Arts + Culture
As Yelp Cleveland community manager, native Northeast Ohioan Cara Lageson is a pro-Cleveland powerhouse. When she's not busy penning reviews -- she has logged in about 400 -- she connects "Yelpers" and local businesses by coordinating marketing outreach that extends well beyond the digital realm.
Thanks to game-changing, large-scale architectural efforts largely absent during the recession, Cleveland steadily is catching up to other similarly sized cities in terms of design. Long known as a "brick city," Cleveland's recent and forthcoming high-profile projects are adding progressive new materials to the mix.
2013 cle film fest will be bigger, better, longer, later
It is hard to believe, but this year's Cleveland International Film Festival -- the 36th annual -- once again broke the previous year's attendance figures.
The 11-day film festival, which wrapped up on Sunday, April 1, checked in a record total of 85,018 filmgoers. This is a 9-percent jump from the previous year and a whopping 143-percent increase from 2003. What's more, the festival saw it's largest single-day attendance on Saturday, March 31, with 13,176 coming to see a film.
Changes to next year's festival can only add to those numbers. Organizers will be adding a full day of films -- making it a 12-day festival -- while pushing back the dates. The 2013 film fest will begin almost two weeks later, running Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 14, at Tower City Cinemas.
Here's looking to another record-setting year!
The 11-day film festival, which wrapped up on Sunday, April 1, checked in a record total of 85,018 filmgoers. This is a 9-percent jump from the previous year and a whopping 143-percent increase from 2003. What's more, the festival saw it's largest single-day attendance on Saturday, March 31, with 13,176 coming to see a film.
Changes to next year's festival can only add to those numbers. Organizers will be adding a full day of films -- making it a 12-day festival -- while pushing back the dates. The 2013 film fest will begin almost two weeks later, running Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 14, at Tower City Cinemas.
Here's looking to another record-setting year!
Kevin Busta's trendy, neo-industrial furnishings have been written up in the New York Times and grace sleek lofts and posh living rooms all the way from New York City to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Yet the metalworking artist, who grew up in Medina, chose W. 14th Street in Tremont to locate his showroom. Last week, he sold out of nearly all his furnishings in a single week as eight new businesses opened in the neighborhood and the monthly Art Walk kicked off the summer season.
"Cleveland is so full of everything that I really need," says Busta, a former boilermaker who was once arrested for dumpster diving at an industrial park in Medina (he got off after showing the judge photos of his high-end furniture). "New York doesn't have what Cleveland has in terms of surplus scrap metal."
Busta makes his lamps, tables and chairs out of metal that he buys at scrap yards and auctions. His tables typically sell for $4,000 and up, while a table lamp might sell for $300 to $500. Busta stresses that he does not simply repurpose scrap materials, but rather transforms the raw materials into something new.
"It's glorifying the old with a modern twist to it," he says. "It's taking what a lot of people see every day driving through industrial parks and changing the way people look at these old, industrial remnants by glorifying rust."
Source: Kevin Busta
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet the metalworking artist, who grew up in Medina, chose W. 14th Street in Tremont to locate his showroom. Last week, he sold out of nearly all his furnishings in a single week as eight new businesses opened in the neighborhood and the monthly Art Walk kicked off the summer season.
"Cleveland is so full of everything that I really need," says Busta, a former boilermaker who was once arrested for dumpster diving at an industrial park in Medina (he got off after showing the judge photos of his high-end furniture). "New York doesn't have what Cleveland has in terms of surplus scrap metal."
Busta makes his lamps, tables and chairs out of metal that he buys at scrap yards and auctions. His tables typically sell for $4,000 and up, while a table lamp might sell for $300 to $500. Busta stresses that he does not simply repurpose scrap materials, but rather transforms the raw materials into something new.
"It's glorifying the old with a modern twist to it," he says. "It's taking what a lot of people see every day driving through industrial parks and changing the way people look at these old, industrial remnants by glorifying rust."
Source: Kevin Busta
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Two Cleveland boys from modest backgrounds in the Glenville neighborhood dreamed up Superman 80 years ago. The beloved character -- and many more like him -- have been rescuing boys from boredom and engaging them in reading and writing ever since.
