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Photo: Peggy Turbett, The Plain Dealer
The grassroots, pro-Cleveland music collective Cellar Door is launching a new performance space, Cleveland-only record store and office space in the Loftworks building at East 40th and Superior.
The creative space, which features antique wood floors, high ceilings and large windows, is intended to not only foster a "community among listeners" among local music fans, but also to reach people who are unaware of Cleveland's distinctive music scene.
"Local bands like Herzog are taking off nationally, but once you step outside of the in-the-know crowd, a lot of people have no idea," says founder Justin Markert, who has operated Cellar Door as a record label for years with his partner, Rick Fike. "We want to bring not-so-well-known artists to a bigger audience."
Markert says that Cellar Door will also be an eclectic, anything-goes art space featuring films, fiction readings, art shows and candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with emerging bands or artists. Cellar Door also manages a blog that curates the best of the local music scene.
A launch party featuring local bands is slated for Friday, July 27th at 7 p.m. at 1667 E. 40th Street, Suite 2G.
Source: Justin Markert
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The creative space, which features antique wood floors, high ceilings and large windows, is intended to not only foster a "community among listeners" among local music fans, but also to reach people who are unaware of Cleveland's distinctive music scene.
"Local bands like Herzog are taking off nationally, but once you step outside of the in-the-know crowd, a lot of people have no idea," says founder Justin Markert, who has operated Cellar Door as a record label for years with his partner, Rick Fike. "We want to bring not-so-well-known artists to a bigger audience."
Markert says that Cellar Door will also be an eclectic, anything-goes art space featuring films, fiction readings, art shows and candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with emerging bands or artists. Cellar Door also manages a blog that curates the best of the local music scene.
A launch party featuring local bands is slated for Friday, July 27th at 7 p.m. at 1667 E. 40th Street, Suite 2G.
Source: Justin Markert
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The pop-up craze in Cleveland has extended to shops, restaurants and even a demonstration of what a truly bicycle-friendly street looks like. Now the nonprofit Heights Arts is adding Pop-Up Poetry to the mix.
Based on a radical update of Lucy's "Psychiatric Help: 5 Cents" booth from Peanuts, Pop-Up Poetry brings free verse (literally) to the community. Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate Cavana Faithwalker developed the idea to engage Heights residents and visitors with the literary arts during his tenure as community bard.
So far, local poets have popped up at Heights Arts Gallery, Mac's Backs bookstore and Cain Park in the Alma Theatre Courtyard during the Cain Park Arts Festival. Later this summer, the poetry booth will visit the Discover Cedar Fairmount Arts Festival (August 12th) and the Shaker Lakes Nature Center (August 22nd).
The Pop-Up Poetry booth, which was designed by architect Theodore Ferringer and furniture designer P.J. Doran, unfolds like an umbrella and sets up easily. People looking to solicit creative advice, ask for wooing tips or simply strike up a conversation with the poet should look for a sign reading, "The Poet is IN."
"We wanted to do some kind of guerilla poetry, something people don't expect poetry to be," says Bunny Breslin, who volunteered on the project along with former Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate Meredith Holmes. "We've had people come up and recite their own poetry and younger kids who sat down and wrote poems. It's about bringing the word to people and enriching their experiences."
Source: Heights Arts
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Based on a radical update of Lucy's "Psychiatric Help: 5 Cents" booth from Peanuts, Pop-Up Poetry brings free verse (literally) to the community. Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate Cavana Faithwalker developed the idea to engage Heights residents and visitors with the literary arts during his tenure as community bard.
So far, local poets have popped up at Heights Arts Gallery, Mac's Backs bookstore and Cain Park in the Alma Theatre Courtyard during the Cain Park Arts Festival. Later this summer, the poetry booth will visit the Discover Cedar Fairmount Arts Festival (August 12th) and the Shaker Lakes Nature Center (August 22nd).
The Pop-Up Poetry booth, which was designed by architect Theodore Ferringer and furniture designer P.J. Doran, unfolds like an umbrella and sets up easily. People looking to solicit creative advice, ask for wooing tips or simply strike up a conversation with the poet should look for a sign reading, "The Poet is IN."
"We wanted to do some kind of guerilla poetry, something people don't expect poetry to be," says Bunny Breslin, who volunteered on the project along with former Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate Meredith Holmes. "We've had people come up and recite their own poetry and younger kids who sat down and wrote poems. It's about bringing the word to people and enriching their experiences."
