Waterloo Arts District - First Friday

It’s March 8, the first Friday Walk All Over Waterloo event and the art scene is a flurry of activity. There were at least three art events going on. I could have volunteered for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX event or hit MOCA’s free party from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m, but I elected to attend the my neighborhood first friday event instead. I’m glad I did. 

The National Arts Program 

Waterloo Arts was crazy busy with the opening of the National Arts Program where Cleveland locals can submit art. I’m a Cleveland resident so I submitted a pastel grape drawing. You would of thought I was entering a “big time” exhibit for I couldn’t decide what to draw or do. Admittedly, I was stressed. I ran downstairs into my refrigerator and grabbed a bunch of fruit – oranges, apples and grapes. I arranged them and arranged them again into different configurations. I did a small apple sketch while I sat at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s atrium waiting for my sister. 

I settled on three apples and I manically drew and illustrated with my favorite medium – pastels. As of last year, I finally set up my drawing table and I’ve been doing some drawing – I drew my sister’s house as a Christmas present and two African elephants. I enjoy it as I pull out a wide variety of color no matter what the object is - apples don’t necessarily need to be all red. There are browns, purples and yellows – I’m thinking like Van Gogh and other artists that put color down as you feel how it should look. 

I finished the apples and settled on the grape drawing instead. I was happy with it as I framed it and dropped it off at Waterloo Arts. That is the first time I submitted a drawing. Yes, I’ve done graphic design where the client sees it and decides if it’s good or not. It gets printed for the whole  world to see. Who really sees or cares who the designer is. The client wants it done and preferably under budget – project completed.  

As I walked into the Waterloo Arts, there was an abundance of artwork from school aged children to someone as young as two. For example, there was a dress form made out of metal with plastic strips for a skirt that was leaning against the wall. I love it. It was a good start into the art of sculpture. 

Other children submitted photography, collages, pottery and drawings. The main comment from attendees was how they all enjoyed “art done by children.” I completely agree. The creativity was infectious. All this from Clevelanders. I was so proud of the crowd where it was hard to maneuver within the gallery and see the exhibit.

The other piece that I thought was creative was a wall relief of an elephant using found metal. Again, this was a beautiful example of sculpture. It was easily recognized and the polished metal worked as a plausible solution. Too bad it was stuck in the back.

Where was my piece, you may ask? It took me a while to find it but it was back in the corner below another piece that won second place. A woman was photographing the piece above mine; she might have gotten some purple grape in there. It wasn’t important where my piece was. It was an honor to submit it with all the great art in Cleveland. The best in show was a painting of two nudes with vibrant red hair blowing in the wind per say. It was well done. Very close to that piece, there was a boat scene that I though was also done well. All the work was stellar in one way or another.

All egos aside, my favorite part of the evening was the parents standing next to their child and taking a photo of their art work. There was an energetic full, crowd anticipating a view of creative art in Cleveland. I was happy to see so many people walking along Waterloo jettisoning from one gallery to the next.

Maria Neil Art Project

After I left Waterloo Art Gallery, I walked a few more minutes down the road to Maria Neil Art Project Gallery to see new work from “Hilary Gent: Aftermath.” Her paintings were amazing. The entire gallery was glowing in orange, red, brown, and yellows. Right when you walked in, there was a huge canvas that over took the gallery dramatically with an urban housing feel. I walked around several time to take it all in.

I approached Hilary and told her how much I loved her work. She gave me the back story that all this work “emerged” within the last year after witnessing a building engulfed in flames. That makes sense since the color pallet is orange and red equating with fire. The fire filled her with such emotion that her coping mechanism took over and she created art work - painting after painting after painting. 

My favorite piece was off to the right side as you enter the gallery. There are these white buildings (probably homes) and at the foreground is a scrapheap of discarded wood, timber if you will. It just spoke to me because of the balance between the cleanliness of the white homes with the sadness of timber gone in to waste. Right next to the painting, there was a relief of wire and plastic, it looked like a bird’s nest to me – the artist retrieved scraps from the fire that also is in the show.

Who says you have to go far away from home to see terrific art. I didn’t have to this Friday. There is creativity in the tiniest of places. I like how the artist is inspired by their art instead of a big time gallery showcasing their wares. Waterloo is intimate and quietly off the beaten path. If you haven’t attended any art galleries on Waterloo, I suggest you do.

Maria Neil Art Project

Hilary Gent: After Math - March 7 - April 19, 2014

www.marianeilartproject.com

Waterloo Arts

http://artscollinwood.org

Hank Willis Thomas - What a Creative Talent!

Photo from twitter #gbcma - Thomas taking a photo of audience before his talk

One of my favorite places to visit is the Cleveland Museum of Art. As I have written in so many posts, I volunteer for various posts including the first Friday MIX events and new exhibit openings, just to name a few. Yesterday was different. I visited as a patron to listen to the talented photographer, videographer and conceptual artist – Hank Willis Thomas discuss his work. He began his talk by pulling out his smart phone and told the audience to do the same. “I want to take a photo of you, the audience taking a photo of me on stage.” Please use the “hashtag, #qbcma and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, then forget what I just said, Hank eloquently said. I was very impressed; he’s a dynamic speaker and a very confident artist where his work comes from many directions and mediums. It is hard to exactly pin down what his work is – what I love most is how intelligent his ideas are that keeps the viewer constantly thinking.

My favorite Hank Willis Thomas’ work, however, is his video installation, “Question Bridge.” Recently, I posted a tweet informing my followers that I am volunteering at the Transformer Station and there is a good crowd listening to “Question Bridge: Black Males.” A few days later, Hank Willis Thomas “favored” my tweet. How cool is that! As I listened to his talk, I found out that’s one of his favorite collaborative pieces as well. It is hard to describe how powerful this work is – a black male asks a question then a diverse group of black males respond to the question. It cycles between different males that either respond or ask deep rooted questions.These males are diverse within the black male community and they deliver these answers that you wouldn’t think they would say. It will blow you away as you listen to the responses.

Thomas showed the “Question Bridge” as part of his talk where the question was something about being imprisoned; I can’t remember the exact question. The answer came from a gentleman who was in prison and the response blew me away. He talked how everyone is in prison in some way or another. He talked about his situation that he didn’t have self esteem, therefore, he did bad things. Hence, what ultimately landed him in jail. Some people are in prison within themselves where they lack confidence or let others persuade you from doing what you know deep down is wrong. I am paraphrasing but ultimately that is what I got out of his response – a profound, powerful statement.

Another question that I remember at the Transformer Station installation is “What does it mean to be a man?” a young boy asked. Again, the answers were diverse depending on age, educational background and circumstances of the respondent. I only listened to twenty minutes and I will stop back and listen to the entire 3-hour loop.

The other dynamic piece at the Transformer Station is the role of African American males in sports. Thomas played with the idea of large companies making an exorbitant amount of money using male athletes by selling sneakers, for example. One photograph is a male basketball player hanging by a noose. Obviously the noose is slavery but today’s basketball is using these athletes to make money – a ton of it. That is what I got out of the photo – enslaving athletes to a degree to sell “stuff.” Michael Jordan was it for Hanes® and LeBron James for that matter, Nike®.  It’s images such as these that keep you thinking about society, pop culture and how we’ve evolved from the 1960s Civil Rights Era to President Obama’s election. We’ve come a long way but I think we have a ways to go. Hank even mentioned in his talk, we aren’t black and white any longer – what about other people such as Asians and Hispanics – we are all more a coffee color. 