This week, in an inspired twist on this fabled story, a group of third grade and seventh grade boys from Citizens Academy and University School are participating in a superheroes story workshop at Ohio City Writers, a new nonprofit writing center on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City.
The creators of the event hope that the workshop not only gets kids interested in reading and writing, but also helps them soar to new heights as engaged learners.
During the workshop, groups of boys will team up to create characters, settings and plots, then write their own superhero stories and share them with the group. It is being led by Frank Lewis, former Free Times and Scene editor and founder of Ohio City Writers.
Patty Dowd, Director of Student Enrichment at University School, says that extracurricular programs such as this one are important because they inspire boys to read and connect boys of different backgrounds in a fun, social setting.
"Reading is always an issue with boys, and they often don't have male role models who read and like to read books that are recommended by other boys," says Dowd. "Comic books are a great way to get boys into reading and writing."
Source: Patty Dowd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This week, in an inspired twist on this fabled story, a group of third grade and seventh grade boys from Citizens Academy and University School are participating in a superheroes story workshop at Ohio City Writers, a new nonprofit writing center on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City.
The creators of the event hope that the workshop not only gets kids interested in reading and writing, but also helps them soar to new heights as engaged learners.
During the workshop, groups of boys will team up to create characters, settings and plots, then write their own superhero stories and share them with the group. It is being led by Frank Lewis, former Free Times and Scene editor and founder of Ohio City Writers.
Patty Dowd, Director of Student Enrichment at University School, says that extracurricular programs such as this one are important because they inspire boys to read and connect boys of different backgrounds in a fun, social setting.
"Reading is always an issue with boys, and they often don't have male role models who read and like to read books that are recommended by other boys," says Dowd. "Comic books are a great way to get boys into reading and writing."
Source: Patty Dowd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
huffpo publishes mike symon's love letter to cleveland
"Cleveland, You have been my best friend for over 40 years," writes Symon, in a heartfelt love letter to his one and only native town.
"I hid from you like every other teenager with a skateboard and BMX, choosing to play in the suburbs, a wide world of vanilla filled with malls, chain stores and entirely too much mediocrity."
"It wasn't until I left you that I realized how amazing you are and all the great treasures you possessed. Whether it was the old world headcheese at The Sausage Shoppe, amazing pierogies at Sokolowski's or the perfect steak and steam at the Shvitz, you were -- history and culture aside -- loaded with old-world culinary traditions that most cities could only imagine."
Enjoy the rest of his ode here.
"I hid from you like every other teenager with a skateboard and BMX, choosing to play in the suburbs, a wide world of vanilla filled with malls, chain stores and entirely too much mediocrity."
"It wasn't until I left you that I realized how amazing you are and all the great treasures you possessed. Whether it was the old world headcheese at The Sausage Shoppe, amazing pierogies at Sokolowski's or the perfect steak and steam at the Shvitz, you were -- history and culture aside -- loaded with old-world culinary traditions that most cities could only imagine."
Enjoy the rest of his ode here.
This weekend, tens of thousands of visitors will descend on the St. Clair Superior neighborhood for the Cleveland Asian Festival. During their visit, they will be delighted by 25 colorful dragon sculptures painted by local artists and installed outside businesses to beautify the area and celebrate the arts and Asian culture.
The public art project commemorates the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which began with the new moon in January and continues for a full 12 months.
Each one of these fantastic creatures will be completely unique. For example, Cleveland tattoo artist Sean Kelly painted a dragon featuring butterflies flying out of its chest, the kind of glittering eyes used in stuffed animals, and real antlers.
The dragons will be displayed through the end of August. They will be auctioned off at a special benefit on Saturday, September 29th, the proceeds of which will support arts and culture programming in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood.
On Thursday, May 31st, the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and artist Anna Arnold will also unveil a huge, 40- foot mural on the side of the Consolidated Graphics building at E. 39th and Payne Avenue. The project was created with the help of neighborhood schoolchildren and Asian seniors.
