Arts + Culture
Cleveland Storefront Art aims to brighten up the downtown landscape by filling the windows of vacant properties with works of visual art. Through their tireless efforts, Robert Carillio and Joan Smith have crafted an artful albeit temporary solution to an irritating problem.
Northeast Shores Development Corporation continues its push to attract out-of-town artists by offering affordable housing. Since 1994, the North Collinwood-based nonprofit has rehabbed approximately 125 area homes. A more focused development plan is concentrating efforts within a tight 14-block footprint.
christmas story house hot come holiday time
Holiday time in the newspaper biz is great news for Cleveland's A Christmas Story House and Museum. That's the time of year when fun and fluffy holiday-themed stories fill the gaps left by the lack of real news. Here are just a few of the recent mentions about Tremont's most beloved movie abode.
In a Dallas Morning News story titled "Home featured in A Christmas Story is a holiday special," the writer opts to lead with the good-old leg lamp, stating "It stands where it should: in the living-room window."
He then goes on to say, "The living room, the lamp, the tree, the BB gun and more are inside A Christmas Story House and Museum in the Pembroke section of Cleveland. It's the actual house used for exteriors in the movie, made in 1983." Not sure where the heck the "Pembroke section of Cleveland" is, but you get the point.
Read the report here.
Over in Nebraska -- yes, even Nebraska loves Ralphie -- the Lincoln Journal Star ran a story called "What's Christmas without a visit to Ralphie's house in Cleveland?" Well, sad, that's what!
In the article, the reporter states that the "real draws are the house and the museum, featuring original props and costumes and memorabilia from the film and hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. You'll find the red snowsuit, worn by Ralphie's little brother, Randy, and also his silver zeppelin. There's also the ratty coat that McGavin wore while he changed the flat tire. The family car is parked in a garage next to the gift shop."
Check it out here.
Closer in miles but no less enthusiastic, the Columbus Dispatch deems A Christmas Story House worthy of inclusion in a piece titled "Statewide festivities bound to put you in the holiday spirit."
"The home in Cleveland, featured in the beloved 1983 movie, is open year-round for tours but is, of course, especially popular this time of year. Across the street is A Christmas Story House Museum, featuring original props, costumes, photographs and memorabilia from the movie."
Read more here.
So, calling all "connoisseurs of soap." For cripes sake, get thee to the Christmas Story House and Museum.
In a Dallas Morning News story titled "Home featured in A Christmas Story is a holiday special," the writer opts to lead with the good-old leg lamp, stating "It stands where it should: in the living-room window."
He then goes on to say, "The living room, the lamp, the tree, the BB gun and more are inside A Christmas Story House and Museum in the Pembroke section of Cleveland. It's the actual house used for exteriors in the movie, made in 1983." Not sure where the heck the "Pembroke section of Cleveland" is, but you get the point.
Read the report here.
Over in Nebraska -- yes, even Nebraska loves Ralphie -- the Lincoln Journal Star ran a story called "What's Christmas without a visit to Ralphie's house in Cleveland?" Well, sad, that's what!
In the article, the reporter states that the "real draws are the house and the museum, featuring original props and costumes and memorabilia from the film and hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. You'll find the red snowsuit, worn by Ralphie's little brother, Randy, and also his silver zeppelin. There's also the ratty coat that McGavin wore while he changed the flat tire. The family car is parked in a garage next to the gift shop."
Check it out here.
Closer in miles but no less enthusiastic, the Columbus Dispatch deems A Christmas Story House worthy of inclusion in a piece titled "Statewide festivities bound to put you in the holiday spirit."
"The home in Cleveland, featured in the beloved 1983 movie, is open year-round for tours but is, of course, especially popular this time of year. Across the street is A Christmas Story House Museum, featuring original props, costumes, photographs and memorabilia from the movie."
Read more here.
So, calling all "connoisseurs of soap." For cripes sake, get thee to the Christmas Story House and Museum.