The other installation piece is the “Truth Booth” that has been traveling around Cleveland where you answer the question, “What is Truth.” Most recently, the booth was in Afghanistan and a girl talked about how bad it is in her country; how nobody cares (I am paraphrasing). Genius installation in how we can bring everyone together on a global scale. What are the issues people are struggling with or what is on their mind as they walk into the booth? I haven’t walked in yet. I keep racking my brain what I want to say; I don’t want to sound stupid. Quite frankly, I’m shy and I’m not sure what I really want to say. Will I do it before the exhibit leaves on March 9, stay tuned?

At the end of the lecture someone said that I though was an interesting take on Thomas’ work, “It is about people.” Very astute – what are black males thinking in Question Bridge? What are we thinking – truth! How advertising is taking advantage of black athletes, and the conversation goes on and on.

The Hank Willis Thomas show is at the Transformer Station until March 8, 2014 and the “Unbranded” series at the Cleveland Museum of Art until March 9. I highly recommend seeing both.

Transformer Station
http://transformerstation.org/

Cleveland Museum of Art
http://www.clevelandart.org/events/exhibitions/hank-willis-thomas

Out and About Town

My problem is I can’t say, No! “Do you want to volunteer for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s monthly MIX event?” “Sure,” I say. I’m glad I did because it was a fun event. Thank goodness I got “wristband” duty where you check everyone’s ticket and making sure they are wearing a “wristband.” As I mentioned many times before, I like being at the check in table so I can see all the people attending the event. I ended up seeing friends I haven’t seen and I was thrilled by the diverse crowd. There were some grumbling when the scheduled DJ Rekha was stuck in New York due to the blizzard we had a few days before. It couldn’t be helped. Through the cold and snowy conditions, the event was very crowded – a success.

My usual job at MIX is patrolling the escalators in making sure that everyone who passes has a wristband and not taking drinks into the galleries. You would think that museum goers would understand that you can’t drink amongst artwork that is worth millions. I heard that at the Annual Solstice Party that people think since they are a donor they are excused. “No, sorry.” The artwork is still worth a lot of money no matter what your donor status is.

After my shift, I met up with friends and danced for over an hour to “Bollywood” music. It’s not something I gravitate towards but it was thrilling to see people dancing. The DJ was good on such short notice. As an added bonus, the atrium had this giant disco ball cycling around as it projected different colors along the 1916 building. The next MIX event is February 7, 2014 around the creativity theme.

Believe it or not, one of my favorite things to see at the museum is the weekly flower arrangement that the Women’s Council creates. Every time I stop by, it is breathtaking and different every time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a duplicate arrangement or floral choice. I stand in wonderment how creative these women are to display such beauty.

Even though I can’t utter the word, No, I’m happy to help out at the world renowned institution such as the Cleveland Museum of Art.

When I’m not volunteering, I attend gallery openings.

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Print Room web site

The Cleveland Print Room Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows
January 10 - February 23, 2014.

My favorite event this week was the “out-of-this-world” photography by Vivian Maier at the Cleveland Print Room. The compositions and light and dark contrasts were captivating. I walked around numerous times to get the full affect of photographs that were not seen until 2007. Maier was a nanny by trade; she shot thousands and thousands of rolls of film during her spare time (100,000 to be exact) – not a professional photographer but I could see her passion through her viewfinder.

I was impressed by the simplicity of her subjects. For example, there was a portrait of an older women wearing a hat, and an outfit right out of the fifties – dressed up walking along the downtown streets. No expression just a person living the simple life like we all try to do.

My favorite was a ticket counter all in shadow where you can barely see a women behind a metal cage. Brilliant use of shadow and composition where you say to yourself, “What’s going on here?” Another photograph showed an explosive view of downtown with all the signs and activity then as you look closer, there is a strand of pearls on a mailbox. Wow! The photographer saw something unusual or nostalgic about that subject and shot it. I didn’t see the pearls at first. The strong use of shadow and sparkling lights drew me in. Similarly, a photo of a table and the viewer (camera) looks up to an old pay phone. It’s quiet but says a lot. It’s ordinary scenes that draws the viewer in through point of view and explosive light and dark.

Honestly, all the photographs drew me in for one reason or another – if it wasn’t the composition or the expression on the subjects faces. That’s what black-and-white photography does for me, it takes out all the complexity and simplifies it by grey tones and black. I don’t know anything about Vivian Maier but I now know how much the simplicity of life was her inspiration. Things we take for granted - a walk around the neighborhood and the beauty that’s there.

I can’t say enough about this show. Check out the web site, there is a documentary film, “The Vivian Maier Mystery” shown at four venues.



Cleveland Print Room
http://clevelandprintroom.com/

2013 - A Year in Review

The lake is frozen. Clumps of sand, dirt and debris is mixed into the giant waves that have crystallized; time has stood still. I stood looking at my lake in wonder – this is why I live so close, to see nature up close and personal. A large body of water iced to the horizon line – an eery quiet over took me as I reflected back to 2013.

I ran through the snow piles and icy path as nature surprised me again. It wasn’t too cold as I headed down to the lake. Just last week the waves lapped onto the shore, not today as clumps of ice stopped the waves right in their tracks. Too early for the ice to appear? Not necessarily, it’s January 2014 after all. My mind wandered in what I accomplished or didn’t – volunteering is what I did mostly and reignite a weekly blog on art shows I attended. Nothing earth shattering, just living a modest life and doing interesting things around Cleveland.

Nothing to do? Well, I disagree.

Senior Games

I had a joyous time volunteering for the Senior Games this past July and August. I was a score keeper for horseshoes where I learned quickly that it’s a challenging event. There are two competitors that throw several rounds of horseshoes up and down the field. I started scoring around 10 a.m. and I wasn’t even done by 12:30 p.m. What was so thrilling about the games was how appreciative the contenders were. Every shift I participated in, I got a kind “thank you” for my time.

One of my favorite events was the Women’s hammer throw. If you want to see real athletes, just watch these women throw these hammers. It is a shot put at the end of a wire handle. My job was to retrieve the hammers to the contenders. They were heavy; I can’t image trying to throw it at a decent distance. One women, however, said, “I hope to see you throwing the hammer at the next Senior Games.” What a nice compliment! These athletes were class A in my book.

The other thing I did was ride my bike to as many volunteer shifts that I could. I biked along Euclid Avenue to Case Western Reserve for “horseshoes;” I biked downtown, took the shuttle bus to Baldwin Wallace University and walked to the Berea Fairgrounds for the “hammer throw”; biked to the new Convention Center for the athlete check-in. In total, I biked four times out of five for my shifts. That is my 2014 New Year’s resolution - biking more and using my car less.

I look forward to the 2014 Gay Games this August – I plan on biking there as well.
www.gg9cle.com

New Promotion for CIFF - courtesy of CIFF

Cleveland International Film Festival :  March 19 - 30, 2014
http://www.clevelandfilm.org

It seems so long ago that the festival was at Tower City. I say the same thing every year – maybe I will skip my volunteer stint this year. In actuality, I volunteered for more shifts this last year than previous years. I want to warn you; once you start going down to the festival, you will be wanting to see more and more films. This year I stood in more lines and was not able to see films that were on standby. That is, in actuality, a good problem to have – too many people wanting to see International Films that most likely you will not see anywhere else. No brainer there.

