Art and Technology

A giant multimedia installation, a painted canvas hanging on a wall and/or an iPad tour, this is what’s happening at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gallery One exhibit. Gallery One is the most ambitious display that brings together traditional art and technology to the forefront. I applaud the museum for creating this exhibit for all to experience what’s new in technology, but more important learning about art in a new, 21st century way.

Gallery One opened to the public on January 21st, Martin Luther King Day where I had the privilege to volunteer. Because of the holiday there were so many people that the museum needed to distribute timed tickets.  Gallery One I can see is going to be a popular destination. What can I say, it was very well attended?

Right after my shift, I had the opportunity to look around and engage with the many large kiosk screens to learn more about 20th century paintings and sculpture. One of my favorite pieces is Viktor Schreckengost’s “Jazz Bowl” – vibrant blue hue where he illustrated jazz inspired scenes. Through one of his talks, I found out how much he enjoyed playing the saxophone. What this kiosk did was teach me more about the artist, and what other artists inspired him. Additionally, the kiosk asked you if you want to draw a line; the line that you draw is layered onto a piece of art that is inspired by this line. What was amazing through this robust interactivity, it gave me a new outlet into the brilliant minds of artists.

There are different kiosk stations where you learn different things. One station features contemporary art where you can paint a canvas using a few different techniques such as Jason Pollock – paint dripping method. Not only can you paint using artists contemporary options but you can email your creation to yourself. I spent so much time creating “the perfect piece” – a good balance of color and spacial relationships. What I learned is that painting using contemporary methods is not easy - every artist is unique by how he uses paint (layering, using a pallet knife, dripping, wide strokes, or adding other items such as wallpaper or newspaper in creating a collage). Lastly, what is the artist trying to say? What did they learn by experimenting with new techniques?

The last station I visited was creating a clay sculpture. That was fun but it was limiting, which is my only objection - the tactility of clay. However, the goal of the piece was to try to create a warrior God and the program gave the participant all the tools to do that. Don’t get me wrong, it was remarkable what this program can do.

The other aspect of the exhibit I liked was seeing the actual piece exhibited in the show such as Jason Pollock, Schrengost’s Jazz Bowl and tapestries for some of us who just want to see the art. Then, the computerized kiosk was a tool to experience more. I was very impressed.

The museum created a specialized mobile app, “ArtLens” where you hold up an iPad and the app has the capability to deliver audio and video segments about various art pieces throughout the museum. What an educational milestone (tool) that will give museum goers a remarkable, memorable experience. I have yet to experience the iPad but if you don’t have one, the museum makes this available to you at a nominal cost.

The iPad and these endless apps that are being generated is the wave of the future, for sure. There is an app to log in your steps, loose weight, level a picture frame, and the list goes on and on. My head hurts by thinking about where this technology will lead us in the near future - controlling our home temperatures and t.v. sets, garage doors and tire pressures. As a person who uses social media, specifically twitter, and as a graphic professional, that uses Adobe Photoshop to clean up deficient photographs; this program can make any photo pristine. Many times I walk past a photograph and I wonder if this image was the artists original capture or was it adjusted by using Photoshop?

As I’ve walked through many exhibits where artists display video, and multimedia installations, where I’ve understood some and some I just didn’t feel like watching. I can definitely appreciate the art. And thinking that all forms of technology is here to stay.

Do I love it 24/7? Not necessarily. I am old fashioned in certain respects where I enjoy looking at black and white photographs that weren’t altered. The photographer hit the shutter and developed it by dipping photo paper into a chemical bath. A painter bought a canvas, stretched it and squeezed a bunch of paint onto a glass panel and began his painting. There was no editing, you paint and sometimes the mistake became the genius of the piece.

I sit here and write on a computer where I can edit as I go. Do I loose some of my creativity by editing this that couldn’t be done on an old fashioned typewriter? Maybe, maybe not but one thing is clear that learning goes on whether it’s drawing by a crayon or iPad. I think you owe it to yourself to experience all of the technology you can get your hands on, then edit what you enjoy or pass it by.

If you love art, technology and the Cleveland Museum of Art, definitely check out the new Gallery One.



Gallery One
http://www.clevelandart.org/galleryone

Cleveland.com - ArtLens

http://www.cleveland.com/arts/index.ssf/2013/01/artlens_app_at_the_cleveland_m.html

The Gray Area

Touring Ohio City 2012

If it’s art or film, there is always a different opinion about what’s inspirational, well done or just plain ordinary. Every artistic medium, therefore, is subjective. I might say this film is fantastic, then someone will argue with me that it’s crap. Whose opinion do you go with when deciding what film or art show to see? I would advise going with someone reputable who likes the same kinds of things you do. Ask them what they think, and go from there. Or you can be bold and/or spontaneous and pick a film that looks interesting and go.