CPAC announces creative workforce fellowships
Community Partnership for Arts & Culture (CPAC), a nonprofit arts and culture organization, recently announced its latest class of Creative Workforce Fellowships. Made possible with support of Cuyahoga County citizens through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the annual Fellowships offer a $20,000 financial award to 20 outstanding artists.
Fellows also receive membership with the COSE Arts Network, a tuition waiver for CPAC's Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute, and inclusion in a publication of Fellows' work.
Five of the awards went to Cleveland Institute of Art faculty members and four went to CIA alums, including Dean of Faculty and Professor Matthew Hollern.
"These wonderful CPAC awards for our faculty and alumni speak volumes about the influence of CIA on the culture and economy of our region," said CIA President Grafton Nunes. "These artists contribute in very tangible ways to the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland and the national arts culture."
See the complete list of artists here.
Fellows also receive membership with the COSE Arts Network, a tuition waiver for CPAC's Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute, and inclusion in a publication of Fellows' work.
Five of the awards went to Cleveland Institute of Art faculty members and four went to CIA alums, including Dean of Faculty and Professor Matthew Hollern.
"These wonderful CPAC awards for our faculty and alumni speak volumes about the influence of CIA on the culture and economy of our region," said CIA President Grafton Nunes. "These artists contribute in very tangible ways to the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland and the national arts culture."
See the complete list of artists here.
Rather than wait on Superman, NewBridge is preparing unemployed adults and at-risk youth for a bright future. Modeled after Pittsburgh's Manchester Bidwell Training Center, Cleveland's new alternative center for arts and technology is helping people on the margin.
film shot entirely in cleveland to make premiere at sundance
Ohio's newly enacted film production tax credit is already paying dividends.
Shot entirely in the Cleveland area this past summer, the film Take Shelter will have its world premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, held January 20-30 in Park City, Utah. According to the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, the film is just one of 16 to make it into the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition section, beating out nearly 2,000 other entries.
Producer Tyler Davidson is a Northeast Ohio native and resident. His previous films include Swedish Auto and The Year That Trembled, also shot in the Cleveland area. Take Shelter stars Michael Shannon, an Academy Award-nominee for Revolutionary Road and newcomer Jessica Chastain, who will star opposite Brad Pitt and Sean Penn in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life.
"The opportunity to launch any film at Sundance is a dream come true," Davidson said, "but a film made entirely in Northeast Ohio, where I was born and raised and where I still live, is truly something special for me. I couldn't be any more excited."
To learn more about the film, check out this release.
Shot entirely in the Cleveland area this past summer, the film Take Shelter will have its world premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, held January 20-30 in Park City, Utah. According to the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, the film is just one of 16 to make it into the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition section, beating out nearly 2,000 other entries.
Producer Tyler Davidson is a Northeast Ohio native and resident. His previous films include Swedish Auto and The Year That Trembled, also shot in the Cleveland area. Take Shelter stars Michael Shannon, an Academy Award-nominee for Revolutionary Road and newcomer Jessica Chastain, who will star opposite Brad Pitt and Sean Penn in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life.
"The opportunity to launch any film at Sundance is a dream come true," Davidson said, "but a film made entirely in Northeast Ohio, where I was born and raised and where I still live, is truly something special for me. I couldn't be any more excited."
To learn more about the film, check out this release.
artists fleeing the big apple for piece of the plum
Frank Sinatra crooned in his famous ode to NYC that, "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." But according to Crain's New York writer Miriam Kreinin Souccar, today's version of that song might very well go, "I'll make a brand new start of it -- in old Cleveland."
In an article titled "Artists Fleeing the City," the reporter cites the following problem: Artists can no longer afford to live and work in New York.
"Artists have long struggled in New York, moving into rough areas, gentrifying them and then getting forced out. But as the city has gotten increasingly expensive, there are few such neighborhoods left to move to, forcing a growing number of artists to abandon the city."
The result, she adds, is that "for the first time, artists fresh out of art schools around the country are choosing to live in nascent artist communities in regional cities like Detroit and Cleveland -- which are dangling incentives to attract this group -- and bypassing New York altogether."