Source: Heights Arts
Writer: Lee Chilcote
What if we viewed Cleveland as a startup? "The ingredients for a successful startup and a successful city are remarkably similar," argues tech blogger Jon Bischke. You need to build stuff that people want. You need to attract talent. And you need capital to get your fledgling ideas to a point of sustainability.
detroit shoreway nabs $50k nea placemaking grant
The National Endowment for the Arts announced its 2012 Our Town Grant Recipients, with $5 million going out to creative placemaking in 80 communities across the country.
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization received $50,000.
"The Detroit Shoreway neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, is home to more than 14,300 residents. Revitalization efforts in the neighborhood focus around the Gordon Square Arts District, an emerging arts and entertainment destination.
"The Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, together with the City of Cleveland and several local arts and business organizations, is using the Our Town grant to design an affordable artist live/work space in Gordon Square. The 24 artist live/work units will be developed in the historic Templin Bradley Building, a site in downtown Cleveland that has been vacant for decades. When complete, the units will be inhabited by artists earning at or below 120 percent of the Area Median Gross Income. A 3,500-square-foot gallery space will also be created for residents and other local artists to display their work."
Read about all recipients here.
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization received $50,000.
"The Detroit Shoreway neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, is home to more than 14,300 residents. Revitalization efforts in the neighborhood focus around the Gordon Square Arts District, an emerging arts and entertainment destination.
"The Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, together with the City of Cleveland and several local arts and business organizations, is using the Our Town grant to design an affordable artist live/work space in Gordon Square. The 24 artist live/work units will be developed in the historic Templin Bradley Building, a site in downtown Cleveland that has been vacant for decades. When complete, the units will be inhabited by artists earning at or below 120 percent of the Area Median Gross Income. A 3,500-square-foot gallery space will also be created for residents and other local artists to display their work."
Read about all recipients here.
peter b. lewis donates $5m to the cleveland institute of art
The Cleveland Institute of Art received a $5 million gift from Peter B. Lewis to support construction of a 91,000-square-foot building as the final component of the College’s campus unification project. Lewis is the chairman of Cleveland-based Progressive Corporation.
“We are thrilled to receive this wonderful gift, not only because it represents a strong endorsement of our vision for a unified campus from this nationally known philanthropist with deep Cleveland roots, but also because it acknowledges the efforts of our University Circle neighbors in developing the Uptown project into a national model of culture and commerce,” explains Grafton J. Nunes, CIA’s president and CEO.
The Uptown development is a complex of rental residences, restaurants, and retail anchored at one end by the new MOCA Cleveland and at the other end by the Cleveland Institute of Art.
In recognition of this gift, CIA will name the auditorium in the new building The Peter B. Lewis Theater.
In addition to the theater, which will be the new home of the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, the new building will house CIA’s nationally ranked design majors, its acclaimed biomedical art and digital arts programs, art galleries, and administrative offices.
Read the rest of the good news here.
“We are thrilled to receive this wonderful gift, not only because it represents a strong endorsement of our vision for a unified campus from this nationally known philanthropist with deep Cleveland roots, but also because it acknowledges the efforts of our University Circle neighbors in developing the Uptown project into a national model of culture and commerce,” explains Grafton J. Nunes, CIA’s president and CEO.
The Uptown development is a complex of rental residences, restaurants, and retail anchored at one end by the new MOCA Cleveland and at the other end by the Cleveland Institute of Art.
In recognition of this gift, CIA will name the auditorium in the new building The Peter B. Lewis Theater.
In addition to the theater, which will be the new home of the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, the new building will house CIA’s nationally ranked design majors, its acclaimed biomedical art and digital arts programs, art galleries, and administrative offices.
Read the rest of the good news here.
One third of children in the U.S. live at home without their biological fathers. In turn, these children are five times more likely to live in poverty than children whose dads are fully present in their lives.
A feature length film that is currently being filmed in Northeast Ohio will explore the crucial role that dads play in their children's lives. It is documenting the journey of fathers as they seek to become better dads by attending programs sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative and The Center for Families and Children of Northeast Ohio.
Despite these harsh statistics, some nonprofit leaders say that Cleveland, which has a very high poverty rate, is making progress towards building better fathers.
"Public perception would have you believe that fathers are a vanishing species," says Kimberly St. John-Stevenson, Communciations Officer with the Saint Luke's Foundation, which provided funding to the Center for Families and Children in support of the film. "The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative is working to dispel that myth through a variety of programs and partners that all focus on building better fathers."