Lately, I have been shying away from written reviews; I read the basic synopsis and decide if it’s worthy of my time or not. The more I hear that a film is “fantastic” or hyped-up by the media, the more disappointed I become when I finally see it. This exact thing happened to me when I decided to see “Zero Dark Thirty” because all the reviewers said it’s a “must see.” Everyone, quite frankly, is sick of me with my negative remarks about his film. I will sum it up by saying this - don’t waste your time!

What bothered me about the film wasn’t exactly all the violence and torture; there was a lot of that shown in great detail, especially water boarding. It cast too wide a net into the specifics of Bin Laden that took the viewer back to 2005. I honestly didn’t see the correlation between that time (Bush Administration) into 2011 when Bin Laden was finally killed. There were too many characters that came in and out of the story that I became lost, confused and frustrated. Quite honestly, I almost nodded off because it did not keep my interest. Hence, the story had too much CIA mumbo-jumbo for an average person to fully comprehend. It did show me, however, the complexity in what it took to find and finally kill Bin Laden. The film needed tighter editing where it seemed entirely too long. The ending for me wasn’t anything exciting either with Seal Team 6 using night vision goggles to raid the compound; we all knew the end, right. If you are looking for a superior repeat of the “Hurt Locker,” then keep going. You will be disappointed.

With all the reading that I do, I am definitely a tough critic. I look for character development and a unique story that keeps me interested with fresh ideas that stays with me. If I keep thinking about a film well after it’s done, then that succeeded my expectations. That isn’t too hard, is it?

With all due respect to Quentin Tarantino, as being an odd bird who does some weird stuff. I had no intention what so ever of ever seeing, “Django Unchained.” I thought it was a racist film about slavery. However after volunteering at the Homeless Shelter, I changed my mind when a few African Americans said it was a good, entertaining film. I thought, “Really!” I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it. The film was 2 hours and 45 minutes and it didn’t seem like it. It was intelligently written with humor and of course gore but I overlooked it because of its strength in storytelling. Christoph Waltz brilliant as a Dentist turned bounty hunter along with Leonardo DiCaprio, who should of been nominated for an Oscar for his performance as Mr. Candy. I won’t lie that it wasn’t gruesome and hard to watch in a few scenes but it kept my interest. Therefore, I thought about it long after it was over. I give it an enthusiastic thumbs up, please.

So what is it exactly that inspires certain people to gravitate towards one film over another? One piece of Art over another? Why are so many peoples tastes so different? One film I say is a complete snoozer like last year’s Oscar winning film, “The Artist” that I couldn’t wait until it was over. Other than it being beautiful to watch in nostalgic black and white, there was no substance. This might be difficult because it was mostly silent, but seriously no brilliant storytelling or highlight (meat) that kept me on the edge of my seat. It gave me no reason to scream from the roof top, “This is fantastic and you’ve got to see it.”

Did I watch the same film as the Oscar judges?

I don’t get it; but that’s what makes us so unique. We all have different tastes. Hence it gives artists new opportunities to create innovative films, art, culinary (food) even graphically pleasing marketing, collateral pieces for the masses to see.

This is what promotes gut reactions either positively or negatively. Discussions, therefore, could be a stepping stone for new original thought to the forefront. A game changer.

Do me a favor, if you don’t understand something just stare at it for a while longer and ask yourself why do I like or not? Remember, artistic expression evokes emotion no matter if it’s good or not. Sometime the more I discuss a film or artwork, I like it more by thinking about it that prompts more discussion then another idea unfolds - this constitutes critical thinking that goes beyond the surface.

What was the filmmaker’s or artist’s intention? Did it explore other ideas away from your comfort zone? What emotions or hot buttons got stirred up?

Still Doing Art

2013 Wild Flowers Drawing - Toni Chanakas

From the time I was in elementary and junior high school, I excelled in art classes. I remember creating ornaments from brown paper that I still have. They were brilliantly colored in great detail – a gingerbread man and angel. I am biased so I can honestly say they still look pretty good for a young kid’s artistic ability.