So-called second tier cities like Cleveland are actively courting artists with incentive programs and housing deals. "In the Cleveland neighborhood of Collinwood, the Northeast Shores Development Corp. has bought 16 vacant properties and renovated them as artists' residences. All but four have sold, and the development company plans to renovate more properties.
"We thought we'd be attracting artists from Cleveland," says Brian Friedman, of Northeast Shores. "I had no idea we'd be getting contacted regularly by people from New York."
Start spreading the news here.
In an article titled "Artists Fleeing the City," the reporter cites the following problem: Artists can no longer afford to live and work in New York.
"Artists have long struggled in New York, moving into rough areas, gentrifying them and then getting forced out. But as the city has gotten increasingly expensive, there are few such neighborhoods left to move to, forcing a growing number of artists to abandon the city."
The result, she adds, is that "for the first time, artists fresh out of art schools around the country are choosing to live in nascent artist communities in regional cities like Detroit and Cleveland -- which are dangling incentives to attract this group -- and bypassing New York altogether."
So-called second tier cities like Cleveland are actively courting artists with incentive programs and housing deals. "In the Cleveland neighborhood of Collinwood, the Northeast Shores Development Corp. has bought 16 vacant properties and renovated them as artists' residences. All but four have sold, and the development company plans to renovate more properties.
"We thought we'd be attracting artists from Cleveland," says Brian Friedman, of Northeast Shores. "I had no idea we'd be getting contacted regularly by people from New York."
Start spreading the news here.
detroit shoreway's gordon square arts district called out for 'creative placemaking'
In a recent report released by the National Endowment for the Arts, Gordon Square Arts District captured the attention of the report's authors. Complied by the Mayors' Institute on City Design, and entitled "Creative Placemaking," the study highlights communities that are using the arts and other creative assets to help reshape their physical, social, and economic character. The publication is intended to serve as a guide for civic leaders, arts organizations, and philanthropic organizations.
"Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired," the report states.
In the case study titled "The Art of Economic Development," Gordon Square Arts District is touted as a collaboration of three non-profits (Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Cleveland Public Theatre and Near West Theatre) that is midway through a $30 million revitalization that will generate $500 million in economic development.
Read the entire document here.
"Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired," the report states.
In the case study titled "The Art of Economic Development," Gordon Square Arts District is touted as a collaboration of three non-profits (Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Cleveland Public Theatre and Near West Theatre) that is midway through a $30 million revitalization that will generate $500 million in economic development.
Read the entire document here.
When Dobama Theatre was forced out of its longtime Coventry Road home in 2005, it marked the end of a nearly 40-year tradition of live theater in the Coventry Village neighborhood. But the recent drought will end next year when the Ensemble Theatre takes over a portion of the
old Coventry School building for classes and shows. Last week, Cleveland Heights Planning Commission approved their request for a zoning variance.
Ensemble, now in its 31st season, was founded in Cleveland Heights in 1979 and had performed at the old Civic until 2003. The company moved its performances to the Cleveland PlayHouse, at 8500 Euclid, but remained based in Cleveland Heights. Managing director Martin Cosentino said recently that the company is pleased to be returning home to its roots.
Coventry School, at 2843 Washington Blvd., has been vacant since 2007, aside from a short period when University Hospitals leased it for employee training. The city's approval of Ensemble's use allows performances for up to 150, plus classes and summer camps, from February through August. At press time, Ensemble's web site did not indicate any performances at Coventry for the three productions already announced for the 2010-2011 season, and Cosentino could not be reached.
Source: City of Cleveland Heights
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
old Coventry School building for classes and shows. Last week, Cleveland Heights Planning Commission approved their request for a zoning variance.
Ensemble, now in its 31st season, was founded in Cleveland Heights in 1979 and had performed at the old Civic until 2003. The company moved its performances to the Cleveland PlayHouse, at 8500 Euclid, but remained based in Cleveland Heights. Managing director Martin Cosentino said recently that the company is pleased to be returning home to its roots.