Director Marquette Williams, a Cleveland native who currently lives in Los Angeles, has created a film company called Cinema:216 with a primary focus on film production in Cleveland. "We hope all of the information that we collect through the filming of the documentary will assist in the ultimate goal of bringing more fathers and children together," said Marquette in a news release.
Source: Marquette Williams, Kimberly St. John-Stevenson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
A feature length film that is currently being filmed in Northeast Ohio will explore the crucial role that dads play in their children's lives. It is documenting the journey of fathers as they seek to become better dads by attending programs sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative and The Center for Families and Children of Northeast Ohio.
Despite these harsh statistics, some nonprofit leaders say that Cleveland, which has a very high poverty rate, is making progress towards building better fathers.
"Public perception would have you believe that fathers are a vanishing species," says Kimberly St. John-Stevenson, Communciations Officer with the Saint Luke's Foundation, which provided funding to the Center for Families and Children in support of the film. "The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative is working to dispel that myth through a variety of programs and partners that all focus on building better fathers."
Director Marquette Williams, a Cleveland native who currently lives in Los Angeles, has created a film company called Cinema:216 with a primary focus on film production in Cleveland. "We hope all of the information that we collect through the filming of the documentary will assist in the ultimate goal of bringing more fathers and children together," said Marquette in a news release.
Source: Marquette Williams, Kimberly St. John-Stevenson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) celebrated the completion of the stainless steel cladding being installed on its new home with a signing-off ceremony this week. The date when the glittering, gem-like new building opens its doors to the public is only months away, and that's when the true celebration will begin.
On a recent media tour of the building, the beautifully plotted details of the new museum were evident in raw form. A few of the finer points include the first floor lounge with coffee and free wi-fi that will function as an "urban living room;" the 1,000-square-foot store that will become a destination for visitors and residents alike; and an architectural emphasis on transparency that makes the museum a place where visitors can view the process whereby installations are created.
Other prominent details include the first floor lecture and performance space, windows offering great views of the Uptown District and a breathtaking fourth floor main gallery space with a vaulted ceiling and uninterrupted floor plan.
Source: MOCA
Writer: Lee Chilcote
On a recent media tour of the building, the beautifully plotted details of the new museum were evident in raw form. A few of the finer points include the first floor lounge with coffee and free wi-fi that will function as an "urban living room;" the 1,000-square-foot store that will become a destination for visitors and residents alike; and an architectural emphasis on transparency that makes the museum a place where visitors can view the process whereby installations are created.
Other prominent details include the first floor lecture and performance space, windows offering great views of the Uptown District and a breathtaking fourth floor main gallery space with a vaulted ceiling and uninterrupted floor plan.
MOCA's mission is to present the art and ideas of our time. The museum will open to the public Oct. 8.
Source: MOCA
Writer: Lee Chilcote
last call for cleveland cookbook submissions
LAND studio, in partnership with Cleveland Public Library, is seeking submissions for a cookbook that will focus on community, sharing, and importance of food as it relates to culture and the history of Cleveland. The cookbook will serve as a resource for cooking, platform for storytelling, and as a way to connect Clevelanders across cultures and communities.
The book stems from a Cleveland Public Library Lockwood Thompson Dialogue featuring Michael Ruhlman, Penny De Los Santos, and Dan Barber. It is an opportunity to extend the conversation by inviting Clevelanders to share their own food stories.
Recipes must have a connection to Cleveland.
Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, July 20.
Send materials to: LAND studio, ATTN: COOKBOOK, 1939 W. 25th Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113. Or email them to food@land-studio.org.
For more info, contact Sarah Siebert at food@land-studio.org or 216-621-5413 x 117.
The book stems from a Cleveland Public Library Lockwood Thompson Dialogue featuring Michael Ruhlman, Penny De Los Santos, and Dan Barber. It is an opportunity to extend the conversation by inviting Clevelanders to share their own food stories.
Recipes must have a connection to Cleveland.
Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, July 20.
Send materials to: LAND studio, ATTN: COOKBOOK, 1939 W. 25th Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113. Or email them to food@land-studio.org.
For more info, contact Sarah Siebert at food@land-studio.org or 216-621-5413 x 117.
Recent media reports have highlighted neglect of Cleveland's lakefront park system by the State of Ohio, yet less attention has been paid to the dedicated volunteers and local heroes who have worked tirelessly to clean up our waterfront parks and offer free programming to the local community.