Source: Becca Britton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The public art project commemorates the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which began with the new moon in January and continues for a full 12 months.
Each one of these fantastic creatures will be completely unique. For example, Cleveland tattoo artist Sean Kelly painted a dragon featuring butterflies flying out of its chest, the kind of glittering eyes used in stuffed animals, and real antlers.
The dragons will be displayed through the end of August. They will be auctioned off at a special benefit on Saturday, September 29th, the proceeds of which will support arts and culture programming in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood.
On Thursday, May 31st, the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and artist Anna Arnold will also unveil a huge, 40- foot mural on the side of the Consolidated Graphics building at E. 39th and Payne Avenue. The project was created with the help of neighborhood schoolchildren and Asian seniors.
Source: Becca Britton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Last year, Akron marketing professional Amy Wong signed up to attend Cleveland GiveCamp for a few hours and ended up staying the entire weekend. She was taken with its mission of helping nonprofits with tech projects -- and she was having a good time.
This year, she hopes to deliver an even bigger impact by serving more nonprofits. GiveCamp, which is part of a national network of events that link technology professionals with nonprofits, is accepting applications until June 17th. The event takes place July 20th-22nd on LeanDog's barge at North Coast Harbor.
"Not only do nonprofits get help, but the teams learn a lot about the nonprofit community," says Wong of the event. "It's a win-win situation on both fronts."
Getting accepted into GiveCamp is competitive, and nonprofits must demonstrate a feasible project, community benefit and financial need. The projects help them better serve their constituencies by becoming more efficient and effective.
Last year, GiveCamp helped 23 nonprofit organizations with $500,000 worth of free development work. Completed projects include 17 new websites, three database applications, an iPhone app, Android app and mobile website.
Source: Amy Wong
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This year, she hopes to deliver an even bigger impact by serving more nonprofits. GiveCamp, which is part of a national network of events that link technology professionals with nonprofits, is accepting applications until June 17th. The event takes place July 20th-22nd on LeanDog's barge at North Coast Harbor.
"Not only do nonprofits get help, but the teams learn a lot about the nonprofit community," says Wong of the event. "It's a win-win situation on both fronts."
Getting accepted into GiveCamp is competitive, and nonprofits must demonstrate a feasible project, community benefit and financial need. The projects help them better serve their constituencies by becoming more efficient and effective.
Last year, GiveCamp helped 23 nonprofit organizations with $500,000 worth of free development work. Completed projects include 17 new websites, three database applications, an iPhone app, Android app and mobile website.
Source: Amy Wong
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Whereas some kids bond with their dads over football or baseball, Jacob Friedman and his dad have always bonded over oldies music stars like Petula Clark and Dean Martin and old movies starring Tim Conway.
Five years ago, Friedman suddenly had blurry vision and he couldn't get out of bed. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The nine-year-old listened to Clark's "Downtown" to comfort him as he traveled from his home in Parma to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in University Circle.
By a stroke of luck, Friedman later ran into Petula Clark while vacationing with his family at Disney World during a trip that was sponsored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He asked for her autograph and they talked for over an hour. Clark was so taken with the young boy's story that she stayed in contact with him.
Figuring that he had nothing to lose, Friedman also emailed Tim Conway through his website. They soon struck up a relationship that continues to this day. Clark, Conway and some of Friedman's other film and music heroes have encouraged him to stay hopeful about his recovery and pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
"It's really meant a lot to me to have them a part of my life," says Friedman.
Now, Friedman has achieved another one of his longtime dreams. The 13-year-old has painted a "gratitude guitar" as part of Guitarmania, an event that places large, colorfully painted guitars around Cleveland to benefit United Way and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's education programs. The guitar features a rendering of Petula Clark and Tim Conway, and will soon be revealed to them as a surprise.
"Jacob thought it would be a great opportunity to say thank you in a really big way," says Steve Friedman, Jacob's father. "He wanted it to be a surprise."
The front of the guitar contains the words "laughter and music are the best medicine" and the guitar also features an image of Cleveland's skyline.
The Guitarmania kickoff takes place on Friday, May 25th at the Rock Hall.
