Arts + Culture

Driving improvement: State funds allow Crawford Museum to continue expansion
Thanks to $750,000 in state capital funds, the Western Reserve Historical Society is moving ahead with plans to update and broaden the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum's space.
Painting the town: Waterloo Arts launches Green Palette community art project
Waterloo Arts has come up with an artistic way to drench Waterloo Road in color and greenery while also bringing the neighborhood together. 
Freedom: Buck Out dancers let loose in powerful show of protest, hope
Angry and frustrated by the racially-motived murders this past summer, and stifled by the inability to practice their dance returns because of COVID-19, the members of Buck Out Cleveland's Diamond Dance Company showed their emotions through a powerful dance video.
Songs of the season: Enjoy holiday cheer virtually with Cleveland Playhouse’s ‘First Noel’ special
CWRU/Cleveland Play House MFA alum Lelund Durond Thompson and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb will present a virtual behind-the-scene look and performances of their musical "The First Noel," this weekend through New Year's day. 
Oh, Christmas tree! Waterloo Arts branches out with "Art of the Ornament" auction

Every time someone buys an ornament to benefit Waterloo Arts, an angel gets its wings. Just ask executive director Amy Callahan, who is spearheading the organization's second annual “Art of the Ornament" auction featuring handmade ornaments by local artists.

Never too young to make a difference: Ortiz’ newest book tells of youth making positive change
Local author Raquel Ortiz just released her newest book about the East Harlem 1969 Garbage Offensive by the Young Lords, telling the story of how you're never too young to make a difference.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture announces 2021 grants, celebrates 16 first-time recipients
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture announced last month that it will distribute more than $12 million in grants to 295 nonprofit organizations. Sixteen organizations are first-time recipients. FreshWater looks at four of the newcomers.  
Sweet victory: CLE-based bakers win $10,000 on Netflix baking competition “Sugar Rush Christmas"
Katie Gayner and Anthony Radencic experienced the sweet taste of victory during Netflix’s recent airing of “Sugar Rush Christmas."
A creative journal: Lake Erie Ink founder looks back on 10 years of fostering youth creativity
From hosting poetry clubs to youth programming that promotes creative thinking and writing, Lake Erie Ink founders Amy Rosenbluth and Cynthia Larsen look back on a decade of growth. 
Reimagined Winterfest touts virtual and socially distanced holiday experiences
Winterfest may have gone virtual this year, but there's still plenty to check out—either online or with a socially distanced stroll around Public Square—to get into the holiday spirit.
Dropping a Love Bomb: Local artist fights domestic violence with newest series
Artist Leah Brooklyn shows her support for victims of domestic violence through her latest hand-drawn series, "Love Bomb."
Community creativity: Lake Erie Ink displays second group art project in Coventry window
More than 40 creative types of all ages submitted their works to adorn a vacant storefront window on Coventry for Lake Erie Ink's second Creative Community Challenge. 
Going with their Gut: HGTV's newest stars are from right here in Cleveland
The Wall Street Journal christened Cleveland a "house-flipping hotspot" this summer, but that wasn’t exactly news for Relief Properties' Darren and Kate Mancuso. As stars of the new HGTV show “Gut Job,” they’ve been in the local real estate game for more than a decade.
I live here (now): from Congo to Cleveland, one musician’s quest to entertain the world
After moving to Cleveland in May, Manembo Manembo, AKA Real Mane TMP, has been living his dream of creating Afrobeats music, positivity, and inspiration, as well as sharing stories of his native Congo.
An eye for fashion and a nod to family: designer’s new collection honors CLE's garment history
Designer William McNicol grew up in the 90s era of designer basketball shoes. Once he began designing his own kicks, his career as a fashion designer took off. His newest clothing collectionall manufactured here in the CLElaunched last week.
Spin Cycle Records gets into the groove in St. Clair-Superior
With artists like Kid Cudi and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony hailing from Cleveland, The Land certainly has some cred in the hip-hop world—but music producer Simon Mastri thinks our city has only scratched the surface. 
I Live Here Now: Jen Schefft Waterman's journey from 'The Bachelorette' back to Northeast Ohio
Jen Schefft Waterman has gone on a journey from The Bachelorette back to the 'burbs of Cleveland—and she's documenting it all in a new podcast.
LISTEN --> FreshFaces Podcast: Archie Green of Peel Dem Layers Back
Our FreshFaces podcast is back for season two! Episode Two features Peel Dem Layers Back founder Archie Green, who is helping spread mental health awareness via music and art.
Autumn admiration: Photos of Cuyahoga Arts & Culture-funded sites ripe for viewing
The crisp colors and cool breezes of fall have arrived in Northeast Ohio. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captures the season's scenery at some Cuyahoga Arts & Culture-funded sites. 
Prama Gallery creeps into the Halloween spirit with its 'Images of Haunted Ohio' exhibit
Prama Artspace & Gallery on Friday opened "Images of Haunted Ohio," a photo exhibit featuring six photographers who have caught chilling images in some of the state's most ghostly places.