One such group is Friends of Edgewater State Park, which recently received a grant from the Cleveland Waterfront Coalition to support a cell phone tour of the park, and a grant from the Cleveland Colectivo to support a summer concert series.
This Thursday, July 12th beginning at 7 p.m, Cleveland artist Nate Jones will perform a free concert in the Lower Pavilion at Edgewater State Park. The event is the first of a four-part concert series to be held in the park.
"We wanted to connect back to the history of music in the park," says Mandy Metcalf, President of Friends of Edgewater State Park, noting that there was originally a dance hall and music pavilion when Edgewater Park was created. "We also want people to experience the park in a way they haven't before."
The Edgewater Park cell phone tour is now available, with six recorded messages on such topics as water quality, the Shoreway project and a history of the park.
Finally, Friends of Edgewater State Park, Euclid Adopt-a-Beach and Drink Local Drink Tap are launching a new Urban Beach Amassador program. It's a super-friends program that aims to give Cleveland's lakefront parks some much needed lovin'. Ambassadors are people who regularly tend to and look after their local parks. An initial training is scheduled for July 26th at Euclid Beach Park.
Source: Friends of Edgewater State Park
Writer: Lee Chilcote
One such group is Friends of Edgewater State Park, which recently received a grant from the Cleveland Waterfront Coalition to support a cell phone tour of the park, and a grant from the Cleveland Colectivo to support a summer concert series.
This Thursday, July 12th beginning at 7 p.m, Cleveland artist Nate Jones will perform a free concert in the Lower Pavilion at Edgewater State Park. The event is the first of a four-part concert series to be held in the park.
"We wanted to connect back to the history of music in the park," says Mandy Metcalf, President of Friends of Edgewater State Park, noting that there was originally a dance hall and music pavilion when Edgewater Park was created. "We also want people to experience the park in a way they haven't before."
The Edgewater Park cell phone tour is now available, with six recorded messages on such topics as water quality, the Shoreway project and a history of the park.
Finally, Friends of Edgewater State Park, Euclid Adopt-a-Beach and Drink Local Drink Tap are launching a new Urban Beach Amassador program. It's a super-friends program that aims to give Cleveland's lakefront parks some much needed lovin'. Ambassadors are people who regularly tend to and look after their local parks. An initial training is scheduled for July 26th at Euclid Beach Park.
Source: Friends of Edgewater State Park
Writer: Lee Chilcote
submissions wanted for cleveland design competition: transforming the bridge
The Cleveland Design Competition invites professionals, students, firms and designers to re-imagine the abandoned lower streetcar level of Cleveland’s Detroit-Superior Bridge -- aka the Veterans Memorial Bridge -- as a dynamic public space, performance venue and pedestrian experience.
Suggested design proposals include:
Define a comprehensive vision for the lower level of the Detroit Superior Bridge as a public bicycle and pedestrian connection between Downtown Cleveland’s Warehouse District and Ohio City.
Transform the vacant lower level of The Bridge into a dynamic public space and performance venue.
Consider connectivity to Downtown Cleveland and Public Square, the Flats East Bank, Flats West Bank, Ohio City, the Cuyahoga River, the future Towpath Trail, and future Canal Basin Park.
Consider complementary programming ideas. These might include (but are not limited to) landscaping, temporary experiences, art-related uses and recreational amenities.
Illustrate how a new vision for the lower level will interact with the upper level of The Bridge.
Provide improved access at each end of The Bridge to provide maximum accessibility and project impact. This could include addition of and/or reconfigured entrances at each end of The Bridge.
Registration deadline is September 10th, with submissions due October 5th. An awards reception will take place October 26th.
Mail or deliver entries to:
ATTN: Cleveland Design Competition
c/o Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
1309 Euclid Avenue, 2nd floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
For more info, click here.
Suggested design proposals include:
Define a comprehensive vision for the lower level of the Detroit Superior Bridge as a public bicycle and pedestrian connection between Downtown Cleveland’s Warehouse District and Ohio City.
Transform the vacant lower level of The Bridge into a dynamic public space and performance venue.
Consider connectivity to Downtown Cleveland and Public Square, the Flats East Bank, Flats West Bank, Ohio City, the Cuyahoga River, the future Towpath Trail, and future Canal Basin Park.
Consider complementary programming ideas. These might include (but are not limited to) landscaping, temporary experiences, art-related uses and recreational amenities.
Illustrate how a new vision for the lower level will interact with the upper level of The Bridge.