Source: Jacob Friedman, Steve Friedman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Five years ago, Friedman suddenly had blurry vision and he couldn't get out of bed. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The nine-year-old listened to Clark's "Downtown" to comfort him as he traveled from his home in Parma to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in University Circle.
By a stroke of luck, Friedman later ran into Petula Clark while vacationing with his family at Disney World during a trip that was sponsored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He asked for her autograph and they talked for over an hour. Clark was so taken with the young boy's story that she stayed in contact with him.
Figuring that he had nothing to lose, Friedman also emailed Tim Conway through his website. They soon struck up a relationship that continues to this day. Clark, Conway and some of Friedman's other film and music heroes have encouraged him to stay hopeful about his recovery and pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
"It's really meant a lot to me to have them a part of my life," says Friedman.
Now, Friedman has achieved another one of his longtime dreams. The 13-year-old has painted a "gratitude guitar" as part of Guitarmania, an event that places large, colorfully painted guitars around Cleveland to benefit United Way and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's education programs. The guitar features a rendering of Petula Clark and Tim Conway, and will soon be revealed to them as a surprise.
"Jacob thought it would be a great opportunity to say thank you in a really big way," says Steve Friedman, Jacob's father. "He wanted it to be a surprise."
The front of the guitar contains the words "laughter and music are the best medicine" and the guitar also features an image of Cleveland's skyline.
The Guitarmania kickoff takes place on Friday, May 25th at the Rock Hall.
Source: Jacob Friedman, Steve Friedman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
tremont's new miranda's vintage bridal upcycles classic gowns
Miranda Park has always loved vintage ball gowns from the '40s and '50s, whose intricate, hand-sewn details and figure-flattering designs are often imitated, but nearly impossible to replicate.
Last month, Park traded her job as a seamstress at a bridal store in Rocky River to launch Miranda's Vintage Bridal and Alterations on W. 14th Street in Tremont. She's turned her passion for classic gowns into a business that can help modern brides go green -- and look great doing it.
"They just don't make dresses like that anymore," says Park, who majored in fashion design at Kent State University and says that artsy, historic Tremont is the perfect spot for her destination business. "I find them on eBay or at vintage stores, then use my skills as a seamstress to remake, redesign and restore them."
Park invites her customers to bring in their favorite vintage gowns for custom alterations. Since most new wedding dresses are expensive and used once, she says she's tapping into a national trend towards green, sustainable weddings.
Source: Miranda Park
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Last month, Park traded her job as a seamstress at a bridal store in Rocky River to launch Miranda's Vintage Bridal and Alterations on W. 14th Street in Tremont. She's turned her passion for classic gowns into a business that can help modern brides go green -- and look great doing it.
"They just don't make dresses like that anymore," says Park, who majored in fashion design at Kent State University and says that artsy, historic Tremont is the perfect spot for her destination business. "I find them on eBay or at vintage stores, then use my skills as a seamstress to remake, redesign and restore them."
Park invites her customers to bring in their favorite vintage gowns for custom alterations. Since most new wedding dresses are expensive and used once, she says she's tapping into a national trend towards green, sustainable weddings.
Source: Miranda Park
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This month Cleveland welcomes Great Lakes Courier, a high-energy free monthly paper that caters to Northeast Ohio's enthusiastic cycling community. "One of the things we hope to provide is a place for different groups of cyclists to tell stories and interact," says editor Michael Gill.
'downtown cleveland is surging,' says salon
In an article titled, "Rust Belt chic: Declining Midwest cities make a comeback," Salon writer Will Doig reports on the surprising growth and popularity of former Rust Belt cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh.
"More than any other city in America, Cleveland is a joke, a whipping boy of Johnny Carson monologues and Hollywood’s official set for films about comic mediocrity," Doig begins.
"But here’s what else is funny: According to a recent analysis, the population of downtown Cleveland is surging, doubling in the past 20 years. What’s more, the majority of the growth occurred in the 22-to-34-year-old demo, those coveted 'knowledge economy' workers for whom every city is competing."