Coventry School, at 2843 Washington Blvd., has been vacant since 2007, aside from a short period when University Hospitals leased it for employee training. The city's approval of Ensemble's use allows performances for up to 150, plus classes and summer camps, from February through August. At press time, Ensemble's web site did not indicate any performances at Coventry for the three productions already announced for the 2010-2011 season, and Cosentino could not be reached.
Source: City of Cleveland Heights
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
University Circle's Uptown project took a major step forward last week when the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland board approved plans
for a new home, a dramatic, six-faceted, $27 million structure of
highly reflective stainless steel and glass to be built at Euclid
Avenue and Mayfield Road.
The new building should make quite an impact on visitors to the busy intersection: "Viewed from the exterior, the building will appear as an inventive massing of six geometric facets, some flat, others sloping at various angles, all coming together to create a powerful abstract form," MOCA promises on its web site. "Clad primarily in mirror-finish black Rimex stainless steel, the façade of the new MOCA will reflect its urban surroundings, changing in appearance with differences in light and weather."
The four-story, 34,000-square-foot building will provide MOCA about 40 percent more space than its current home, in the Cleveland Playhouse complex at 8501 Carnegie. The main gallery will be on the 6,000-square-foot top floor, which will be equipped with movable interior walls.
"Flexibility is key to a program that, like ours, embraces aesthetic, conceptual, and cultural diversity, and displays works in a great variety of mediums and genres," says MOCA Director Jill Snyder.
The building was designed by Foreign Office Architects of London, whose team includes Cleveland-based Westlake Reed Leskosky. The MOCA building is FOA's first museum and first American commission. Groundbreaking will occur in December.
Uptown, a $150 million residential and retail development, is a collaboration between private developer MRN Ltd., and University Circle Inc. and area institutions. MRN is the company behind the East Fourth Street restaurant and entertainment district in downtown Cleveland.
Source: MOCA Cleveland
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
The new building should make quite an impact on visitors to the busy intersection: "Viewed from the exterior, the building will appear as an inventive massing of six geometric facets, some flat, others sloping at various angles, all coming together to create a powerful abstract form," MOCA promises on its web site. "Clad primarily in mirror-finish black Rimex stainless steel, the façade of the new MOCA will reflect its urban surroundings, changing in appearance with differences in light and weather."
The four-story, 34,000-square-foot building will provide MOCA about 40 percent more space than its current home, in the Cleveland Playhouse complex at 8501 Carnegie. The main gallery will be on the 6,000-square-foot top floor, which will be equipped with movable interior walls.
"Flexibility is key to a program that, like ours, embraces aesthetic, conceptual, and cultural diversity, and displays works in a great variety of mediums and genres," says MOCA Director Jill Snyder.
The building was designed by Foreign Office Architects of London, whose team includes Cleveland-based Westlake Reed Leskosky. The MOCA building is FOA's first museum and first American commission. Groundbreaking will occur in December.
Uptown, a $150 million residential and retail development, is a collaboration between private developer MRN Ltd., and University Circle Inc. and area institutions. MRN is the company behind the East Fourth Street restaurant and entertainment district in downtown Cleveland.
Source: MOCA Cleveland
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
cle orchestra invades south korea
In anticipation of the Cleveland Orchestra's long-awaited return to Korea, the Korea Times published a gleeful article by Lee Hyo-won.
"It would be an understatement to say that much has changed since the last time the Cleveland Orchestra played in Korea, 32 years ago under the baton of Lorin Maazel," writes Hyo-won. "Back in 1978, it was a rare occasion for local classical music aficionados to hear a world-class foreign orchestra live."
Of the performance and performers, the article states:
The top American ensemble, known for its distinct European sound, will present fans a full orchestral program of works by the European masters. It is expected to deliver a powerful, roof-raising experience with Debussy's Prelude "A l'apres d'un faune," Mozart's Divertimento in D major, K. 136 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica."
Interesting note gleaned from piece: The Severance Hospital in downtown Seoul was established in 1900 by Louis Severance, father of John Long Severance, the namesake of Cleveland Orchestra's residential Severance Hall.
Interested parties can purchase tickets from 60,000 to 150,000 won, the equivalent of $53 to $132 in US dollars.