I do commend the festival’s staff in accommodating as many people as they did. They staggered the times as well as possible to eliminate a “crowd jam.” For example, the “Anita” film featuring Anita Hill, who was in attendance was sheer chaos. It was in two theaters and nobody was listening to directions on which theater to enter. As a volunteer, I try to take shifts that are more crowd crazy so when I decide to see a film, I won’t be struggling to find a seat.

The two films that I loved were, “ Pieta” (South Korea) and “Laurence Anyways”(Canada); they stuck with me well after they were over.  

The Cleveland Museum of Art: MIX and Summer Solstice events
http://www.clevelandart.org

The problem I have when I volunteer is I can’t say “No!” I am the type of person who genuinely likes to help. I need “x amount” of people to help at this event – I’m there. I favor the museum parties for the people I see that I haven’t seen or I see Cleveland residents that I probably will never see. The MIX event is attracting more young professionals and families that are interested in art and the social fabric of our city. Kudos! We are privileged to have a world renowned museum that is “free.” During some of my volunteer shifts, the “out-of-towners are amazed that it’s “free.” I have a few friends that have yet to see the new atrium or visit the museum after its eight year long expansion. If you haven’t been to the museum in a while, you are in for a treat.

My favorite volunteer shift was “gift wrapping.” For the holiday season, this year the museum offered free gift wrapping for anyone who bought a gift from the museum store.  I was in heaven. Again, I met a few Greek people and old friends that were just happy to have a gift wrapped by an enthusiastic volunteer. I hate to pat myself on the back but my gift wrapping was better than most. I was brought up to do your best when giving something to others; furthermore, as a graphic professional, presentation is everything.

I highly recommend the always anticipated Summer Solstice event on the fourth Saturday in June. It always sells out so get your tickets in advance.


The Transformer Station - West 29th Street - Hank Willis Thomas thru March 9, 2014
http://transformerstation.org

I had the privilege to be one of the first volunteers for the first opening of a west side contemporary gallery – the Transformer Station on February 1, 2013. A reconverted space into a cutting-edge photo gallery with such exhibits as Todd Hido and the Fred and Laura Bidwell Collection of contemporary photography; currently they are exhibiting the Hank Willis Thomas in collaboration with the Cleveland Museum of Art. I met so many interesting people that attended during my shift – Kent State, Oberlin College, Director of the Akron Museum, writer from the New York Times, Jim Rokakis, etc., etc., etc.

My favorite event at the Transformer Station was the Ohio City Stages concerts - five concerts on five Wednesdays in July. If you do anything this summer, I would highly recommend you pencil this event into your calendar and/or smart phone. They took this giant stage, parked it on Church and W 29th street and played diverse, contemporary music. After the concert, they projected contemporary films behind the gallery on an outdoor screen. I hate to say it, less crowded and better than Wade Oval Wednesdays. My understanding is they are going to extend the concerts to other areas of the city as a Community Outreach initiative.

As a summer person, my most active month was June when I attended the Garden Walk, the Waterloo Arts Festival on the last Saturday in June and the CMA’s Summer Solstice Party.

Drawings

Pastel Drawing by Toni - copyright 2013

After twelve years in my basement, I finally put together my drawing table. I illustrated my sister’s house, elephants, tomatoes, grapes and wild flowers that I gave as gifts; I didn’t do as many as I first envisioned but five drawings are five more than I’ve done all these years. I hope to do a few more in 2014.


In closing, I didn’t have a lot of income during 2013 but I volunteered my time and energy by helping many individuals find their way at museums; my computer lab work at the Homeless Shelter and seeing the beauty in Cleveland as I rode my bike mile after mile. Get out of your comfort zone and do something positive for 2014. Forget about those ridiculous resolutions that you will never keep and do something that you are passionate about.

Holiday Season 2013

I wrote this post on December 6. Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year 2014.

Photo Courtesy of Bonfoey Gallery Website

Like it or not, the Holidays are among us. One minute I am sweltering in ninety degree heat and now I’m wearing four layers of clothing when I go out for my weekly run. As a summer lover, I’m beginning to get in the Holiday spirit as the snow blanketed my freshly washed car. I was a beautiful sight.

I walked along Waterloo’s First Friday event checking out what local artists made for the Holiday sale. As a boycotter of “Black Friday,” I would rather spend a few extra dollars and support my neighborhood than stand in a congested line of people gnawing their way to find the best bargains. I say, “No thank you.” as I lay in my comfortable bed well past 6 a.m. when “Big Box” stores open. Go for it and find those bargains. My sister said that most manufacturers produce special products specifically for “Black Friday” so who knows if you’re really getting a deal or not.

Waterloo Arts Holiday Gifts – I adored looking at origami earrings an artist created by their own hand or a moulded “one-of-a-kind” pottery where each piece looks different such as a tiny imperfection or crack makes it something a receiver will cherish. These pieces were more expensive for sure but if you’re looking for something that you won’t find at Walmart, it is worth it. The gallery was crowded when I walked in. Moreover, Cleveland State University students created ornaments by filling them with different confetti patterns selling them in gift bags as a fund-raiser.

Next up, I attended the Bonfoey Gallery’s 120 year anniversary. They exhibited paintings and prints from as far back as the 1940s. A series from an artist who drew in either pencil or charcoal the different areas of downtown – beautifully rendered where you’re amazed how different downtown looks today. There were other paintings that were simple – one that got my attention were these striking green trees in a somber, quiet scene that reminded me of Matisse.

Bonfoey Gallery 120 years of art in Cleveland - These paintings will be on display until Saturday, January 4, 2014.

This is the exact print I own -
courtesy of Viktor Schreckengost website

Plus, the Bonfoey hung a Viktor Schreckengost of playful yet detailed leaves and fruit masterfully done where I just stood and marveled his talent. He illustrates mundane items that come alive as you look at the canvas. He is one of my favorite Cleveland Artists. In honor of Viktor’s 100 year birthday in 2006, I bought a print of Antelopes intertwined at the neck – 5/15. It’s hung in my living room and when I look at it I remember meeting Viktor with his strong handshake telling his nostalgic stories when he was a young saxophone player.

I’ve often sit at the Cleveland Heights Library on Lee Road in the quiet reading room and Viktor is all around me with his iconic vibrant blue “Jazz Bowl” and two giant colorful prints near by: one of a buffet table with a quartered watermelon sitting on a brightly colored, stripped tablecloth; next is a skyline of tall, statuesque buildings – perhaps New York City against an orange, yellow and red sky. Behind me, there is a print of fish stacked in rows of muted greens and browns. You can see his brilliance emanating from these pieces and the care he takes in illustrating the intricate details with flair.

This Holiday season, I wandered through many art and craft shows marveling the talent of artistic Clevelanders. One stand a couple created plaques with used license plates and novelty items such as key chains. Another stand created Arts & Crafts styled lamps with Cleveland nostalgic bridges and iconic areas of the city. Lastly, an artist drew plants and flowers on light switch plates that I thought, “What a fantastic idea.” There were many jewelry tables where the items were beginning to look the same to me. Either way, I highly recommend buying from local vendor than standing in an endless line at Target or worse, Walmart.

As Christmas is only a few days away now, I’m glad I did most of my shopping at these “one of a kind” establishments. I have mentioned this on more than one occasion, buy local; that’s what will ultimately get our economy moving again.