This newfound growth and appreciation can go one of two ways, writes Doig. "Demand for decay could spell a new era for post-industrial cities -- or run its course as a faddish blip that attracted more media coverage than actual converts."
Cleveland-based writer Richey Piiparinen argues for the former.
"The country in the 2000s, it became about growth, glamour, living beyond your means,” Piiparinen says. “It was all aspiration. Now we’re comparing the foreclosed glass condo tower to the old brick building that’s stood for a hundred years.”
Read the rest right here.
"More than any other city in America, Cleveland is a joke, a whipping boy of Johnny Carson monologues and Hollywood’s official set for films about comic mediocrity," Doig begins.
"But here’s what else is funny: According to a recent analysis, the population of downtown Cleveland is surging, doubling in the past 20 years. What’s more, the majority of the growth occurred in the 22-to-34-year-old demo, those coveted 'knowledge economy' workers for whom every city is competing."
This newfound growth and appreciation can go one of two ways, writes Doig. "Demand for decay could spell a new era for post-industrial cities -- or run its course as a faddish blip that attracted more media coverage than actual converts."
Cleveland-based writer Richey Piiparinen argues for the former.
"The country in the 2000s, it became about growth, glamour, living beyond your means,” Piiparinen says. “It was all aspiration. Now we’re comparing the foreclosed glass condo tower to the old brick building that’s stood for a hundred years.”
Read the rest right here.
cuyahoga arts & culture accepting grant apps, hosting workshops
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture is accepting applications for its 2013 grant programs. Nonprofit organizations offering arts and culture programming in Cuyahoga County are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about its Project Support grant program, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture encourages applicants to attend one of three informational workshops, to be held June 5, 7, or 13.
“In 2012, CAC is investing $15 million in 154 organizations throughout Cuyahoga County, and we welcome organizations offering arts and culture programs to apply now for CAC grants in 2013,” explains Executive Director Karen Gahl-Mills. “Our county is fortunate to have this source of public funding for arts and culture, which strengthens our community by making it a better place to live, work, and play.”
At each workshop, CAC staff will review its grant programs, eligibility requirements, and CAC’s application process. The same content will be reviewed at each workshop. Workshops are optional, but are a valuable learning opportunity for new applicants to the Project Support program. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
Click here for more information.
To learn more about its Project Support grant program, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture encourages applicants to attend one of three informational workshops, to be held June 5, 7, or 13.
“In 2012, CAC is investing $15 million in 154 organizations throughout Cuyahoga County, and we welcome organizations offering arts and culture programs to apply now for CAC grants in 2013,” explains Executive Director Karen Gahl-Mills. “Our county is fortunate to have this source of public funding for arts and culture, which strengthens our community by making it a better place to live, work, and play.”
At each workshop, CAC staff will review its grant programs, eligibility requirements, and CAC’s application process. The same content will be reviewed at each workshop. Workshops are optional, but are a valuable learning opportunity for new applicants to the Project Support program. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
Click here for more information.
What’s on your summer to-do list? Hanging out at your favorite outdoor café? Taking a dip at Edgewater? Enjoying a Tribe game at Progressive Field? Well, here’s another: touring Cleveland by bicycle. This year it’s easier than ever to see the city via two wheels thanks to new bike-tour operators, public rides, and bike rental companies.
Next time that your favorite barista etches a flower in your foamy mug of latte, savor it for a moment before you take a sip. He or she may actually be practicing for For the Love of Latte Art, an educational event and latte art throwdown that is being hosted this weekend by Cleveland-area coffee companies.
The event, which is being hosted by a new coffee collective called CLE Brews, will include skill-building workshops for professional and amateur baristas who are interested in learning the craft of latte art. It concludes with a "Latte Art Throwdown" in which participants will be judged on their latte art. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Asobagri Co-op Disaster Relief Fund in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, an area that was devastated by intense rainfall last year.
"Our goal is to build unity, share ideas and really push the coffee culture in Cleveland," says Nathan Lilly, a Manager and Trainer with Phoenix Coffee Company. "We've done events like this before, but never on this big of a scale. We'd like to make this an annual event showcasing coffee in Cleveland."