Provide improved access at each end of The Bridge to provide maximum accessibility and project impact. This could include addition of and/or reconfigured entrances at each end of The Bridge.
Registration deadline is September 10th, with submissions due October 5th. An awards reception will take place October 26th.
Mail or deliver entries to:
ATTN: Cleveland Design Competition
c/o Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
1309 Euclid Avenue, 2nd floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
For more info, click here.
Joddy Eric Matthews originally moved from Cleveland to Los Angeles to pursue his animation and filmmaking work. But after nearly eight years working for the likes of Sony, Pixar and DreamWorks, Matthews returned to Cleveland and created MadWerkz Studios in 2000, an animation and visual effects design firm.
Matthews and minority partners Rique D. Winston and Peter Li Cheung were glad to once again call Cleveland home.
“All of us had spent a good portion of time in L.A. and New York, but after a while the extreme workloads associated with working in Hollywood takes its toll," Matthews says. “We were all feeling a bit burnt out. It was time to come home to the people who love you.”
And Matthews has found the area is rich with design talent. “Now I get a chance to work on some pretty good films,” he says. “And there’s a wealth of talent here a lot of people don’t see. There are small teams of people here working on really big films.”
Matthews and his team of six full time creators have built a solid reputation through their work on commercials for Chrysler, General Motors and other companies as well as two films. They are currently working with a visual effects company in London. “We’re becoming more global and we didn’t have to be in L.A.,” he says.
While business is good at MadWerkz Studios -- from post production work to feature films -- Matthews hopes to continue to build on their services and keep promoting Cleveland as the go-to place for the film industry.
“It’s a lot of long hours and lots of hard work, but it’s pretty fun,” he says.
Source: Joddy Eric Matthews
Writer: Karin Connelly
Matthews and minority partners Rique D. Winston and Peter Li Cheung were glad to once again call Cleveland home.
“All of us had spent a good portion of time in L.A. and New York, but after a while the extreme workloads associated with working in Hollywood takes its toll," Matthews says. “We were all feeling a bit burnt out. It was time to come home to the people who love you.”
And Matthews has found the area is rich with design talent. “Now I get a chance to work on some pretty good films,” he says. “And there’s a wealth of talent here a lot of people don’t see. There are small teams of people here working on really big films.”
Matthews and his team of six full time creators have built a solid reputation through their work on commercials for Chrysler, General Motors and other companies as well as two films. They are currently working with a visual effects company in London. “We’re becoming more global and we didn’t have to be in L.A.,” he says.
While business is good at MadWerkz Studios -- from post production work to feature films -- Matthews hopes to continue to build on their services and keep promoting Cleveland as the go-to place for the film industry.
“It’s a lot of long hours and lots of hard work, but it’s pretty fun,” he says.
Source: Joddy Eric Matthews
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Virginia Marti College of Art and Design recently opened its new Couture Fashion Design Studio, a modern, light-filled space that it hopes will inspire Cleveland's next generation of fashion designers.
With large windows, light bamboo flooring and an open floor plan, the new space is a vast improvement over the old one, which was housed in the building's lower level without any windows or natural light. The Couture Fashion Design Studio houses the computer-aided drafting classroom for fashion design students.
Virginia Marti is a two-year college located on Detroit Avenue just west of West 117th Street in the City of Lakewood. The school offers five art-as-business programs geared towards helping arts entrepreneurs in their fields: digital media, fashion design, fashion merchandising, graphic design and interior design.
An exhibit of couturier garments from well-known fashion designers such as Giorgio Armani and Coco Chanel will be on display for several weeks in the new space. The garments are part of Virginia Marti-Veith's private collection.
Source: Virginia Marti College of Art and Design
Writer: Lee Chilcote
With large windows, light bamboo flooring and an open floor plan, the new space is a vast improvement over the old one, which was housed in the building's lower level without any windows or natural light. The Couture Fashion Design Studio houses the computer-aided drafting classroom for fashion design students.
Virginia Marti is a two-year college located on Detroit Avenue just west of West 117th Street in the City of Lakewood. The school offers five art-as-business programs geared towards helping arts entrepreneurs in their fields: digital media, fashion design, fashion merchandising, graphic design and interior design.
An exhibit of couturier garments from well-known fashion designers such as Giorgio Armani and Coco Chanel will be on display for several weeks in the new space. The garments are part of Virginia Marti-Veith's private collection.