Viktor Schreckengost
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/viktors/index.html

Viktor’s Animals
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/viktors/gallery/2d/animals.html

Bonfoey Gallery
http://www.bonfoey.com/index.html

Waterloo Arts
http://artscollinwood.org/

Screw Factory Artists' Studios
http://www.screwfactoryartists.com/

ArtCraft Studio Show
http://artcraftstudio.wordpress.com/

Local Cleveland Fun

Hello fall! You are not my favorite season for it begins to darken at 7 PM and the weather cools. However, I have been able to ride my bike to Edgewater Park and the Transformer Station with minimal extra clothing. My thinking is: if I wear more than a tank top and shorts, it’s too cold. To my surprise, this fall has been warm for Cleveland and I can still do summer-like activities.

Last week, I rode in the sun with temperatures in the 70’s - strange for Cleveland. I was in my glory, for sure. Suddenly, a big black cloud appeared and rain poured for at least 30-minutes. Luckily, I was able to seek refuge in a pavilion near by. I sat and waited until the rain quieted to a light mist. It was warm enough that I could ride through the wetness without getting chilled. It felt more like summer rain rather than fall that chills you down to the bone. You need to stand in the shower for several minutes before you are warm enough to get out.

Everyone loves fall for the bright orange, yellow and red leaves. I do too in some respects but my backyard is already accumulating bright orange and yellow leaves – very soon, however, my tree will be bare. Next, the white snowflakes will hang on the branches and drop to the ground. Beautiful for a day or two, then I will be hauling that darn shovel to clear my driveway. A task I should just, “Get-over-it” but it’s sometimes never ending. The way I look at it now, there are still plenty of “bike-riding” days to come. As time continues, I will be planting my garden soon.

Cleveland Flea

Linoleum Block done in School

If you like local vendors and anything Cleveland, I highly recommend attending the Cleveland Flea on East 55 Street. A diverse neighborhood that is finding its niche - buy local and help our community thrive. Some of the stands distributed: local honey; handmade soaps (Soap Alchemy http://www.soapalchemy.com ); soaking salts for your feet; dishtowels with simplified linoleum prints of birds and trees by “Tart Boutique” www.etsy.com/shop/clevelandtart (I remember doing those prints in grade school); vintage furniture repurposed into inventive coffee tables, a table that holds cold beer, bookshelves and knobs that you can hang your keys; vintage clothing that you will never see another person wear and endless jewelry vendors. Take your pick!

I was so overwhelmed by all the vendors that distributed their wares. I wondered around for a bit so I can get my bearings – what did I want to see and/or buy. Since I rode my bike, I didn’t have many options to buy anything big or breakable. I’ve heard about this flea on the radio and I was just curious by checking it out. In describing how crowded it was, a vendor told me that there was a long line at 8 AM just to set up your tent. I got there at 9:45 AM and the cars were already lined up along East 55. Bring it on . . . help Cleveland’s economy. A very positive event that many walked away with merchandise in their hands as they walked to their cars. I “bike-boxed” it.

As the holidays approach, I will consider bringing my car to hopefully take home some rare finds. I believe that people are looking for inventive gifts and creative household items to buy. I just heard on the radio that now, Macy’s is also going to open on Thanksgiving evening for the Holiday season. Seriously! How bad do you really want that “junk” made in China or Bangladesh? Unless someone is giving away a free iPad, I won’t even bother standing in those ridiculous lines. I’m outraged! Take a stand, Buy local!

Last year for the holidays, I bought local at the Holiday Fest on Superior Avenue and made a drawings as gifts. I rather have those items as gifts then something from Target that will far apart within a year.

Nothing in Cleveland to do!

The Cleveland Flea - Second Saturday of the month.
http://theclevelandflea.com/classes-events/

Third Friday at 78 Street Studios - Detroit-Shoreway
http://78thstreetstudios.com/maps

ArtCraft Holiday Show 2013 will be on Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8, 2013!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ArtCraft-Holiday-Sale/151694151541624?hc_location=timeline

PechaKucha at Cleveland Museum of Art

Screen Capture from PechaKucha web site

It’s PechaKucha Night at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX Event. What’s that, you might ask? It is creating a presentation using 20 slides that cycles every 20 seconds. The trick is to choreograph your presentation so the correct slide is in sync with your talk. I did it once but not in front of hundreds of people that normally attends PechaKucha.

I did a small version in front of 50 people that was just as stressful (Mine was about my artistic ability that could have been more focused instead of adding my education). The trick is to be interesting and have a focused theme to your presentation. Regardless if your presentation is fantastic or not, the crowd always claps and cheers. Nothing is worse than standing in front of a crowd and be engaging and entertaining.

I have seen good ones and fair ones; I hail the presenters for standing there and talking to strangers about their passion, business and artistic prowess. One of my favorite venue was in the Warehouse District’s Hoyt block on West 6 in an architectural hideaway - first event in ten years. I remember one guy talked about printing and Thomas Mulready of CoolCleveland delivered the best presentation. It was several years ago and I still remember his confident delivery. I was blown away as I listened among the discarded boulders, and broken-down seating. That was my first one.

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s atrium is a stellar place to have PechaKucha because it holds thousands of people. It always brings in the crowds for whatever reason.  Currently, the atrium has the Ai Weiwei Zodiac heads (huge bronze sculptures of the Chinese cyclical year) that is a wonderful backdrop. Moreover, your slides are viewed high above the audience on the old 1916 building – how cool is that? There isn’t a bad place where one can’t hear or see the slides.

Since I was volunteering, I was only able to see two presenters. Tom Lix from Cleveland Whiskey showed his new business venture – brewing whiskey in Cleveland. He said that Cleveland is the perfect place to start a business. Yeah! He boasted that he was selling 1000 bottles of whiskey when he first began shipping the product; now, it’s well beyond that. Moreover, Cleveland Whiskey will be selling a Christmas flavor that is currently being shipped. What I liked about Tom’s presentation: the photos with the fermentation tanks; his staff wearing Christmas hats that were eagerly packing the Christmas whiskey; and the product itself, a beautiful clear bottle with “Cleveland” typography printed vertically (I always notice graphically pleasing products); Tom exhibited humor when his slides didn’t coordinate exactly with what he was saying. He spoke casually and his passion was easily seen how much whiskey and Cleveland means to him.

Next, Jack Ricchiuto spoke about the meaning of happiness. One statistic struck me, Harvard graduates achieving professional success as it turns out, a good percentage weren’t happy. As Jack spoke, I thought what makes me happy. Obviously having money adds to the ability to afford things that can make you happy. For me that would be the ability to travel and spend money on frivolous stuff – an avant-garde, one-of-a-kind outfit, for example. However, I’ve also found out that you don’t have to spend much money to be creative and essentially be happy.

My joys as I’ve expressed on many blog posts stems from being in my garden and knowing how to grow flowers, plants and have a thriving garden. Many times I’ve planted a dried up plant that I didn’t know would survive. I’ll never forget, I bought this plant from Aldi’s consisting of two long sticks where the leaves had fallen off. Furthermore, it sat idle for the longest time; I firmly believed it was dead. My neighbor said, “Oh, just give it time, it’ll grow.” I’ll be damned; this plant not only survived but I have to trim it three times a year because it won’t stop growing. It is those little things that gives me purpose.

