Lake Erie - It's Frozen

Photo by Anna Chanakas

I awoke before my alarm went off; laying under two blankets in the darkness, I tried to motivate myself to get up and “layer up” so I can go out running. I realize we just had the coldest week in a while where the temperature dipped way below freezing. In fact, yesterday it was a balmy 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Now I’m determined no matter how cold it is; I’m going out.

The past few Sundays, I have run through high winds, rain and blizzard conditions, and I was the only one in my neighborhood crazy enough to battle the elements. I’m not sure why I’ve been going out since I’m a freeze baby; I live for the hot, summer months. I guess I see it as a challenge to get out there and see if I make it or not. I always do make it.

Honestly, I don’t seem to get cold other than my face. It is all in the preparation, or the “Layering up.”

This Sunday morning, however, was breathtaking. In the dark, is usually when I go out before 7 am. I’m not sure why; Habit where I want to get my run in before my day starts. I started running down my street in the quiet morning, no wind just my sneakers crunching through the snow. I weaved through the streets since the sidewalks were covered in snow. My arms move in pace with my legs. I got the rhythm going as my hot breath shot through the cold air. I had a smile on my face for the stillness that surrounded me.

This is probably one of my best, memorable runs.

It’s purely the frigid, wintery environment that caught me off guard. As I do every week, I run along the pier that juts out into Lake Erie. Unlike a few weeks ago where the waves violently hit the shore, the waves froze. They stopped right where the temperature dropped. My jaw dropped as the beauty of Lake Erie took my breath away. With the arctic temperatures, I didn’t anticipate the Lake would freeze so quickly. I yelled into the peaceful sky, “This is awesome.”

I walked along the pier instead of running in case I hit an ice patch.The full, orangish moon was my guiding light. It stood motionless along the horizon mocking anyone who dared looked at its brilliance. In the moonlight, I can see nature at its best. Spinning around slowly to see every angle, I stood for a few minutes taking in this masterpiece. I desperately wanted to step onto one of those frozen waves just to see how thick is the ice.

Moreover, there was ice hanging on a metal contraption at the end of the pier. I felt like I was standing at the edge of the arctic. I thought of Shackleton’s 1914 -1916 Expedition through Antarctica trying to sail through ice-choked waters. His ship got stuck as he tried to sail through the ice.

In this frozen tundra, I felt like I was somewhere else, alone in my own world. The only runner battling this cold. All the years I have been doing this route, I would see the same residents walking their dogs or taking a brisk walk. There was no one out. Just me running through thick patches of packed snow.

The view was tranquil, “Frozen in time.” A masterpiece that only God could create.

The sun begins to appear replacing the glowing moon. The sky is a brilliant blue, orange and red. “Wow,” I thought. The sun appears in Cleveland, a city that doesn’t get many sun.

As the hour nears eight, I see a few people milling around, waiting for the bus and another runner passes me all bundled up. My face gets numb as I finish my route at E. 185th Street. The day begins and I’ve finished my five mile run – happy that I’m done and excited that I experienced the frozen lake. I fear that when the temperatures rise again this week, the waves will begin to move like nothing ever happened.

As much as I adore the warm weather, I fear that these abnormal temperatures will haunt us later with more severe storms and excessive heat waves. I remember during my childhood when winter lasted until March or into early April. That was normal. I think our new normal is fluctuating temperatures - the highs and the extreme lows. What can you do, just take it in stride I guess?

Wednesday, January 30, I went out again without the layers I had on Sunday. As I feared, Lake Erie began to melt. The waves were heavy eager to move as if spring was beginning. Believe it or not, my tulips began to break through the soil. I yelled in desperation, go back down it’s still winter. 

Shackleton
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/shackleton/

2100 Lakeside - Men’s Shelter Volunteer

As I walk along the dilapidated road where viable warehouses once stood, littered with plastic bottles and beer cans, I nod and say, “Hello” to the many homeless men that congregate around an old school bus. This bus is now painted in white and green, the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry colors, that organizes this Men’s Shelter. I pull open the vibrant green door then; walk up the few steps that leads me to security where they scan everyone in. The guys at the security desk know me now, “Hey Toni, how’s it going?” Enthusiastically, I sign in as a volunteer. My duties entail opening the computer lab for two hours so they can fine tune their computer skills or look for a job. Other services I provide: math or simple reading skills.  It doesn’t matter what I do; I just look forward contributing my passion, helping people.