CLE Brews is a collective comprised of Phoenix Coffee Company, Erie Island Coffee Company, Caruso's Coffee and Red Cedar Coffee. The winner of the Latte Art Throwdown will receive a $4,000 espresso machine donated by Nuova Simonelli and entry into Coffee Fest Seattle's Latte Art Competition.
Competition should be fierce: Lilly says the local coffee scene has talented baristas who can sketch swans, clovers, rabbits and even tulips into a steaming cup of latte.
The event takes place this Saturday, May 12th at Cuyahoga Community College's Hospitality Management Center at Public Square in downtown Cleveland.
Source: Nathan Lilly
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The event, which is being hosted by a new coffee collective called CLE Brews, will include skill-building workshops for professional and amateur baristas who are interested in learning the craft of latte art. It concludes with a "Latte Art Throwdown" in which participants will be judged on their latte art. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Asobagri Co-op Disaster Relief Fund in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, an area that was devastated by intense rainfall last year.
"Our goal is to build unity, share ideas and really push the coffee culture in Cleveland," says Nathan Lilly, a Manager and Trainer with Phoenix Coffee Company. "We've done events like this before, but never on this big of a scale. We'd like to make this an annual event showcasing coffee in Cleveland."
CLE Brews is a collective comprised of Phoenix Coffee Company, Erie Island Coffee Company, Caruso's Coffee and Red Cedar Coffee. The winner of the Latte Art Throwdown will receive a $4,000 espresso machine donated by Nuova Simonelli and entry into Coffee Fest Seattle's Latte Art Competition.
Competition should be fierce: Lilly says the local coffee scene has talented baristas who can sketch swans, clovers, rabbits and even tulips into a steaming cup of latte.
The event takes place this Saturday, May 12th at Cuyahoga Community College's Hospitality Management Center at Public Square in downtown Cleveland.
Source: Nathan Lilly
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cuyahoga arts and culture helps connect art and community
Free classical concerts held in churches throughout the city, a science, math, technology and engineering (STEM) high school at Great Lakes Science Center, and a partnership between Inlet Dance Company and the Music Settlement are just a few of the unique projects funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
Since 2006, this countywide entity has invested over $80 million in nearly 200 organizations. Recently, CAC released new data showing that for every $1 that it has invested in arts and culture organizations, about $19 makes its way back into the regional economy.
CAC-funded organizations also serve over one million schoolchildren per year and more than 6.4 million visitors to the region. Moreover, about 55 percent of the groups that receive CAC funding require no admission charge at all.
One of the biggest developments in Cleveland's arts and culture scene, however, is the innovative ways in which nonprofit arts organizations are connecting with local communities. Karen Gahl-Mills, the organization's Executive Director, says that one of CAC's biggest areas of growth is in small project support.
"We see arts activity happening in unusual places," she says. "The projects aren't necessarily new, but people know who we are now. We're doing outreach to communities where people were not applying for grants before."
Gahl-Mills also says that Cuyahoga County's robust system of public arts funding, which stems from a countywide cigarette tax passed in 2006, is the envy of many other cities. "A lot of cities look at Cleveland and say, 'They did it, why can't we?'"
In the end, CAC will only be successful if it achieves its mission of maximizing community benefit. "Our goal is to make the community better by investing in arts and culture, so we're reaching into the community in different ways."
Source: Karen Gahl-Mills
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Since 2006, this countywide entity has invested over $80 million in nearly 200 organizations. Recently, CAC released new data showing that for every $1 that it has invested in arts and culture organizations, about $19 makes its way back into the regional economy.
CAC-funded organizations also serve over one million schoolchildren per year and more than 6.4 million visitors to the region. Moreover, about 55 percent of the groups that receive CAC funding require no admission charge at all.
One of the biggest developments in Cleveland's arts and culture scene, however, is the innovative ways in which nonprofit arts organizations are connecting with local communities. Karen Gahl-Mills, the organization's Executive Director, says that one of CAC's biggest areas of growth is in small project support.