Volunteering at the homeless shelter’s computer lab where I can “make someone’s day” by being friendly and caring. Many times I have “topics of the day” where I get residents to discuss current events – what’s important to them. I believe that it gives them a few minutes to “forget” where they are and focus on something else.

Lastly, I enjoy attending events where I can be myself and meet new people. Interestingly, I am an introvert but I do get my energy by being with people for a short time. Hence, that is why I am currently volunteering at the Cleveland Museum of Art not listening to the majority of the presentations; I’m busy making sure visitors find what they’re looking for and just being friendly.

As a friend of mine eloquently stated, “When you are on your deathbed, the last thing on your mind is work!”

PechaKucha at Hoyt Block
http://www.pechakucha.org/cities/cleveland/events/50b3ff71f3b43bdb0b0006d4

Italian Cultural Gardens Opera and Ohio City Stages

I, like many people in Cleveland, have not patronized the Cultural Gardens along Martin Luther King Blvd. This Sunday, however, I had the opportunity to hear Opera Per Tutti at the Italian Gardens to hundreds of other Clevelanders. This is a free cultural offering, “Opera in the Italian Garden.” The roads were full of cars parked haphazardly as people walked toward the fountain entrance to hear Italian Opera. I was just as excited to listen to Opera again where I’ve listened to many performances at the Palace Theater. I’ve attended: The Magic Flute, Tosca, and Rigoletto to name a few. I can’t really explain why I love it but the performers ability to hit those high notes - gives me chills.

The entrance to the event was away from Martin Luther King Boulevard, up a hill. This was the perfect venue, high above the gardens was majestic. Chairs were set up in front of this giant fountain where you can feel the mist just as the wind floated past you. There was free wine samples - Italians and Wine is definitely one and the same. Stone fired pizza was also available for purchase. It was the perfect evening - the temperature was in the low 80’s unlike the sweltering heat we had for six days.

The performances were fantastic. The program included arias from Carmen, La Boheme, Tosca and Romeo and Juliet where the high notes where not in short supply. There were two Sopranos, two Tenors along with one Baritone, narrated by Jan Jones. The sound quality was exquisite with a new speaker technology system - you can hear every breath and note. There wasn’t a bad seat but we chose to sit towards the front in the seats provided.

Historically, in 1930 the Italian Cultural Garden hosted the San Carlo Opera sixty-eight years ago at its lower level amphitheater. Opera originated in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century. My first opera was Rigoletto where I remember thinking - how great is this. My sister and I saw many thereafter when Opera Cleveland was here. We were both hooked. They sing in Italian but the audience gets a brief translation in English high above the stage. You get used to it. The performances and orchestral music definitely stays with you. 

The performance lasted over an hour and a half where audience members gleefully clapped and hung on every note. I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy the Opera. It’s one of those things; you either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a neutral stance.

As I’ve said on many posts, there is so many free summer events going on in Northeast Ohio; it is a matter of searching these events out. Find what you are interested in and go for it.

Visit “Italian Cultural Gardens” on Facebook

Also, the Cultural Gardens will have the 66 Annual Old World Day, August 25, 2013
www.clevelandoneworldfestival.com

I just learned about this event at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Opera Per Tutti will perform at Arts in August in Tremont’s Lincoln Park
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 7pm
www.operapertutti.org

Ohio City Stages in Ohio City

If you enjoy the Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party with that eclectic, funky beat then I highly recommend attending the last concert at The Ohio City Stages. This is a collaboration between The Cleveland Museum of Art and Transformer Station presented by Charter One Bank. This massive stage sits between W 29 and Clinton. My understanding is: the stage folds up; slides into a semi; parked on the side of the road; then it’s pulled out again for the next concert.

The first concert was well received because the residents followed the music. There’s no bad seat - the music resinates throughout Ohio City.

All I can say, I’ve attended every concert and each performance is different in its own right. There was an African-pop beat; Romanian gypsy brass including tubas; elegant acoustic guitars and Moroccan using unique instruments - represented the past four weeks. Some people bring chairs but you don’t necessarily need them, everyone is on their feet and dancing. That’s right.

Following the concerts, there are outdoor films - Bellwether, a project of the museum’s Contemporary Arts Society. Films that you probably won’t see anywhere else

The last concert is on July 31 featuring “Novalina” contemporary Latin music - I will not miss it.

http://www.transformerstation.org/Events/

June Festivities - 2013

June was a whirlwind of activity and these are just a few activities I did on the last weekend of June.

Waterloo Arts Fest

Belly dancers, stilt walkers, crafts food and music playing at five stages and much more lined Waterloo Road this past Saturday for the Eleventh Annual Arts Festival in North Collinwood. I road my bike and maneuvered my way through the bustling activity. This is another one of my favorite summer events that is right in my backyard. Moreover, I enjoy experiencing the diverse crowds, the art displayed (Rust Belt artists), musical talent and white tent merchandise for sale. I fondly remember not too long ago walking the deserted street patronizing a vintage clothing shop (no longer there) and a coffee house; this festival has definitely come a long way.

As I mentioned, the festival had five stages that housed a variety of music. There was a stage in a sculpture garden where you can sit and relax away from the street. Last year at this location I listened to the band, The Commonwealth, where I stood not wanting to move as I listened. They’re a young band that exploded with a cool, different rhythm - a toe tapping beat where my toes keep tapping. Remembering them as I looked at the schedule, I told my friends that we need to listen to this group. I’m not sure they understood my excitement to listen to them again; they liked them as well.

As we walked through the crowd, I remembered that we didn’t see any art. My sister and I walked up a flight of steps to see the Rust Belt Artists from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The dilapidated building housed several rooms of art; one painting that I really liked was a brightly painted orange and red canvas displaying a large hat and fashionable, tight-waisted dress. It was simply illustrated but caught my attention with the bold colors.

You can still see a glass pane with “Appointments” stenciled across the bottom, which one can visualize was a doctor’s office. The rooms were small with paneling on all the walls, as patients sat and waited. As my sister said, this old building has so much possibilities; just knock down a few walls and they can become great living spaces.

I realize that the Waterloo Arts Fest is right around my neighborhood but it has come a long way to being a well attended event.The music was fantastic especially at the Beachland Stage (Beachland Ballroom); another band that was good, “So Long Albatros,” where I stood in awe by the drummer’s performance. Food trucks, art, kids crafts, what more is there for a summer festival destination. If you haven’t attended before, it is the last Saturday in June.

The Commonwealth Band
http://thecommonwealth-music.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-city-blues


Waterloo Arts
www.waterlooarts.org


Pompeii Exhibit

After several months at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I finally attended the Pompeii Exhibit. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. The exhibit opened with Andy Warhol’s screen print of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius - one canvas in color and another in black and white. They were simple but dramatically represented the eruption. I can’t even imagine what that was like - panic and fear that you were not going to get out alive.

As my sister astutely pointed out, the theme of the exhibit was not a series of images about this tragedy but how artists interpreted this event. There were series of paintings where several artists showed how residents of Pompeii gorged themselves with food delicacies and fine clothing. Did they deserve this untimely death?

The exhibit entrance displayed a body cast in plaster (I think) that we’ve all seen before but another artist created a series of the same dog sculpture sixteen times. Interesting and eerie at the same time. The entire gallery housed the dog in a fetal position. You realize instantly the destruction of life but animals were also lost.