How did I find the Men’s Shelter anyway, you might ask? As I find all my volunteering ventures, it’s purely by accident. My sister emailed me a flyer that rewards community service volunteers with free Indians tickets. I was intrigued, so I clicked on the link integrated into the text to find organizations that partners with this initiative. I thought of looking into a new volunteer organization now that my GED services were not needed during the summer. I emailed a few organizations, one being the Men’s Shelter. Quite frankly, I was kind of nervous because I never helped the homeless before. At the same time, I was excited for it was a new venture. They were the first organization to respond to my email.

I met with a gentleman who’s main responsibility is helping the Men get jobs. He gave me the “grand” tour, which was overwhelming and disturbing at the same time. I saw the hundreds of beds that were vacant now, won’t be very soon. It really honed into my own situation, longtime unemployed to the forefront of my mind. My situation, quite frankly, sucks but I can be so much worse.

The homeless shelter is separated by different communities: the “Gateway” community (72 beds) giving Men help in clinical counseling, housing application assistance and personal development; the “Veteran’s” community (40 beds) in partnership with the Veteran’s Administration offering recovery workshops and housing assistance; obviously veteran’s helping one another emotionally. And, the list goes on.

It’s a complex, networked area where I got lost and confused as I was ushered from one area to the next for my tour. Also, there is a giant laundry where residents work (everything gets laundered daily) along with the kitchen where residents and/or students learning viable cooking skills along with learning about healthy eating. I had the opportunity to eat a few times; the food is rather good.

I was amazed how many volunteers go in and out of the place. They volunteer in the kitchen; there are students that come in from various schools to lend a helping hand. Almost every time I volunteer, I meet someone new or see high schoolers walking along the halls.

One of the most interesting programs they have there is the “listening project.” As you might imagine, there are so many individuals who have many obstacles and/or barriers they need resolved or addressed; hence, the project is designed to offer support without judgment. You really can’t judge residents living inside the “homeless walls” unless you get their back story. Everyone has crap they need to deal with. Some do a better job of concealing it than others. Sometimes you just need someone to “listen.”

I instinctively “listen without passing judgment” or I try to respect everyone I meet in either the GED or computer lab capacity. It gives me so much joy to offer my knowledge and skills to lend a helping hand. That is why, I believe God gave me my various gifts - compassion and empowerment. One day around the holidays, the coordinator told me someone needs help with reading. I met this gentleman who was kind of shy, and I felt reluctant to read for me. I think he thought I might mock his inability to read. During my volunteer work, I take very seriously because I want to help not disrespect those in need.

As he read, and as I do with my GED students, I ask questions about the reading so I can gauge what they understand and think beyond the words; he began to open up. He began to gain some confidence because I’m interested in his progress. The one thing he said that I will never forgot, that made my day, “You gave me hope.” I had tears in my eyes for that simple, yet powerful statement. I responded by saying, “You gave me a purpose for being here today.” No lie, he made my Christmas holiday.

The one thing about the shelter is sometimes you see the same faces day after day; other times, like the gentleman that read for me, you may only see once or twice. Then, they are gone. In actuality, it’s a good thing that they have moved on. You hope that they found a job and/or a decent place to live. You hope you offered a positive influence just by saying, “Hello” or opening up the computer lab so they can find work or do something fun.

Hope! That’s why I volunteer my time. I want to offer my talents to better their odd in life. In return, I get structure and purpose in my day. I don’t get paid, which I desperately need. More important, I get a thank you from someone that appreciates my effort. I get the foresight that things will get better - I helped someone get out.

The Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry needs any help you can give. Volunteer your time.

http://www.lutheranmetro.org/

Exploring Cleveland

If it’s not the free December concerts at the Cleveland Trust Rotunda, the new MOCA Cleveland museum or summers at Wade Oval Wednesday (WOW), who says there isn’t anything to do in Cleveland? Anyone who knows me understands that I am the biggest Cleveland cheerleader. Why, you might ask? I would respond by saying we have a vibrant, cultural community that has many neighborhoods vying for your participation.

Please participate in what certain communities offer. If you feel like heading downtown, just go ahead and explore. Do you know that there are free “Take a Hike” tours (not really a hike but a walking tour - May through September) that gives a historical account of Cleveland’s past. I learned so much about our city that many take for granted. Did you realize there was a theater on Euclid Avenue that is now the Statler Arms garage. If you dare, walk right into the garage and look up to your left. You can see a sculpted area where a vibrant theater once stood. I am saddened, quite frankly, that this theater didn’t survived. However, look at the Playhouse Square complex and see what we do have.

When I was traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota on business, my sales representative had tickets to see “Le Misérables” in a local theater. I absolutely adore that production (the current film is spectacular; I would recommend seeing it). I walked into the theater and gazed upon the plain, dull interior; I felt so spoiled with our intricate theaters we have along Euclid Avenue. To say the least, I got bored with the production just by sitting in this ordinary, stale environment. To my surprise, I fell asleep. It wasn’t entirely the environment that put me to sleep but it didn’t help either. Do your self a favor and take a behind the scenes tour of Playhouse Square on Saturday. Check the web site for times, dates, there might be a nominal fee.

Playhouse Square added the Cleveland Public Theater along with a collaboration with Cleveland State University. As a fan of free tours, I had the opportunity to view the new Cleveland Public Theater complex. I understand why they reconfigured the Allen Theater to a smaller seating capacity but at the same time, this theater was my absolute favorite. It was intimate and the 1920’s era details shined (Opening night, April 1, 1921). I am slightly upset with the loss of this theater, but, in hindsight we gained another wonderful theater right downtown. The theater has a beautifully redesigned, contemporary entrance, where you can sit in one of the couches and wait for your show to start. If you enjoy live theater, these shows are reasonably priced especially the student shows.

As a long time Clevelander, I have never seen the Cleveland Trust Rotunda or at least I don’t remember. This past December, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance and University Circle Inc. decided to open up the Rotunda for the holidays and feature dynamic musicians from the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music, brass ensembles, a choir and other great musicians during lunch. The first week I realized it was open, I walked in and everyone displayed their smart phones aiming at the beautiful stained glass dome. I couldn’t stop staring into its vastness with the sun trying to shine through. At first I thought it was Tiffany but it wasn’t. It’s just as breathtaking. Another interesting historical fact, on the upper mezzanine level the mural artist, Francis Millet, lost his life on the Titanic.

What an architectural gem that once was a Cleveland bank. They don’t design buildings like that now with the expense of the materials alone. Now, Cuyahoga County is going to sell the rotunda and adjoining Ameritrust tower so it can be developed. In my opinion, it’s a no brainer. There is a shortage of living spaces currently in downtown so why not redevelop the Ameritrust tower by renowned architect, the Marcel Breuer. Perhaps the Rotunda can become a restaurant or a place where Clevelanders can visit. I can’t wait to see this section of Euclid Avenue redeveloped.

Lastly, the Cleveland Trust Rotunda had a display table for The Cleveland Orchestra. I received a recyclable bag, and I enthusiastically put my name in to win free tickets. I put my name in twice, and I won during the last concert - free event and free tickets. That is what I call time well spent.

As with the free Wade Oval Wednesday concerts during the summer months, it seems like more communities are doing the same thing. In my North Collinwood community (ten minutes east from downtown along the lake), there are three clubhouses towards the lake, and they have free concerts every Thursday beginning in June. What I enjoy most is all I have to do is walk with my blue, collapsible chair and listen to some fine music. One of my favorite concerts was by muscians “Seven Nations.” I had no idea about the bands popularity. The concert started at 7:30 and residents already started setting up their chairs and blanket.

