Arts + Culture

Artistic interpretation: First two murals completed in Murals Across the City campaign
Two local artists—Kelle Schwab and Lisa Quine—just completed the first two murals in Murals Across the City Campaign sponsored by Destination Cleveland and partner Graffiti Heart. Four more murals are to come.
Local author examines JFK assassination, conspiracy theories in 'JFK, Oswald and Ruby'
Shaker Heights attorney, judge, and author Burt W. Griffin just published his book about the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald’s involvement, and Jack Ruby's motivations.
Playhouse Square announces schools participating in 2024 Dazzle Awards
Students from 38 regional high school are already preparing for Playhouse Square's May Dazzle Awards—which honors the hard work, dedication, and excellence seen in the region’s high school theater programs.
The music never stopped: Free Hessler Homecoming keeps spirit of Hessler Street Fair alive
The beloved Hessler Street Fair may no longer exist as fans know it, but thanks to the Hessler Neighborhood Association and the Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association, Hessler Homecoming will keep the tradition alive this Sunday, Oct. 15 with free concerts, food and crafts vendors, and old friends.
Let the Oppressed Go Free: Sculptor Timothy Schmalz returns to CLE with human trafficking sculpture
Last week, world-renowned sculptor Timothy Schmalz's bronze 20-foot sculpture, "Let the Oppressed Go Free," was placed in Public Square by Community West Foundation and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking to raise awareness of the ongoing plague happening around the world. Schmalz is also the artist behind the Matthew 25 sculpture series placed around Cleveland.
Light it up: Playhouse Square's new theater marquees in photos
Last week, Playhouse Square unveiled the theaters' new marquees and technology upgrades during Marquee Mondays in a dazzling display of lights and color. Bob Perkoski documented the evening in this photo essay.
The New Masters 3: Wasmer Gallery issues call for female artists in NEO
The Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery at Ursuline College is calling for local emerging and professional women artists to apply for its upcoming The New Masters 3: Women Artists of Northeast Ohio.
Sidewalk masterpieces: Museum of Art's annual Chalk Festival brings professionals, amateurs together
The Cleveland Museum of Art's 34th annual Chalk Festival drew artists of all ages and abilities last weekend as they decorated the CMA grounds. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured the chalk masterpieces before the rain washed them away.
In the right light: Cleveland History Center hosts Fashion After Dark exhibit
The Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society will open its Fashion After Dark exhibit—simulating the atmosphere of a gaslit evening on Euclid Avenue in the 1840s through fashion, interiors, lighting, and sound.
All are welcome: First annual Neurodiversity Cultural Festival celebrates our differences
Doug Blecher's autism diagnosis at age 42 led him to partner with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and start the first annual Neurodiversity Cultural Festival, happening Saturday, Sept. 30 at Solon Community Park.
Heaven on Earth: Cleveland Museum of Art premiers works from China’s Jiangnan region
The Cleveland Museum of Art opened “China’s Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta,” which explores the historical and cultural riches of Jiangnan region, in the coastal area south of the Yangzi River. The exhibit features more than 200 objects relating to a region that has remained one of China’s wealthiest, most populous, and agriculturally fertile lands.
Pandemonium: Cleveland Public Theatre to host annual benefit, theatrical spectacular
Cleveland Public Theatre will be transformed into a labyrinth of theater, dance, visual art, and performance this Saturday, Sept. 9 at its 21st annual benefit and theatrical spectacular, Pandemonium 2023: Into the Depths.
Prost! Returning Cleveland Oktoberfest in the running for USA Today readers’ favorite
Cleveland Oktoberfest, one of the first big U.S. cities to put on a massive festival each year, occurs over the next two weekends and is in the running with 19 other cities to be chosen as the readers' favorite in a U.S. Today poll.
Photo essay: Ghost Signs of CLE
This is our second photo installment of ghost signs spotted in and around Cleveland.
Artists to unveil Clark Fulton mural that honors Guatemalan community, culture
This weekend, local artists Tessa LeBaron and Hector Castellanos Lara will unveil their mural that celebrates the beauty and traditions of Guatemala, as well as the local Guatemalan culture in the Clark Fulton neighborhood.
Friday’s coming! 78th Street Studios hosts Third Fridays this week
Here's a good way to get through Hump Day: 78th Street Studios' Third Fridays is this week, offering a free open house with visual exhibits, ambient music, delicious cuisine, pop-up vendors, and, of course, open galleries to peruse.
Dramatic history: Former Karamu director Terrence Spivey aims to bring his latest work home
Terrence Spivey hasn't missed a beat since he stepped down from his position as Karamu House artistic director in 2016. Now he has been invited to stage his latest play about the slave ship, the Clotilda, "An Ocean in My Bones," in Cleveland.
Cleveland Arts Prize announces 2023 award winners
Nine recipients will be awarded the 2023 Cleveland Arts Prize, recognizing exceptional achievements and contributions in various artistic disciplines. The winners have impacted the arts community and society through their dedication and creative brilliance.
Q&A: Effie Tsengas Nunes, interim executive director of the Cleveland Arts Prize
Effie Tsengas Nunes was appointed interim executive director of the Cleveland Arts Prize, the organization that awards scholarships and $50,000 in prize money each year to leading artists. Learn about her thoughts and plans for the arts in Cleveland.
On the fringes: Playhouse Square streets, venues become stages at BorderLight Fringe Festival
The BorderLight Fringe Festival kicks off this Thursday, with more than 110 performances in the streets and and venues of Playhouse Square.