Mostly I gravitated towards the sculptures - a nude, young man bronze carrying a shovel with an artifact in his right hand. The artist eloquently displayed the possibility of grave robbers; however, it’s doubtful this occurred since the young man was nude. Still, it gives the viewer pause to think about this period.

I enjoyed the exhibit but my absolute favorite room was an entire room of Rothko’s. I peacefully sat and looked back and forth at Rothko’s large canvases - brushstrokes in dark colors. Blocks of colors where you wonder what was he thinking as he took brush to canvas. For me, it was time well spent thinking about artists’ interpretation of a period frozen in time and how we deal with death and destruction.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The New North Wing Now Open - Japanese and Korean Art, plus Textiles that has not been seen in eight years. Walking along these galleries during the Solstice Party, I instantly thought, there are so many unfamiliar pieces I don’t remember. One of my favorites is the "Portrait of the Zen Master Hotto Kokushi," a weathered wooden piece where a seated monk meditates with his eyes closed with his hands turned upward in his lap.


www.clevelandart.org


The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

The Two Gentleman of Verona was presented at Wade Oval.

http://www.universitycircle.org/locations/cleveland-shakespeare-festival

Summer in Cleveland

Free Concerts

Technically summer hasn’t officially started but I’ve attended a few things going on around town. For one, the free concert series at Wade Oval had a good crowd in spite of the threatening heavy gray clouds overhead. The band, "The Chozen Few Band," wasn’t deterred either. Around my North Collinwood neighborhood, we have free concerts along the Lake. Honestly, I considered not attending because the cool breeze was too cold to sit by the lake. What can I say; I’m a freeze baby and probably the rare few that likes it hot? Since the sun came out, I decided to walk the block and a half. A less than normal crowd but everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. The band, Lost State of Franklin will be performing at Wade Oval this week (last night).

While listening to the band, I was infatuated by this dog that kept running down to the lake to retrieve this stick she found. The routine was: she threw down the stick; Her owners threw it down to the lake (there was a hill from where I sat to the Lake’s edge); she enthusiastically ran to retrieve it. She did it about three times. She rested for a bit; then the cycle repeated. I couldn’t stop myself from watching her. She wasn’t exactly the most agile of dog breeds but she kept running up and down this hill like it was nothing.

The Convention Center

I rode my bike downtown to attend the opening of the Cleveland Convention Center. Honestly, they did a fantastic job. The inside was contemporary with clean silver signage; the bench seating had plugs along the front and sides for your electronic devices. The bench seats’ fabric had a repeating pattern of our historic bridges in earth tones. The interior was spacious with many meeting rooms with all the current technologies; I just learned this center is the most technologically advanced. The Ballroom was huge; it overlooked the Amtrak Train Station. This was the first time I was able to see it at eye level. Everyone standing in front of the large windows were probably thinking the same thing.

What I enjoyed most was how the old Mall C was re-envisioned with green space that was sorely needed downtown. They added contemporary metal benches where you can sit comfortably looking out along the lake and view Browns Stadium (First Energy Stadium). Many onlookers had their camera’s set and gazed off into the distance. I’m sure the benches will fill up during lunch with people craving the view or people just milling around. I was impressed with this space.

Bonfoey Gallery

As an art lover, I try to visit as many openings as possible. The Bonfoey featured artist, Joseph O’Sickey, that beautifully captured landscapes using watercolor and oil. I was most impressed with his watercolors because it is a medium that I cannot do very well. God knows, I’ve tried. What I admire most about his watercolors is they’re simply interpreted without much detail such as “Four Sailboats Near Land.” Moreover, you can still see the faint pencil lines as he meticulously worked on the composition, visualizing what inspired the artist. Seeing the care and skill he took in creating these landscapes. Next to the watercolor, a dynamic, bold colorful piece that reminded me of Matisse hung there as I wondered how differently he interpreted these patio scenes.

The Bonfoey played a video of O'Sickey where I learned how he met his wife (love at first sight) and began his career in watercolors. Furthermore, it was his obscure watercolors that eventually awarded him admittance to the Cleveland School of Art (now Cleveland Institute of Art). Just like another artist I adore, Schreckengost (an industrial designer and artist that created the vibrant Jazz Bowls), O’Sickey also chose to stay in Cleveland and paint. Art openings and galleries, I learn about artists that I probably wouldn’t have known before.

Bonfoey Gallery until July 13, 2013

http://www.bonfoey.com/OSickey.html

Sound Installation: Forty-Part Motet at The Cleveland Museum of Art

I initially heard the Forty-Part Motet played on WCPN Around Noon that just gave me chills coming out my radio. I couldn’t wait to listen to this piece in person. There are forty mounted speakers (hence the name) arranged in an oval where each speaker represents a choir member in the Reid Gallery (Italian Baroque Gallery). Honestly, I didn’t know what this piece represented when I walked by earlier in spring as the installation was in progress. My favorite art pieces are those that have a well thought out concept that keeps my mind going, what the artist is trying to say. Hence, I want to discuss this art with others.

This work by Janet Cardiff did not disappoint. I walked up the steps and I instantly heard the music. Standing right inside the gallery, I was awestruck by the clarity of the choir. I first walked around to each of the speakers to see if I can distinguish between any of the voices. I couldn’t until the piece ended; I can hear quiet murmurings and breathing. The artist recorded each choir member separately even during breaks.

This is a piece that everyone must experience. It will undeniably take your breath away. As I sat and listened to it twice, I watched patrons walk around and sit; children running up to each speaker not fully understanding it. I was in my own little world with this majestic sound surrounding me, comforting me as I listened. I didn’t want to leave. This piece will forever be imprinted in my mind. I’m sorry that I missed Ms. Cardiff’s other piece, “The Paradise Institute” at MOCA. This piece, however, has been extended until July 7, 2013.

http://www.clevelandart.org/events/exhibitions/forty-part-motet
Lastly, I went to a talk at Sims Park Beach in Euclid about shale rock. I learned how different each beach looked by the wave deposits. Sims park had rocks that washed up on the beach whereas Euclid Beach did not. Plus, Sims Park had sand with a purple tint from other minerals that wash up.  I never thought about it until the presenter mentioned it.

Sims Park in Euclid - Moss Point
http://bluestoneheights.org/bsh/?s=moss+point

This past week has been filled with discoveries and knowledge that I love. Cleveland provides so much richness in culture and art. Summer has begun and there is much more for me to explore.

Transformer Station - Todd Hido Photos that Keep You Thinking

Card Printed by Transformer Station - Autographed by Photographer

This year in particular, I have been hitting the art venues pretty hard as a volunteer. The newest contemporary art gallery is the Transformer Station in Ohio City on West 29th to be exact. I happen to be there on February 1, for the grand opening where hundreds witnessed the collection of Fred and Laura Bidwell - “Light of Day.” The collection displayed different photographs from up and coming photographers. One of my favorites in the collection was three black and white photographs of various trains from New York, Tokyo and Paris. They were hung up high, away from the others. Perhaps that is why I loved them so much. Either way, it’s cool that there is an art venue on the near west-side in collaboration with the Cleveland Museum of Art.