What I find interesting is even in my own neighborhood, residents have no idea these concerts exist. One hot evening, I was walking down my street and a neighbor said, “Hey what are you carrying?” First, the guy had no idea what a collapsible chair looked like. I responded, “This is a chair and I am walking to a free concert down the road.” No response what so ever.

The purpose of this post is to explore the wonderful amenities we have here at home. If you like to eat, there are so many fantastic restaurants in Tremont and the new Detroit-Shoreway district. All I ask is that you find a local restaurant. What spurs our economy is supporting our local eateries and shops.

As with my previous two posts, if you enjoy art, The Cleveland Museum of Art is free and definitely check out the new MOCA museum. Both of these institutions have email lists so get on them and see what’s going on - they have lectures and music. Don’t spend all your evenings and weekends in front of your large scale t.v. sets, get out there and see what Cleveland is all about.

Moca Cleveland
http://www.mocacleveland.org/

The Allen Theater
http://www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=62&objId=1

Ameritrust Rotunda Holiday Concert
http://clevelandmagazine.blogspot.com/2012/11/ameritrust-rotunda-opens-for-wednesday.html

Historical Cleveland Trust Rotunda

http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/cleveland/rotunda/clevelandtrust.html

Fashions at Cleveland Museum of Art

This outfit was from a card I received

Congested traffic patterns, long lines and raucous crowds enveloped me as I pulled open the north doors of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Today is January 4th and it is time for the first Friday event; Runway is the theme. I knew this event in particular would bring in a large crowd. I instantly thought as I stood in the ticket line that I should have gotten here sooner.

The box office line, however, was moving along nicely where everyone stood patiently to retrieve their “physical” ticket. It didn’t matter if you got your ticket online or not, you were expected to stand in line for an old fashioned, paper ticket. Soon thereafter, I walked up to another counter, and enthusiastically gave her my plain white ticket with the Cleveland Museum of Art logo displayed along the top. A Tyvek® red wristband was loosely put on my left wrist.

I was thrilled as I gazed into the massive atrium that the crowd already had their ringside seat along the runway stage. The event began at five, but there was a “Textile Art Alliance” wearable art already walking down the runway. As I walked around to see if I knew anyone, I saw some of the extraordinary, exotic weaves that was being displayed through the crowds. High tables were already being taken over by participants along with the din of the audience was intoxicating. Who doesn’t like a fashion show to get the New Year off to a good start?

It didn’t matter that I missed the first show; there was plenty to see. Following the Textile Art Alliance, Virginia Marti College of Art and Design student designs will take the stage at six thirty. Featured event, Project Tunic will display garments influenced by the “Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes” at seven. Lastly, Yellowcake, fashions by Valerie Mayen, will show at seven-thirty; the Project Tunic winners will be announced at eight.

The Virginia Marti students had various free flowing gowns coming down the runway. The designs displayed a lot of fabric, which I found out later as I spoke to a model (Virginia Marti alumni) that it was silk. One gown that caught my attention was deep red with a short hemline in the front and hitting the floor in the back. I am not sure if I saw the garment correctly but it seemed like the lining was showing. I guess I’m critical because I was a fashion design student at the University of Cincinnati. The Design School demanded good construction plus presentation was critical.

Because silk is a natural fiber, it is difficult to sew the folds perfectly as it was shown on the runway. The model told both my friend and I that her gown was sewn entirely by hand. The student used a slipstitch, which is a stitch that can’t be seen if done correctly.  The entire gown, to my surprise, took weeks of tedious stitching to get the gathers to flow correctly. Thinking about this process makes my head hurt. I applaud these students for their tenacity for creating these garments.

Not only is learning how to sew important, but figure drawing is a required class at Virginia Marti. My friend thought it was odd that you need to learn how to draw well. Well the way I look at it, in order to convey your design ideas to be interpreted correctly, drawing is imperative. When I was a student, I remember taking many drawing classes especially croquet sketches (drawing). This is a quick sketch that enables the viewer to visualize the designer’s perspective on style and concept. We drew so many of these sketches using a live model for a few minutes at a time in trying to get the “attitude” of the garment she was wearing. It was harder than you might think.