I used to love to color. I couldn’t wait until the first day of school when my parents bought me that box of 64-crayons. My favorite color was periwinkle that I could barely pronounce. My eyes scanned all the beautiful colors but I kept focusing on periwinkle - that weird blueish, purple color. What I loved about it was its uniqueness from all the other colors. I felt special just by using it.

One afternoon, I went to my mother’s house where I knew some of my old art projects were stowed away in an old, white metal cabinet. Way back in the cabinet, I found a batik (a dye process where different areas are waxed then you dye colors that aren’t waxed) project that I did in Junior High. It was a three color ladybug piece: brown, red and yellow. I retrieved it from its tomb and it is currently in my spare bedroom (art room) on the floor. When I moved however, I never felt like going through that old stuff; suddenly I needed it. In the back of my mind, however, I wanted to get back to drawing and creating art. I’ve got the bug back.

In my art room, I have a few sculptures that I did: one of a plastered head in a straight jacket and a carved wood piece with a dress. These pieces can be construed as “contemporary” where conceptual thought came into play. The straight jacket piece was a two step process. First we were to mold a head (by a model) using traditional methods - clay. After the head was molded, it was made into a cast; plaster was then poured into the cast. Lastly, the cast was chiseled away into the finished piece. The second step entailed creating a sculpture with the head or, specifically what statement are you trying to say?

I thought long and hard about how I was going to finish it. I must have been in a melancholy mood so a crazy thought of a straight jacket came into my head. I knew I wanted to sew. I created the jacket where I patterned it after my own body. It gave it a personal element. Moreover, I wanted the piece to be monochromatic, low key where the craftsmanship is the focal point. I chose to paint the head white that mimicked the whiteness of the straight jacket. Brilliant!

The other piece I chiseled into a long, scalloped form, where I was thinking about the modern sculptor, Brancusi. After the straight jacket piece, I wanted to sew again since it was easy for me. Hence, I added a dress where like Freud, I named it “penis envy.” The concept was: as a female sculptor where I need to be recognized as an artist just as if I was a man per-say. Women are just as capable as men.

I adore contemporary art because of an artists’ thinking process. I had a graduate sculpture student as an instructor that did some ingenious pieces. He created glass shoes: one shoe was filled with honey obviously making fun of people who constantly refer to women as “honey.” Another shoe was filled with sweet, red syrup, referring to “sweetie.” Brilliant.

The other reason I love contemporary art is everyone shies away from it. I don’t get it, is the normal response. Well, I ask. How does the piece make you feel? Art causes a reaction, an emotion in some way. Either you love it or hate it. Not all pieces I love but I can respect the artist’s thinking process. A contemporary piece at the Cleveland Art Museum, I cherish is Rothko – three bands of horizontal color. That’s it. For me it congers up Rothko’s emotions as he chooses specific colors. The horizontal color bleeds and runs; its not perfect.

Or, Mondrian that creates painting in rigid, grid form using only primary colors. Why is it mostly white with a specs of “red, blue and yellow” in the corners? As a graphic professional, my interpretation is that it keeps the eye moving as in any graphical piece. What is the hierarchy? What do you concentrate on first, second or last? I think that’s his goal; plus creating a painting that is stripped from anything identifiable or "non-objective" paintings.

Art is what you make it out to be. It makes your home more lively and livable. Is there a focal point in your room, does it promote discussion? What I enjoy most about art is the discussion. How does one feel? What conversation does it evoke, which to me constitutes a successful art piece.

Why have I strayed from my own art? I’m not sure. My positive New Year’s resolution is producing more drawings and thinking about the world that may not be so cut and dry. I dragged out my drawing table that was in my basement for twelve years. And, I am beginning to draw again. It helps me become more observant; how forms are interrelated, and connected. Linking things that aren’t necessarily related. Who knows but I’m excited to create on my drawing table that overlooks my backyard.

Please stop by the Cleveland Museum of Art, MOCA Cleveland and the new Transformer Station so you can have an enlightening discussion or view great art.


Cleveland Museum of Art
http://www.clevelandart.org/

MOCA Cleveland 


http://www.mocacleveland.org/


Transformer Station
http://www.transformerstation.org/

Lake Erie - It's Frozen

Photo by Anna Chanakas

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

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

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

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

This is probably one of my best, memorable runs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2100 Lakeside - Men’s Shelter Volunteer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.lutheranmetro.org/

Exploring Cleveland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Historical Cleveland Trust Rotunda

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

Fashions at Cleveland Museum of Art

This outfit was from a card I received

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleveland Museum of Art

www.clevelandart.org

Yellow Cake by Valerie Mayen

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

Croquet Sketches

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