Source: Virginia Marti College of Art and Design
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In this Fresh Water video, John Copic, a Collinwood native and publisher of the Collinwood Observer, takes viewers on a walking tour of his neighborhood. Stops along the way include Raddell's butcher shop, Chili Peppers Mexican Grill, Star Pop, Beachland Ballroom, Blue Arrow Records and Boutique, and the Slovenian Workmen's Home.
Jim Russell, a geographer studying modern migration patterns, writes frequently on the topic of "Rust Belt Chic." The phrase, which refers to the increasing appeal of Rust Belt cities, has been popping up like mad in the national media. Recently, Russell put boots on the ground in C-Town.
The Cleveland Foundation recently awarded $19.9 million in grants, the second highest amount the foundation has awarded in a single quarter, including $2.25 million to strengthen college readiness and graduation rates among Cleveland students.
“Only 11 percent of Cleveland residents 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher,” said Robert Eckardt, executive vice president at the Cleveland Foundation, said in a news release. “Our team created a strategy last year to bolster secondary education success among local students. This quarter’s series of grants is a reflection of that commitment.”
The foundation's grants in this area include $1.01 million to College Now Greater Cleveland, $750,000 to Cuyahoga Community College for the College Success Program and $210,000 to support scholarships for nontraditional students.
The foundation also awarded $2.2 million to support economic development and $1.425 million to support the next phase of the Engaging the Future project, which is an initiative to attract a younger, more diverse audience to the arts.
Source: The Cleveland Foundation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
“Only 11 percent of Cleveland residents 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher,” said Robert Eckardt, executive vice president at the Cleveland Foundation, said in a news release. “Our team created a strategy last year to bolster secondary education success among local students. This quarter’s series of grants is a reflection of that commitment.”
The foundation's grants in this area include $1.01 million to College Now Greater Cleveland, $750,000 to Cuyahoga Community College for the College Success Program and $210,000 to support scholarships for nontraditional students.
The foundation also awarded $2.2 million to support economic development and $1.425 million to support the next phase of the Engaging the Future project, which is an initiative to attract a younger, more diverse audience to the arts.
Source: The Cleveland Foundation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Westleigh Harper, Brian Bernstein and Michael Horton like to share their view of Cleveland through their designs. The three -- Horton and Harper are project designers and Bernstein is a landscape architect -- often work 16-hour days at their day jobs, yet they repeatedly find themselves working on public art projects in their spare time.
So the three formed Maker, a multi-disciplinary design studio to create projects that have a positive impact on the city.
“Basically, we’re just an entity to enter design competitions,” says Harper. “It’s something that the three of us get together and look at the city a little differently.”
Their perspective has made an impact of various sites within Cleveland. Harper lists their recent projects: “Over the past several years the three of us have collaborated on small projects that pique our interest, including a four-level live/work space on Prospect Avenue, an installation for the June 2012 Made in the 216 event, and a proposal for re-conceptualizing the Euclid Arcade as an emerging design-based incubator.”
Maker is currently working on a small public art project along W. 25th Street for MetroHealth Hospital's 175th anniversary. The project was the result of a conversation the three had with LAND Studio in March.
“The three of us expressed a desire to get involved with local community organizations that we felt aligned with our motivations to positively impact our city,” explains Harper. “We've found that there are a lot of other people out there that want to maintain the sense of urgency to keep the momentum going in Cleveland, so we proactively seek out those opportunities and hope we can add to it.”
Source: Westleigh Harper
Writer: Karin Connelly
So the three formed Maker, a multi-disciplinary design studio to create projects that have a positive impact on the city.
“Basically, we’re just an entity to enter design competitions,” says Harper. “It’s something that the three of us get together and look at the city a little differently.”
Their perspective has made an impact of various sites within Cleveland. Harper lists their recent projects: “Over the past several years the three of us have collaborated on small projects that pique our interest, including a four-level live/work space on Prospect Avenue, an installation for the June 2012 Made in the 216 event, and a proposal for re-conceptualizing the Euclid Arcade as an emerging design-based incubator.”
Maker is currently working on a small public art project along W. 25th Street for MetroHealth Hospital's 175th anniversary. The project was the result of a conversation the three had with LAND Studio in March.
“The three of us expressed a desire to get involved with local community organizations that we felt aligned with our motivations to positively impact our city,” explains Harper. “We've found that there are a lot of other people out there that want to maintain the sense of urgency to keep the momentum going in Cleveland, so we proactively seek out those opportunities and hope we can add to it.”
Source: Westleigh Harper
Writer: Karin Connelly