"We see arts activity happening in unusual places," she says. "The projects aren't necessarily new, but people know who we are now. We're doing outreach to communities where people were not applying for grants before."
Gahl-Mills also says that Cuyahoga County's robust system of public arts funding, which stems from a countywide cigarette tax passed in 2006, is the envy of many other cities. "A lot of cities look at Cleveland and say, 'They did it, why can't we?'"
In the end, CAC will only be successful if it achieves its mission of maximizing community benefit. "Our goal is to make the community better by investing in arts and culture, so we're reaching into the community in different ways."
Source: Karen Gahl-Mills
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Tremont has always been a popular neighborhood for animal lovers, with amenities like Lincoln Park, the Clark Field dog park and pet-friendly restaurants and bars adding to the appeal. The neighborhood also has two shelters, a doggie day care and an active community of animal rescue advocates.
Now a new business, Tremont Tails, will allow dog and cat lovers to buy basic goods for their pets without traveling outside of the neighborhood. It also will promote rescue and adoption programs in Cleveland, carry art and gift items, and even allow owners to indulge their pets with massage sessions on special occasions.
"You go out at five o'clock and there's dogs everywhere, and many are rescued," says Lisa Turner, a court reporter who is launching her business based on her passion for animals. "Now they can walk to a retail store with their animals."
Turner, who is originally from the Tremont neighborhood, recently won the Tremont Storefront Incubator competition. She will open Tremont Tails in a 378-square-foot storefront owned by the Tremont West Development Corporation, which is using the space to spur new businesses that fill an unmet need.
"I would never be able to open my store without this program," says Turner, who will receive three months of free rent and six months of reduced rent as part of the special program. "They're also helping me to market my business."
After Tremont Tails "hatches" from its incubation period, Turner hopes to find a larger storefront and finally turn her passion for animals into a full-time day job.
Source: Lisa Turner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Now a new business, Tremont Tails, will allow dog and cat lovers to buy basic goods for their pets without traveling outside of the neighborhood. It also will promote rescue and adoption programs in Cleveland, carry art and gift items, and even allow owners to indulge their pets with massage sessions on special occasions.
"You go out at five o'clock and there's dogs everywhere, and many are rescued," says Lisa Turner, a court reporter who is launching her business based on her passion for animals. "Now they can walk to a retail store with their animals."
Turner, who is originally from the Tremont neighborhood, recently won the Tremont Storefront Incubator competition. She will open Tremont Tails in a 378-square-foot storefront owned by the Tremont West Development Corporation, which is using the space to spur new businesses that fill an unmet need.
"I would never be able to open my store without this program," says Turner, who will receive three months of free rent and six months of reduced rent as part of the special program. "They're also helping me to market my business."
After Tremont Tails "hatches" from its incubation period, Turner hopes to find a larger storefront and finally turn her passion for animals into a full-time day job.
Source: Lisa Turner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
flee to the cleve: symon picks hometown faves
Where does chef Michael Symon send out-of-town visitors when they come to town? The New York Post asked and he answered, ticking off a list of 10 can't-miss stops.
#1 West Side Market
“One of the most special places where I bring all my chef friends when they visit," Symon says in the article. “Regardless of whether I bring in chefs from New York or San Francisco or another country, it just blows them away.”.
#2 Great Lakes Brewing Co.
“Microbreweries are very hot right now; this has been there [almost] 30 years and is arguably one of the best."
#3 Velvet Tango Room
“It was so ahead of its time,” he says. “It’s been open 18 years; they were doing all the cool things long ago."
#4 ABC the Tavern
Symon recommends this bar for its cheap drinks and great burgers.
Also mentioned: Banyan Tree, Beachland Ballroom, Big Al's Diner, Greenhouse Tavern, Happy Dog and Superior Pho.
Read the entire list here:
#1 West Side Market
“One of the most special places where I bring all my chef friends when they visit," Symon says in the article. “Regardless of whether I bring in chefs from New York or San Francisco or another country, it just blows them away.”.
#2 Great Lakes Brewing Co.