Seeing this fashion show brings me back to when I took my first fashion design class. That first class was called “construction” where you didn’t necessarily need to be an expert seamstress. However, the first question the instructor asked was, “Who knows how to sew? Not knowing any better, I enthusiastically raised my hand. I thought I would have the upper hand. Nope, in actuality it was better to learn from scratch. I learned quickly how challenging this class was - yards and yards of muslin fabric was sewn and then ripped out. This process was repeated several times before a project was turned in. Moreover, spending endless hours perfecting the perfect stitch that never transpired for me. Hence, the seam ripper ultimately became my best friend.

As I watched the fashion show, I thought: What’s important about fashion? In my opinion it is construction (how is the garment is put together, the quality) and presentation (how does the garment look with accessories: the shoes, necklace and earrings; the finishing touches)? Moreover, what image are you trying to portray? Is the garment utilitarian or elegant that is to be worn at night? There are many decisions to be made.

The featured event, Project Tunic spanned the creative gamut. In one garment, the model walked slowly down the runway keeping her outfit balanced - she wore an elaborate piece on her head. It sculpturally represented the “WARI” exhibit, which was inspiring. The entire outfit was weaved out of used plastic bags, then either painted or dyed black and silver- it won third place for its creativity.

There were tunics, weaves and long gowns. First, entries involved preliminary sketches then full production of the piece. My favorite that I thought perfectly mimicked the “WARI” show was a long yellow and black dress with a unique iconic figure sewn on the front. I like the simplicity that exemplified the exhibit.

The winner was a tan, woven scarf that displayed a unique pattern inspired by the exhibit. As first place winner, the piece will be for sale at the museum store. What an honor it is to have your design for sale.

If the endless coats check line was an indication of success, then this was definitely a wonderful event for the museum in early 2013. I think this is the right direction for the museum - reach out into the community with a “reason” to visit. I never need a reason as long as the museum continues to show great works of art.

Cleveland Museum of Art

www.clevelandart.org

Yellow Cake by Valerie Mayen

http://www.etsy.com/shop/yellowcake

Croquet Sketches

http://www.designersnexus.com/design/free-fashion-croquis-templates/page/2/

Cleveland Museum of Art: What a Gem

Photo by Anna Chanakas

Steel girders, glass panels and the reconfiguration of galleries, the Cleveland Art Museum expansion is on its way to becoming one of the greatest, iconic gems in Cleveland. I have to remember back when the museum had to close its doors for the expansion to begin. I, unlike some museum patrons, was not upset by this decision. I fully supported the museum doing what it needed to do to initiate this massive, yet important project. Now several years later, I am amazed by the enormity of the atrium and the galleries that showcase perfectly the many pieces of art that I have forgotten Cleveland owns. After months and years of temporary panels and construction zones, it was worth it. Therefore, I am committed to advocate and promote this organization through patronage and volunteerism.

What brings me to the museum anyway? The programs and the art itself. As I gaze at my favorite painting, “La Vie” by Picasso for several minutes, I just can’t get enough of this blue canvas and Picasso’s brilliance. In my eyes, this giant canvas never gets old. Moreover, the first galleries to get a complete facelift was contemporary art. Unlike the old museum space, contemporary art finally has the space to display the canvases uninterrupted - freely garnering needed space to fully grasp the painters and sculptors vision. Rothko, Brancusi’s gold torso and Richard Stella’s lead sculpture can be seen uncluttered along with Degas dancers. Those are some of my favorites that I never get tired of seeing. The new contemporary galleries with new sliding glass doors was showcased at the museum’s first Solstice party in 2009. The party shined a light into the future of what the museum will become once the expansion is completed - December 2013. I, for one, cannot wait.

With the inception of the first solstice party, the crowds filled the gallery spaces along with the outdoor grounds that the museum had no choice but to offer this party repeatedly. I missed the first party, but now as a solstice volunteer, it is one of my favorite events of the summer. Crowds come in droves to be apart of this party where bands play until the wee hours of the morning with food provided by food trucks. I never grow tired of people watching – the many different Clevelanders that walk along the 1916 grounds and talk to people that they haven’t seen in a while. I sit along the perimeter, watching and listening to the summer sounds - wishing the night will never end.