At first, I was confused where this Transformer Station was since I have ridden my bike through the Ohio City streets many times. I went to our first volunteer orientation session and I realized I have probably passed this location countless times as I went to my photographer for work. I am sure I’ve seen this small, obscure transformer station but never paid attention to it. I am sure I am not alone thinking this way. So I commend the Bidwells’ for “transforming” this building into an art venue so we can all view their collection.

The “Light of Day” collection ran from February until early May to record crowds, I’m sure. As I volunteered, I spoke with people who traveled as far away as Kent, Ohio to experience this exhibition. You never know who you might meet - Jim Rokakis, who nonchalantly toured the facility along with many others who I didn’t meet or talked to. What was unusual, the exhibition eliminated the artist’s name and brief synopsis about the work? If this is unsettling, you can request a kindle or view www.tsguide.org via smartphone - a brief explanation about the artist and/or the pieces. You can still view past and current exhibits as well.

The newest exhibit, “Excerpts from Silver Meadows” by known photographer, Todd Hido that takes pictures of his Kent, Ohio hometown. His exhibit takes his viewers back to the past of the 1960 - 1970s with women in bouffant hairdos and liquid eyeliner that stare at you in an unsettling way. One of my favorite photos is a black and white smashed up car where the viewer wonders, “What the heck is going on here?”

Hido’s photos, therefore, are grouped together in a way that tells a story of a dark past that many didn’t talk about freely back then. Women look off to the side, disheveled with heels and torn up hosiery. Again, what is going on? That is the beauty of this exhibit, it promotes discussion what is going on. Every photograph has a story, it is up to you to think how it relates to you or not.

Something the photographer said that keeps playing back and forth in my mind. This isn’t verbatim - a photograph in everyone’s mind is truth; documenting a birthday, wedding or real life scenery. Hido, therefore, plays with images that perhaps are not what they seem. Fictional characters that tell a story by how they are choreographed and cropped in his camera’s viewfinder. In fact, he groups a photo of a young woman (a photo within a photo) hung on wall with his father’s weightlifting measurements (wrists, biceps, waist, and thighs) next to a shot of a tree. One thing is clear, the photographs have an isolating quality that keeps you thinking.

The other thing I like about the photographs is they look authentic using an old-fashioned camera. I do feel like I’m transported back to the 1970s when I see a giant photograph of a rotary phone against shiny, metallic wallpaper. Old ranch houses that I remember seeing when I used to visit a friend who just moved to Mentor, Ohio. The scenery of trees are blurred that gives them a dreamlike quality. The photographs, therefore, take up most of the gallery space; there is a lot to see and reflect on.

The newest exhibit will be on view until August 23, 2013. After the Hido exhibit, the Cleveland Museum of Art will be using the space; this collaboration will continue.

The Transformer Station
A new space for contemporary art in Cleveland


1460 West 29th St
www.transformerstation.org

Steve Litt's Review in The Cleveland Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/arts/index.ssf/2013/05/smashed_cars_sexually_ravenous.html

Flying Carpet by Beat Zoderer

 Flying Carpet - photo by Anna Chanakas (I appear on far right)

Colorful orange and green aluminum strips were suspended from the ceiling in a woven tapestry at the Reinberger Gallery. This sculptural installation titled, “Flying Carpet” was the Cleveland Institute of Art’s first ever commissioned piece by Swiss-born artist, Beat Zoderer. Zoderer’s piece perfectly commands the space of the gallery in an “Aha” moment as your eyes gaze upon the brilliant, colorful hues. At least that is how I felt when I saw this sculptural masterpiece. It was something I have never seen before that held my attention for more than a few minutes.

I anxiously asked the artist, if his “Flying Carpet” met his expectations. Zoderer enthusiastically replied that it superseded his expectations. I can tell he was very happy with the result.

Before the “Flying carpet” was installed, there were many unforeseen challenges. For one, the colorful paint on each aluminum strip began to flake off. In fact on many of the strips, the paint was worn off on all the edges. This could of been a tremendous set back but the gallery’s curator and the artist decided to work with the material as delivered.

The aluminum strips were cut and painted by Cleveland companies, and it would set the project back if they went back and reordered the material. Through discussions with the artist, Zoderer gave the fabricators exact color specifications and sizes of the aluminum strips. They are different lengths and widths. As a novice painter myself, it looks as though the aluminum was not prepped correctly to allow the paint to adhere to the material. It didn’t seem like the artist was too concerned about this set back.

Regardless of the paint sloughing off, the piece is down-right beautiful. It floats brilliantly off the ground with light streaming through its loosely woven aluminum sheets onto the ground. This light creates another art form where you almost want to lay on the ground. The bright colors keeps your eyes moving up and down and across - left and right. To add more interest to the piece, Zoderer bent the aluminum so it has a feeling of movement even though it is suspended from the ceiling.

Prior to the opening of the show, I attended the artist talk, and Zoderer spoke how he was working with Starbuck’s wooden coffee stirrers to get an idea developed. I have taken a few sculptural classes and the basis of an idea/concept comes to you in many, unconditional ways. You may sketch something out or you may be sculpting something out of clay to get the “creative, juices flowing.”

Moreover, Zoderer shows preliminary small scale ideas in the show that should be looked at as well. For example, he glued tiny rubber bands (I assume those annoying rubber bands you get when you buy produce) on a card, scraps from a sheet of stamps, and the coffee stirrers arranged sculpturally. It was interesting how he took cast-away items and created art or sculptural studies that might be a large scale piece; who knows. Nevertheless, I liked seeing his creative process.

I also spoke to one of the guys who helped install the piece. It did take ten days with Zoderer meticulously laying out each piece on the ground by color before the hard work began - assembling them with a rivet gun. Like any artistic piece, it is the process that you learn from, which turned out differently than Zoderer initially thought.

It’s those “mistakes” or the unintended installation procedures that turn out better than your brain calculated in the first place. I’ve done that many times when I did a design or drawing and my vision changed - throughout the process that turned out even better. I think of the so called, “mistake” as the learning process.  There is no way to perfectly manufacture the piece in your head without some learning taking place - it’s a trial and error. That is the beauty of art.

I would highly recommend seeing the “flying carpet” for yourself at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Reinberger Gallery now until May 4th.

Cleveland Institute of Art

http://www.cia.edu/events/2013/03/beat-zoderer-flying-carpet

The Art of the Conversation

Going to The Sculpture Center’s art opening was a transformative experience for the brilliant work by two artists, Sarah Hahn and Rondle West then meeting an art enthusiast. Many may disagree with me that I enjoy attending events alone. For one, I don’t have to worry if the person that I came with is bored and wants to leave before I’m ready or I might want to leave when they’re not ready.

I, therefore, see the art opening and/or networking event as a new challenge. By that I mean, when I go alone I have no preconceived notion that I will be entertained and/or be bored out of my mind. Hence, I walk into an event with an open mind; this gives me a chance to meet new people and broaden my horizons. Most times I go into a gallery and find nobody to talk to that is approachable or creating an “in” to develop a conversation out of nothing. If that is the case, I exit quietly and find another gallery. This past Friday was different.

I was standing in front of a piece where the artist represented three portrait photographs: First, a woman was smiling; Second, the same woman was frowning; Lastly, the woman was holding a gun. I read the description of the piece and I said, “What a powerful piece that can be discussed for a long time.” There was this guy standing close by and he said the same thing. “I was also disturbed when I read the last caption, woman with gun.” That was the start of a very long, interesting conversation about the piece, which then lead to other art venues in Cleveland. I learned that this individual was originally from  Los Angeles where his job led him to Cleveland.