Read the entire article (in English) here.
"It would be an understatement to say that much has changed since the last time the Cleveland Orchestra played in Korea, 32 years ago under the baton of Lorin Maazel," writes Hyo-won. "Back in 1978, it was a rare occasion for local classical music aficionados to hear a world-class foreign orchestra live."
Of the performance and performers, the article states:
The top American ensemble, known for its distinct European sound, will present fans a full orchestral program of works by the European masters. It is expected to deliver a powerful, roof-raising experience with Debussy's Prelude "A l'apres d'un faune," Mozart's Divertimento in D major, K. 136 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica."
Interesting note gleaned from piece: The Severance Hospital in downtown Seoul was established in 1900 by Louis Severance, father of John Long Severance, the namesake of Cleveland Orchestra's residential Severance Hall.
Interested parties can purchase tickets from 60,000 to 150,000 won, the equivalent of $53 to $132 in US dollars.
Read the entire article (in English) here.
Laurence Gartel, considered a pioneer in digital media, lectured a fall semester VMCAD
class via "telepresence," working with students remotely to create and
design 3D models of high-end automobiles. Gartel makes use of modern
technology to provide instant instruction and instant feedback to
students, even though he is hundreds of miles away.
"The interaction between students and artist in real time is the wave of the future," says Gartel. "Students can send files and get critiques immediately, both in front of their peers and independently."
For the project titled "Super Cars," Gartel's lesson was augmented by an in-class teacher, who worked with the students in learning the latest software applications. Gartel then translated some of the constructions into new works of art that will be included in an upcoming publication.
"Telepresence" makes online art classes engaging for teacher and students, according to Geof Pelaia, director of marketing for the college. "A few short years ago, online courses had no two-way dialogue," he says. "Now, Laurence can show and tell as if he were right with us in Cleveland."
Students will have the opportunity to see the work they create -- and their online teacher -- at VMCAD's open house on November 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.
SOURCE: Virginia Marti
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"The interaction between students and artist in real time is the wave of the future," says Gartel. "Students can send files and get critiques immediately, both in front of their peers and independently."
For the project titled "Super Cars," Gartel's lesson was augmented by an in-class teacher, who worked with the students in learning the latest software applications. Gartel then translated some of the constructions into new works of art that will be included in an upcoming publication.
"Telepresence" makes online art classes engaging for teacher and students, according to Geof Pelaia, director of marketing for the college. "A few short years ago, online courses had no two-way dialogue," he says. "Now, Laurence can show and tell as if he were right with us in Cleveland."
Students will have the opportunity to see the work they create -- and their online teacher -- at VMCAD's open house on November 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.
SOURCE: Virginia Marti
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
local filmmaker scores with cleveland response to lebron
Since it was posted last week on YouTube, Dan Wantz's passionate short film "LeBron James 'Rise' Commercial & Cleveland's Response" has gone viral, to say the least. It has been viewed over 3 million times, received well over 15,000 comments, and has become required posting on Facebook. Within a single day, the video appeared on TMZ.com, which quoted Wantz as saying that he "just wanted Cleveland to have a voice" and that James was "more than just a basketball player" to the people of Ohio.
Since then writers for the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Washington Post, even the Canadian Times all have weighed in. The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Jeff Schultz loves the video, saying, "It's pointed, it's hilarious and it makes a completely mockery of Nike's intent at image-making."
Responding to folks who say we Clevelanders are "holding a grudge" and that we should "get over it," Schultz writes, "Remember: It was Nike that stirred things back up again with a commercial. So [Cleveland's] backlash is completely in order."
If you haven't seen the video, check it out here.
Read Schultz's complete take here.
Since then writers for the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Washington Post, even the Canadian Times all have weighed in. The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Jeff Schultz loves the video, saying, "It's pointed, it's hilarious and it makes a completely mockery of Nike's intent at image-making."
Responding to folks who say we Clevelanders are "holding a grudge" and that we should "get over it," Schultz writes, "Remember: It was Nike that stirred things back up again with a commercial. So [Cleveland's] backlash is completely in order."