Now that the museum opened the expansive atrium on October 28 of this year to live performances, I happen to volunteer that day as well soaking up the long awaited enthusiasm. The Cleveland Museum of Art has something not seen before, an indoor space that can house thousands of people. What can or will they do with this space? A new program this fall is “Mix,” a first Friday happy hour that has a different theme every month. One Mix event in November was a masquerade party that was fantastic. The museum offered a “make your own mask” station that many participated. The creativity was out of this world - elaborate gowns to Halloween costumes where many asked if I can take their photo. The best part for me was the look on everyone’s face as they gazed onto this gigantic space. It took several hours for the space to look remotely crowded. What can I say, the museum is reaching out to more people so they can experience what Cleveland has to offer - a world renowned museum?

Not only did the museum gain an elaborate atrium that is hard to describe the enormity unless you see it yourself, but they also gained a restaurant, Provenance featuring Chef Douglas Katz. The only word to describe it is - beautiful. It is contemporary with black leather chairs designed by well known modernists Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier that exemplifies timeless elegance. Furniture, quite frankly, that never goes out of style. The motif is minimal, clean and sophisticated at the same time - the class doors with the minimal “Provenance” name with a red circle. Exquisite! As a volunteer, I got a behind the scene preview of a banquet room that can be rented out that overlooks the grassy expanse of the museum grounds. I enjoyed myself sitting in a contemporary chair discussing all the improvements the museum has done the last six years and periodically gazing out onto the atrium.

A few weeks ago, I attended the museum with a friend who hasn’t seen the atrium. He was flabbergasted - it was definitely an “aha” moment. I was aghast myself when I first saw it but now that I’ve volunteered on a few occasions, the newness has somewhat worn off. But I still get excited by people’s reactions who haven’t seen it yet. Hence, I love the museum for all the artwork and how they are slowly incorporating programs to get more Clevelanders into the doors. I admire that. I am finding so many new galleries in which to display art such as William H. Johnson: An American Modern on view now along with the Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes exhibit that should not be missed.

I have a few things on my list that I wish the museum did not eliminate - the outdoor courtyard. Call me a creature of habit, but I remember so fondly those outdoor Friday night concerts where every table was taken. On many occasions, I sat on the steps gazing out to the many faces excited about being outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the atrium as a giant meeting place for winter months but being outdoors in the summer is what warm weather is all about especially in Cleveland when those days are numbered.

I also miss the fountain where museum goers dropped a coin for good luck and the green space that surrounded it. I remember one December afternoon, there was a live concert playing the holiday classics. It is those little things that I kind of miss.

What I do not miss, however, is the cramped gallery spaces in the old 1916 building where there wasn’t enough light to see the exhibits and of course the tight contemporary gallery. As a technology person, I love how the museum has embraced technology with QR codes and the new Gallery One that has an interactive display on view new soon - Martin Luther King Day for nonmembers. In addition Director, David Franklin is collaborating with the Transformer Station (a new museum in Ohio City, opening on February 1, 2013), where the museum will offer programing. This is an exciting time for art in Cleveland.

With all this positive energy surrounding the Cleveland Museum of Art, I am honored to be a part of their volunteer staff. As a graphics professional with art knowledge because of the museum, I give this organization a resounding thumbs up. I look forward to the final stage of the grand opening, finally. If you haven’t attended in a while, do yourself a favor and go. I’m sure you will see me with my blue volunteer badge answering questions or just helping out.



www.clevelandart.org

www.transformerstation.org


Mies van der Rohe
http://www.modernclassics.com/store/pc/Mies-van-der-Rohe-c9.htm?gclid=CNTGx8j8ybQCFY-d4AodCTEAVw

Le Corbusier Furniture
http://www.bauhaus2yourhouse.com/collections/le-corbusier?_vsrefdom=paidsearch&s_kwcid=TC|13342|le%20corbusier%20chair||S|b|6540886939&gclid=CJL6gcr9ybQCFUOK4AodzgwAYA