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

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/

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

Cleveland Summer Festivities

Photo by: David Brichford, CMA Staff Member

CMA Summer Solstice

Balloon patterned outfits, performances, pyrotechnics, visions of Cleveland projected onto the 1916 Building, this was the atmosphere at the fifth annual Cleveland Museum of Art Summer Solstice party. Just as the previous parties, the crowds danced and visited the many galleries especially the opening of the new Asian Galleries. The new galleries were bright and spacious that allowed a visitor to see the long awaited Asian collection. I told a friend right after I exited the space, did we have all this on view before in the downstairs galleries - the dungeon (the only reason I say this is they were dark and hard to see the many wonderful pieces)? The patrons to the new Cleveland Museum of Art space have no idea how crowded it once was. There was never a time where I was alone in a gallery to view my favorite art pieces nor an immense atrium that amazes me still. There was a lot of grumbling when it closed its doors but I know now it needed to be done - an expansion that celebrates how fantastic our museum is and will be in the future.

As I do every year, I volunteer my time to this “must attend” event because I love to people watch. There were fashionably decked out people with certain extravagance to others in jeans and flip flops. Everyone was enjoying the outdoor bands in yet another heat wave to DJs in the atrium. There were so many people wandering around that unless you had a specific place to meet, you will never find your party. That is a successful party, for sure.

Photo by: David Thal

This year, I spent more time in the galleries trying to catch up on art that I’ve missed or listening to my favorite contemporary piece, "Forty-Part Motet." My friend didn’t realize this piece was exhibited since it was a little hard to hear with all the traffic. It was exciting to see, however, the many bodies hopped from one speaker to the next. I enthusiastically told my friend please stop back, it’s something you don’t want to miss.

Photo by: David Thal

Unfortunately, the suspended contemporary sculpture, “The Controller of the Universe” was closed for the event displaying countless hardware tools from chisel to saws. Can you name that tool? My friend and I were trying to figure out what this tool is called,that takes two people to saw a log (two-man-saw). This piece just glowed in the moonlight as iPhone photos were taken.

If you forgot or have never attended this event, pencil it for next year. Please buy your tickets early since it sells out.

“The Book of Mormon” at Playhouse Square

As I do with book or films, I never read the reviews. I just need a basic thumbs up or thumbs down so I don’t waste my time. The only thing I heard about this play is it won a bunch of Tony’s and it’s part of Playhouse Square’s Broadway series. That’s good enough for me.

I was so excited to see this play for all the positive buzz it has received. My sister said honestly the seats aren’t great for its popularity - seats are selling fast. Great for Cleveland, I say. Moreover, it was wonderful to see people spilling out along Euclid Avenue at 3:30 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. We do have the second largest theater district behind New York, if you can believe it.

We walked up many steps to reach the upper balcony. The seats were not bad; there were more people further up. The stage perimeter was decorated in stain glass and soon the performers were singing boisterously, “Hello, Hello” as they were ringing doorbells to preach the “Book of Mormon.” Again, the seats were high but not enough that I couldn’t get the full effect of the show. They were loud enough to hear no matter where you sat.

The actor who played, Elder Cunningham was wonderful - hilarious as he glided along the stage singing and portraying this lively character that lies about the Book’s content to get Ugandans baptized. The costumes and choreography were brilliant; the ensemble cast played many characters such as devils, Yoda, Darth Vader, Ugandans and Elder Mormons, just to name a few.

Of course I laughed and was entertained. However, there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me such as explicit language, rape and body part references that probably didn’t need to be there. Then again, you know what you’re getting from the creators of South Park. Overall, I did like it a lot.

If you love the theater, I wouldn’t miss it.

http://www.playhousesquare.org/

More activities this weekend.

Friday, June 28 MOCA
http://mocacleveland.org/

Saturday, June 29, WaterlooArtsFest
https://www.facebook.com/WaterlooArtsFest

Pulling a 10-Ton Truck through Cleveland

Photo by Cool Cleveland - @MartinBielat

A drab, cool evening as I drive down to the Beachland Ballroom to “Pull” an old GMC truck through the city - a performance piece promoting work by Artist William Pope.L. Quite honestly, I was getting a little nervous about this task ahead of me. How easy or difficult will this be?

A brass band playing to a good crowd gathered in front of the Beachland Ballroom anticipating this historic event that was about to take place. Photographers, videographers, art enthusiasts, residents and “pullers” gathered around an old truck that was transformed with bold typography, imagery and headlines stating: Wealth Vs. Money; The Right to be Lazy, What is the Point of Working? I Can’t Wait to Get Off Work, and I Love My Job. I noticed an image of a Homeless man on the lower left of the truck along with a headline promoting the Men’s Shelter metal works program creating bike rakes for the city - A photographer took my picture as I was awestruck of this wonderful project.

How did I learn about this project? My sister sent me an email where the subject line simply said, “Pull.” My curiosity peaked and looked up the event. I wasn’t wild about the time (8:30 until 12:30 A.M.), but it was right in my neighborhood so I decided to sign-up. I have been tweeting and talking about this event all week. Moreover, I won the Cool Cleveland Hashtag contest where a representative was sent to publicize my event. How cool is that?

Push off time was 9:00 P.M., and I was getting antsy to get the ball rolling. There will be eight-pullers (four on the right and four on the left of the vertical bar) in front of the truck pulling this crazy one-wheeled, wooden apparatus. I stood confidently on the driver’s side, both hands on the second wooden bar. I wanted the first shift for this historic event. We all wore bright yellow safety vests with a yellow and black PULL sticker. I was excited and nervous at the same time.

The Spaces executive director explained this has been a two-year project that has finally come to fruition plus verbalizing all the partnerships that helped make this event a reality. Walking in front of the truck, the band continued to play as we “pullers” began to move the truck awkwardly along the uneven asphalt with the police as our guide. We’re off! All pullers were hooting and hollering and waving to onlookers. Driver’s in their cars wondering what the heck is going on. Priceless expressions.

One young driver has such an emotional response to the truck, “What happened?” I can just image what it looks like to people who have no idea what this project is all about - eight people with bright yellow jackets pulling an old jalopy. Our truck brought interest from a young family - a stroller with baby and dog, Rex to walk along with us.

We moved on a good clip along Waterloo Road along a neighborhood that I haven’t really experienced before. As you pull, you have the time to see homes that are abandoned or need some tender loving care. This is also the time to see how people live in these troubled times - a time to reflect. There were potholes and standing water that you needed to be aware of. I was surprised how hard I was working especially in my biceps. I am in good shape, but this was kicking my butt.

After about 20-minutes, it was time to turn the reins off to the other volunteers anticipating their turn to “pull.” We all rotated from pulling to pushing - the back of the truck. The hardest part of the “pull” was pushing from the back, a sharp incline along St. Clair. We were all spent when the truck reached the top - huffing and puffing, at least I got a good workout after that stretch of road. Everything was going well; we were doing such a good job that we were way ahead of schedule - one-hour. We reached our destination at 11:00 P.M. “Seriously, we’re done.”

I was sadden that we reached our destination so quickly. I was enjoying watching passersby looking dumbfounded by what this truck signifies; the smartphones taking photos and local residents waving as we traveled along their street. What I learned? There are so many people that need help; there are local businesses trying to survive and this project has embraced volunteers that really wanted to come together to be apart of “PULL.” What can we achieve as we “pull” together? I’m so proud that I was a “puller.” Thank you Spaces and William Pope.L for bringing this project to reality.

Spaces PULL Project
http://www.spacesgallery.org/project/pull

The Cleveland Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/06/pull_offers_city_a_labor_of_ar.html