If you haven't seen the video, check it out here.
Read Schultz's complete take here.
cle int'l film fest snags academy grant
Earlier this week, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) announced that its "Women of the World" program, films made by women or about women empowerment, was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The CIFF is one of 30 U.S Film Festivals to receive this funding in the 2011 calendar year.
Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.
The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.
For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.
To read the CIFF release, click here.
Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.
The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.
For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.
To read the CIFF release, click here.
Want a crash course on recent and future Downtown development? Check out this brilliant and compelling video commissioned by Downtown Cleveland Alliance that highlights the hundreds of millions of dollars in recent development, including higher education, performing arts, residential and commercial.
Credit goes to Fusion Filmworks, TWIST Creative and Ante Up, which composed the gripping score.
Credit goes to Fusion Filmworks, TWIST Creative and Ante Up, which composed the gripping score.
baltimore sun salutes symphony's new initiative
Last week we helped spread the word about the Cleveland Orchestra's new Center for Future Audiences, launched with a gift of $20 million from the Maltz Family Foundation. This week, it seems, word is spreading across the national classical music landscape.
Writing in the Baltimore Sun, classical music critic Tim Smith reports, "There's enough bad news in the classical music business that any good news seems extra good. So it is with word from the Cleveland Orchestra, which has launched something called the Center for Future Audiences, an initiative that aims to put into real action what so many people just talk about -- getting new and younger audiences into the concert hall."
The Center for Future Audiences, he explains to his readers, will attack the problem of skyrocketing admission prices with heavily subsidized tickets: deep discounts for the 18-34 set, free tickets to lots of events for children under 18. The orchestra will also arrange for free bus service from some suburbs to the concert hall, a terrific gesture, Smith adds.
"Every step that any orchestra makes to connect to the disconnected is obviously valuable, potentially invaluable," Smith explains. "Orchestras that don't try new things, bold new things, are likely to find themselves not just out of touch, but out of business, in the years ahead."
Read the rest of the sheet music here.
Writing in the Baltimore Sun, classical music critic Tim Smith reports, "There's enough bad news in the classical music business that any good news seems extra good. So it is with word from the Cleveland Orchestra, which has launched something called the Center for Future Audiences, an initiative that aims to put into real action what so many people just talk about -- getting new and younger audiences into the concert hall."
The Center for Future Audiences, he explains to his readers, will attack the problem of skyrocketing admission prices with heavily subsidized tickets: deep discounts for the 18-34 set, free tickets to lots of events for children under 18. The orchestra will also arrange for free bus service from some suburbs to the concert hall, a terrific gesture, Smith adds.
"Every step that any orchestra makes to connect to the disconnected is obviously valuable, potentially invaluable," Smith explains. "Orchestras that don't try new things, bold new things, are likely to find themselves not just out of touch, but out of business, in the years ahead."
Read the rest of the sheet music here.
When it comes to real estate, Howard Grandon believes in second chances. That's why he's transforming a former illicit nightclub in Detroit Shoreway into market-rate apartments and storefronts, which he hopes will continue to breathe new life into an old neighborhood.
Nine square dice adds up to 54 sides, making them ideal for displaying a full deck of cards: 52 regular cards plus two jokers. Lakewood's Heartland Consumer Products is betting that its unique new dice/card game, Square Shooters, will be a hit when it is finally unveiled before this year's holiday season.
The award-winning Square Shooters uses the dice as a twist on traditional card games, including poker, rummy and a bevy of original and challenging games. Heartland Consumer Products, which markets playing cards and games, has designed Square Shooters as a family game for ages seven through adult. Square Shooters earned the coveted "Dr. Toy's Best Picks Children's Products" seal of approval.
Heartland Consumer Products set a modest goal of selling Square Shooters to 20 retail stores around the country, explains Tom Donelan, CEO. "Instead, we sold to 180 stores," including Discount Drug Mart, Okay Let's Play, Pat Catan's and Recess.