What can I say, I will talk to anyone and everyone anywhere? I enjoy meeting new people and learning what makes them “tick.” Honestly, I have to be in the mood to allow myself to make these very daring conversation starters. For example, in the photography piece, if the guy wasn’t lingering in exactly the same time I walked up, our conversation probably wouldn’t have happened. Definitely not.

I call this approach the “art of the small talk.” I can usually come up with a conversation starter that might begin with the weather, Cleveland sports, or about the venue where the event is housed – the museum or local eatery. I might boldly ask, “Have you ever been to this event before?” Or, what do you think of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s new atrium. These are very basic easy questions.

When you ask your question, two outcomes will happen; first, the person who I direct the question to will be interested and give a detailed response– they are interested or they will give you a basic, five word response. Hence, I have to fight with myself to find other related questions to ask. My opinion is, this is not a conversation when the person (me) has to find all the words to keep it going. If the latter happens, I gracefully exit the conversation and find someone else to talk to. Life is too short.

Sometimes I instinctively see someone and I begin to talk to them. I am not sure if it’s their body language that initiates the conversation or not. For example, I went to a Cleveland State Alumni event at the West 25th, The Market Garden where I just finished the Brewery tour; I was ready to go home. The room was very crowded and a guy was standing by himself and his eye caught mine. The only thing I thought to say was, “Did you go on the brewery tour?” His response was, “No, but I do want to go on it.” I remarked how informative it was how Market Garden makes the beer that he is currently drinking.

One thing lead to another and we both graduated high school during the same year - I went to Euclid High School and he went to St. Joe’s before they changed their name. I have fond memories of the rivalry between the two schools. “Yes,” he responded; he hung out with the same kids in my class. The coincidence doesn’t end there, Not only did we grow up in the same neighborhood but he works at the same law firm that my parents used. What a small world I thought. If I didn’t approach this guy, we wouldn’t have had this profound, enlightening conversation.

My advice would be; attend a networking event or venue where you don’t know anyone and strike up a conversation. Look for those individuals who might catch your eye or who stand alone looking like they need a friend. Both of these scenarios are the easiest ways in start a conversation. It’s not fool proof, but you never know who you might meet that could enrich your life. The possibilities are what you make it - destiny.

What happened with my new friend at the Sculpture Center? We exchanged cards and we talked further about another installation titled, “MozART” In actuality, I liked the piece more that we “deconstructed” it per-say. Therefore, I had an enjoyable time because of the art discussion that wouldn’t have happened if I was alone. Sometimes it is worth taking a chance and “throwing yourself out there.”

The Sculpture Center has two wonderful art exhibitions
www.sculpturecenter.org

Sarah Hahn, “Of Gods and Demigods, Relics and Souvenirs”

The artist takes mythological, and classical sculptures and reinvents them into our current iconic, pop celebrities such as The Kardashians and Justin Bieber, just to name a few.

Rondle West, “MozArt”

An entire room filled with sculptural interpretation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” The artist used found objects, and put them together in a visual presentation; he painted them one color (bright blue, gray, and pink). My opinion is for viewers to focus on the objects instead of the varying color.

The Market Garden - Brewery & Distillery
http://marketgardenbrewery.com/

I'm Always Thinking

Does thinking promote creativity or is it the reverse? I believe it is both. I never thought I was creative nor did I believe that reading would help me become a critical thinker. It seems that, “Critical thinking” has become the new “buzz word.” All I know is I have always enjoyed reading and been observant because of my mother. She would help me remember the stories she told – how she came to the United States. Or, she would remind me who the people in church where by what they wore and/or how they looked. Moreover, she made sure we looked our best no matter where we were going; I can honestly say that I still do that to this day. Presentation is everything.

Being Creative Early On

My mother had to work when I was only nine years old so I had to become creative to play. I fondly remember making “Barbie” doll clothes out of my mother’s fabric scraps and even created a “Barbie” car out of my mother’s discarded cake mix box. I cut out a rounded shape out of the rectangle side of the cake box, and folded it up - this served as the car seat. I slipped “Barbie” into the opening and pushed her around along the carpeting. To create some color on the cardboard box, I took out my crayons and drew tires on the narrow side. This worked for me. My parents never saw the need to buy us kids many games that we’d discard after we were done.

In creating “Barbie’s” clothes, I cut out some holes for the arms to go through and tied a belt. I didn’t know how to sew then so I used my school art box - scissors and glue. They weren’t perfect but it served its purpose, which was giving my dolls a couple of extra new outfits.

Observation

Being observant is the first step in being creative - and/or thinking about the world in a different light. The best project I ever worked on was writing a daily journal for my sculpture class. At first I thought it was stupid along with every other student. Then I began to really look at nature - how one thing related to another. How each trees’ branches looked different; some were thick and some were thin. Some had a thick bark and some were smooth. I wrote and wrote. I might have been the only one who wrote consistently. Once I got started, it was easy to see how nature was sculptural. I instantly began to see how nature inspired other things around me. In fact, this morning as I ran towards Lake Erie, I saw these gigantic waves that were frozen in time - a rigid, rough piece of sculpture nature created. Amazing what you can see if you just take the time to observe.

Now every time I watch a movie or read a book, my mind goes in a million directions. What did the author intend? Did I like the characters as they were written or could I create a better character? Did the scenery and/or the costumes add to the story or did it detract from it? Was there too many characters where I became lost and the plot took too long to get to the point.
There are so many variables in writing a book and/or producing a film. Sometimes a movie is just beautiful to watch without much plot or characterizations. That is fine too as long as it keeps my interest and there is a point.

One film from last year’s Cleveland International Film Festival, it was so simple that there wasn’t too much dialogue. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it because of the beautiful cinematography. Moreover, it was filmed in the farmlands of a quiet, European town. Therefore, the scenery was one of the characters.

School Art Projects

I have to applaud my elementary and junior high school for giving me some cool art projects to work on. One project I still remember doing; I’m upset that I cannot find this poem that I wrote so many years ago. It was titled, “The Cool Drink.” I described quite elegantly, how thirsty I was as I walked home from school during a very hot day. I recall mentioning a “Coke,” and how happy my throat was when I finally got to drink it. It was short but to the point. Interestingly, now I don’t drink soft drinks any longer, and the only thing that quenches my thirst is plain tap water. Maybe one day, I will find it.

My junior high school art classes involved using the potter’s wheel; painting with acrylics, water colors; enameling (I still have on display) and batik that I describe in great detail in another post. I remember painting an album cover for the rock group, “Queen.” Yes, back then the art world created many album covers (Check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for what they have on display). Moreover, in preparation for a water color painting, our class had to “wet down” water color paper, then stretch it onto a drawing board. We either taped the paper down with masking tape or staples - I can’t recall now. Either way, I did so many different mediums of art back then that I hope kids still do this today.

The ability to express your self is the most important step in being creative. Next, communicating what you did. Most important your thinking process in creating your art, and what you learned in the process. I guess I can be critical on art because I have sat through so many critiques; after a while, you can pick out things that others may not have noticed.

Everyone has an opinion so just throw it out there. After all, there isn’t a wrong answer. Create an art piece, write in a journal or watch a film. Then, have a discussion with someone. My favorite discussion are the ones when no one agrees - the most important observations are being addressed if you like it or not.

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/