Arts + Culture

All about the women: CMA’s MIX celebrates women in DJ culture
Just in time for Women's History Month, the Cleveland Museum of Art will host MIX: Women on Wax this Friday, when groundbreaking DJ Minx and Cleveland DJ Red-I keep the Ames Family Atrium hopping while celebrating women in the DJ culture.
Flying bullets: Local filmmaker Johnny Wu releases newest work
Filmmaker Johnny Wu's newest film, "Bullets, Brothers and Blood," featuring a diverse cast, delves into a gripping tale of mistaken identity amid a crime-ridden town. The film premieres this Saturday.
Ode to Joy: Jon Batiste treats intimate audience to music mix
Award-winning, multi-talented Jon Batiste treated an intimate sold-out crowd of 700 people to a variety of melodies and sounds during his hour-long performance at Cleveland Museum of Art's Gartner Auditorium this past Sunday. Bob Perkoski captured some of the magic.
Keeping it short (and sweet): CLE’s largest short film fest returns for 13th year
The 13th Short. Sweet. Film Fest returns to Shaker Square, featuring nearly 300 short films from 23 countries across four screens at Atlas Cinemas. The event includes a diverse genre range, filmmaker appearances, local talents, and international works, promising something for all. Highlights include Mayfield Heights native Anne Hu’s 'Lunchbox' and the Swiss film 'Lose me not.’
A chaotic evening with villains: An account of Playhouse Square’s 2024 Jump Back Ball
As a youngster, Addie Balester participated in many of Playhouse Square Education Department's programs. As an adult, she experienced her first Jump Back Ball last week, hosted by Playhouse Square Partners. She shares her experiences during the themed evening of Villains Unleashed: A Night of Chaos.
Seasonal upgrade: Brite Winter returns to the Flats
Brite Winter, the festival that is full of art, fire, music, and fun to beat the winter blues, returns to the West Bank of The Flats for its 15th year this weekend. There will be more than two dozen musical acts, food trucks, Sibling Revelry beer, and fun. Take a break from winter and warm up to Brite Winter!
Poetry + Art Intersections: Cleveland Poetry Festival announced for April
Literary Cleveland announced today it will host its third Cleveland Poetry Festival in April at Cleveland Museum of Art's Community Arts Center in Tremont. This year's festival celebrates the overlapping influence of poetry and visual art with workshops and events with local and national poets and artists.
Grass roots crime fighters: Funding programs to keep kids out of trouble
In late 2023, the City of Cleveland used $10 million in ARPA money to create and support the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund, which helps grassroots organizations fight the root causes of crime with educational, inspirational, artistic classes. FreshWater Cleveland talks to six of the grant recipients and what the programs are doing.
Art, stories, and fun: Lake Erie Ink Kids’ Comic Con returns, bigger than ever
Lake Erie Ink's 12th annual Kids' Comic Con: Ignite you Imagination takes place on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2 at institutions like Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art's Pivot Center, and MoCa. Kids, teens, and adults are encouraged to ignite their creativity all weekend!
Unleash the villains: Playhouse Square Partners team plans for Jump Back Ball
For more than seven months, the Playhouse Square Partners young professional group has been planning, plotting, and building sets for the organization's annual Jump Back Ball—an evening of dancing, drinks, and music to raise money for Playhouse Square's Education Department. This year's theme is "Villains Unleashed: A Night of Chaos." Find out more about what goes into the planning of this signature event.
Call for artists: Shaker Arts Council seeks artists for utility box design competition
Shaker Arts Council has issued a call for artists to submit designs for utility box wraps on Shaker Heights streets in its Painting the Town design competition. Get the details on applying here!
Orchids Forever: Golden Hour in photos
Orchids Forever: Golden Hour, Holden Forests & Gardens' annual flower show, opened last weekend at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Managing editor Bob Perkoski captured some of the vibrant colors of the orchids. Get your tickets to the exhibits and classes today!
Winter, retreat! It’s time to chase away winter at annual Kurentovanje festival
It's time to scare away winter this weekend with the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival—when the mythical Kurenti appear, their bells loudly ringing as they dance around a bonfire to chase winter away and welcome spring at the Slovenian National House in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.
Access for all: Playhouse Square’s sensory-friendly performances foster inclusion
For more than a decade, Playhouse Square has hosted Sensory-Friendly Programming designed to increase access and inclusion for children and adults of all ages, perspectives, and abilities, including those with autism.
Steps and Stages: Y-Haven Theatre Project, CPT mark 25 years with ‘Troubled Waters’
Celebrating its 25th year, the Y-Haven Theatre Project—a collaboration between YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre—will present "Troubled Waters," a play based on the lives of Y-Haven Treatment and Recovery Center residents.
Photos: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Cleveland Museum of Art
With offices and government buildings closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s galleries were open to everyone—offering art activities and entertainment to honor and celebrate the work and lessons of the Rev. Dr. King. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski was there to capture the day in photos.
Warm your spirit: Orchids Forever returns to Cleveland Botanical Garden
The Cleveland Botanical Garden will be bursting with color on Saturday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, March 17 with Holden Forests & Gardens' annual flower show, Orchids Forever: Golden Hour. Tickets are on sale now and registration is open for classes and activities for every age and interest.
Honoring Dr. King through art: Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates with creative expression
The Cleveland Museum of Art will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15 with its regular free admission, hands-on art activities, and entertainment from WOVU 95.9 FM's DJ Kristyles and Humbly Submitted—all to learn from each other, celebrate humanity, exchange ideas, and spur creativity in a space for reflection.
BorderLight Theatre Festival opens 2024 Call for artists
The BorderLight Fringe Festival will return this summer to Playhouse Square, and organizers have put out a call for artists to apply for this year's festival. This year's four-day event will emphasize diversity, thanks to support from the Cleveland Foundation, and application clinics are being held in Cleveland neighborhoods throughout January. Find out how to apply here.
It’s the most wonderful time of year to enjoy Cleveland Museum of Art
The holiday season is the perfect time to visit the Cleveland Museum of Art and CMA's Community Arts Center for world-class exhibits, hands-on art projects, holiday decorations, or just grabbing a bite while spending time with friends at Provenance.