This is precisely the type of game launch that Donelan had hoped for two years ago when he led a group of investors to acquire the game marketer Harbro LLC. A little over a year ago, he moved the company headquarters from Brighton, Michigan to Lakewood, bringing nearly a dozen jobs with him. Donelan says that number will increase in the near future.
"This is going to be a catalyst for our company," Donelan says. "We're in business to grow."
Look for additional dice-based games from Heartland Consumer Products in the future.
SOURCE: Heartland Consumer Products
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The award-winning Square Shooters uses the dice as a twist on traditional card games, including poker, rummy and a bevy of original and challenging games. Heartland Consumer Products, which markets playing cards and games, has designed Square Shooters as a family game for ages seven through adult. Square Shooters earned the coveted "Dr. Toy's Best Picks Children's Products" seal of approval.
Heartland Consumer Products set a modest goal of selling Square Shooters to 20 retail stores around the country, explains Tom Donelan, CEO. "Instead, we sold to 180 stores," including Discount Drug Mart, Okay Let's Play, Pat Catan's and Recess.
This is precisely the type of game launch that Donelan had hoped for two years ago when he led a group of investors to acquire the game marketer Harbro LLC. A little over a year ago, he moved the company headquarters from Brighton, Michigan to Lakewood, bringing nearly a dozen jobs with him. Donelan says that number will increase in the near future.
"This is going to be a catalyst for our company," Donelan says. "We're in business to grow."
Look for additional dice-based games from Heartland Consumer Products in the future.
SOURCE: Heartland Consumer Products
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Despite the unstoppable march of progress from analogue to digital, vinyl records are making an undeniable comeback. And catering to that expanding market is Cleveland's own Gotta Groove Records, one of only a handful of existing vinyl pressing plants in the United States. Make that, the world.
‘last place’ is best place for fledgling clothing company
Cleveland has long been a struggling kind of place -- even when the
steel mills were smoking or the Browns were winning, and especially when
the river was burning or LeBron was bolting. It's that constant
struggle to keep going even when failure looms that gives the city its
edge.
That's the gritty, hip, survivor-type message thrust on the front of T-shirts and hoodies created by fledgling clothing company Last Place. The bold designs and short, witty sayings graphically depict the impressions of young people who call this fair city home.
"Last Place represents the creative individuals everywhere that are making things happen by challenging mediocre," says Irwan Awalludin, who came up with the brand as a project for his senior BFA. The idea took off, and Awalludin joined forces with three other Cleveland Institute of Art students to take Last Place from senior project to legitimate clothing line.
Last Place has an online catalog; the clothing is also on sale at Heart and Sole in Cleveland Heights. Prices range from $24 for a pre-shrunk, heavy-weight cotton tee to $64 for a sweatshirt. The fall lineup officially launched in October, and there's more planned.
"Regardless of where you stand, the garments serve as a symbol that you're on your way, or as a badge worn with pride showing that you were able to overcome your circumstances," according to the Last Place website. Awalludin and his cohorts hope that Last Place represents the beginning of a bright future amid the ongoing struggles.
SOURCE: Irwan Awalludin
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
That's the gritty, hip, survivor-type message thrust on the front of T-shirts and hoodies created by fledgling clothing company Last Place. The bold designs and short, witty sayings graphically depict the impressions of young people who call this fair city home.
"Last Place represents the creative individuals everywhere that are making things happen by challenging mediocre," says Irwan Awalludin, who came up with the brand as a project for his senior BFA. The idea took off, and Awalludin joined forces with three other Cleveland Institute of Art students to take Last Place from senior project to legitimate clothing line.
Last Place has an online catalog; the clothing is also on sale at Heart and Sole in Cleveland Heights. Prices range from $24 for a pre-shrunk, heavy-weight cotton tee to $64 for a sweatshirt. The fall lineup officially launched in October, and there's more planned.
"Regardless of where you stand, the garments serve as a symbol that you're on your way, or as a badge worn with pride showing that you were able to overcome your circumstances," according to the Last Place website. Awalludin and his cohorts hope that Last Place represents the beginning of a bright future amid the ongoing struggles.
SOURCE: Irwan Awalludin
WRITER: Diane DiPiero