“Microbreweries are very hot right now; this has been there [almost] 30 years and is arguably one of the best."
#3 Velvet Tango Room
“It was so ahead of its time,” he says. “It’s been open 18 years; they were doing all the cool things long ago."
#4 ABC the Tavern
Symon recommends this bar for its cheap drinks and great burgers.
Also mentioned: Banyan Tree, Beachland Ballroom, Big Al's Diner, Greenhouse Tavern, Happy Dog and Superior Pho.
Read the entire list here:
moca, 'london architect's first united states project'
Construction is progressing on the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, which Clifford A. Pearson of the Architectural Record bills as architect Farshid Moussavi’s first United States project. The museum, located in University Circle, is scheduled to open this October.
Both the inside and outside will feature some very unique characteristics.
“Inside, they painted the perimeter walls and ceiling a deep blue, which will create 'the sense of an endless, boundary-less space' quite different from the white rooms found in most museums and galleries today," the article quotes the architect.
“The building shifts from a six-sided floor plate at street level to a rectangular plan on the top floor where the main gallery will enjoy daylight entering from above.”
On the exterior "the form changes with each side, so to fully comprehend it, you need to move all around it."
When completed it will be a far cry from the current incarnation of Cleveland’s MOCA.
“MOCA, which was founded in 1968 in a storefront, has rented a second-story space from the Cleveland Play House since 1990. Jill Snyder, MOCA's executive director, says the museum asked Moussavi for an iconic building that embraces cutting-edge technology, is environmentally friendly, and works with its context. The building, which has geo-thermal wells for heating and cooling, is expected to achieve at least a Silver LEED rating.”
Read the full story here.
Both the inside and outside will feature some very unique characteristics.
“Inside, they painted the perimeter walls and ceiling a deep blue, which will create 'the sense of an endless, boundary-less space' quite different from the white rooms found in most museums and galleries today," the article quotes the architect.
“The building shifts from a six-sided floor plate at street level to a rectangular plan on the top floor where the main gallery will enjoy daylight entering from above.”
On the exterior "the form changes with each side, so to fully comprehend it, you need to move all around it."
When completed it will be a far cry from the current incarnation of Cleveland’s MOCA.
“MOCA, which was founded in 1968 in a storefront, has rented a second-story space from the Cleveland Play House since 1990. Jill Snyder, MOCA's executive director, says the museum asked Moussavi for an iconic building that embraces cutting-edge technology, is environmentally friendly, and works with its context. The building, which has geo-thermal wells for heating and cooling, is expected to achieve at least a Silver LEED rating.”
Read the full story here.
This Friday night, Tremont is hosting the grand opening for a new business, Tremont Tails, as well as a Preview Night that will welcome eight new businesses that opened in the past year.
This diverse roster of new businesses is adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood's growing retail mix, says Cory Riordon, Executive Director of Tremont West Development Corporation.
"We're creating new retail options so that residents don't have to travel outside of the neighborhood to buy things, and that also will appeal to people visiting the neighborhood," he says. "It shows that the neighborhood is desirable."
The new businesses that will be featured during the Preview Night event are Churned Ice Cream Shop, Miranda's Vintage Bridal, Chard Gallery, Ginko Restaurant, Kevin Busta Industrial Furnishings, The Nest and Bozalodz.
The Tremont Art Walk will also take place on Friday, May 12th from 6-10 pm.
Source: Cory Riordan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This diverse roster of new businesses is adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood's growing retail mix, says Cory Riordon, Executive Director of Tremont West Development Corporation.
"We're creating new retail options so that residents don't have to travel outside of the neighborhood to buy things, and that also will appeal to people visiting the neighborhood," he says. "It shows that the neighborhood is desirable."
The new businesses that will be featured during the Preview Night event are Churned Ice Cream Shop, Miranda's Vintage Bridal, Chard Gallery, Ginko Restaurant, Kevin Busta Industrial Furnishings, The Nest and Bozalodz.
The Tremont Art Walk will also take place on Friday, May 12th from 6-10 pm.
Source: Cory Riordan
Writer: Lee Chilcote