Arts + Culture
The Experience Lakewood
app recently launched, linking users to information on businesses,
dining, shopping and recreation in the city. The app can be downloaded
from iTunes for free on any Apple-compatible device.
While business and shopping apps are becoming more plentiful, Experience Lakewood's focus on one particular city makes it unique, according to Barb Cagley, president of Cleveland's SCK Design, which created the app for Lakewood Alive, in partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. "Regional apps are a newer trend," she says.
Another factor setting the Experience Lakewood app apart is that the content is controlled by the individual businesses. "The common platform for apps is to pull data that is generic and available to the public or provided by the user. This twist of control by businesses allows them to update their message, specials and events in real time," Cagley says.
Creating user-, community- and business-friendly apps has become more of a focus for the six-member SCK team, which has also built a reputation in creating websites, custom content management and SEO programs for the likes of Bedford Labs and Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy. Last fall, SCK unveiled Experience Tremont. A Shop Legacy app for Legacy Village was recently released, and SCK is currently working on an Experience Kamm's Corners app.
No estimate is available on how many people may take advantage of the Experience Lakewood app. "The only data we can draw from is the Experience Tremont app," Cagley says. "After six months, over 5,000 people have downloaded it."
SOURCE: Barb Cagley
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
While business and shopping apps are becoming more plentiful, Experience Lakewood's focus on one particular city makes it unique, according to Barb Cagley, president of Cleveland's SCK Design, which created the app for Lakewood Alive, in partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. "Regional apps are a newer trend," she says.
Another factor setting the Experience Lakewood app apart is that the content is controlled by the individual businesses. "The common platform for apps is to pull data that is generic and available to the public or provided by the user. This twist of control by businesses allows them to update their message, specials and events in real time," Cagley says.
Creating user-, community- and business-friendly apps has become more of a focus for the six-member SCK team, which has also built a reputation in creating websites, custom content management and SEO programs for the likes of Bedford Labs and Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy. Last fall, SCK unveiled Experience Tremont. A Shop Legacy app for Legacy Village was recently released, and SCK is currently working on an Experience Kamm's Corners app.
No estimate is available on how many people may take advantage of the Experience Lakewood app. "The only data we can draw from is the Experience Tremont app," Cagley says. "After six months, over 5,000 people have downloaded it."
SOURCE: Barb Cagley
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
A temporary gallery that was launched last year by the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) has extended its lease for the spring semester. The Visual Arts and Technology Center, dubbed "the Coventry Center" because of its location in a long-empty storefront on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, will enhance CIA's connections off-campus, its founder says.
"Many of our students live in the area, and Coventry has a long history of arts involvement," says Saul Ostrow, Chair of the Visual Arts and Technologies Department. "One of our goals is to bring the arts out of their academic environment, and to offer a resource for the community."
The center also shows CIA's commitment to expanding its campus boundaries and giving students opportunities to create art in a real world setting, says Ostrow. "We want to go beyond gallery walls and build ties with the community," he says.
On Friday, February 18th from 7-9 pm, the center, which is located at 1854 Coventry Road, will host a poetry and storytelling slam as part of "Cleveland Stories," a partnership between the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and CIA's Reinberger Galleries that seeks to "investigate the real and imagined history of Cleveland."
Future gallery events will include open studios, sidewalk art shows, and an exhibit of Cleveland charter school students' artwork to be curated by CIA students. The center will be open Friday-Sunday beginning in February.
Those who are interested in contributing urban histories -- real or imagined -- to the Cleveland Stories project can visit http://www.cudc.kent.edu for guidelines.
Source: Saul Ostrow
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Many of our students live in the area, and Coventry has a long history of arts involvement," says Saul Ostrow, Chair of the Visual Arts and Technologies Department. "One of our goals is to bring the arts out of their academic environment, and to offer a resource for the community."
The center also shows CIA's commitment to expanding its campus boundaries and giving students opportunities to create art in a real world setting, says Ostrow. "We want to go beyond gallery walls and build ties with the community," he says.
On Friday, February 18th from 7-9 pm, the center, which is located at 1854 Coventry Road, will host a poetry and storytelling slam as part of "Cleveland Stories," a partnership between the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and CIA's Reinberger Galleries that seeks to "investigate the real and imagined history of Cleveland."
Future gallery events will include open studios, sidewalk art shows, and an exhibit of Cleveland charter school students' artwork to be curated by CIA students. The center will be open Friday-Sunday beginning in February.
Those who are interested in contributing urban histories -- real or imagined -- to the Cleveland Stories project can visit http://www.cudc.kent.edu for guidelines.
Source: Saul Ostrow
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This year, Cleveland film buffs will have an even better excuse to take the week off to watch movies at the 2011 Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).
For the first time in its 35 year history, CIFF is leasing all 11 theaters at Tower City Cinemas in Tower City Center. The expansion will accommodate the growing number of ticket-holders during the 11-day event, which will be held this year from March 24th through April 3rd.
Have you been looking forward this winter to spending one of Cleveland's bleakest months watching movies for 10 hours a day? This year, you'll have even more chances to catch your favorite flicks, says Patrick Shepherd, Associate Director of the Cleveland Film Society (CFS), the nonprofit that organizes the festival.
CIFF attendance and film entries have more than doubled since 2003, Shepherd says, providing the requisite market demand to justify leasing all 11 theaters in Tower City Cinemas. Last year's record turnout of 71,500 admissions made it possible to offer more showings of sell-out films.
"Last year, we sold a record number of stand-by tickets," Shepherd explains. "We're not increasing the number of films we're showing -- instead, we're expanding our capacity by offering more screenings, and by showing sell-out films in two theatres at once."
CIFF program guides will be available throughout Northeast Ohio during the week of February 28th. Tickets will go on sale to CIFF members on Friday, March 4th. Non-members can purchase tickets beginning on Friday, March 11th.
On top of offering patrons a chance to see films from around the world, the CIFF provides a boost to downtown Cleveland. "We are increasing our already significant economic impact on downtown," Shepherd says.
Source: Patrick Shepherd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
For the first time in its 35 year history, CIFF is leasing all 11 theaters at Tower City Cinemas in Tower City Center. The expansion will accommodate the growing number of ticket-holders during the 11-day event, which will be held this year from March 24th through April 3rd.
Have you been looking forward this winter to spending one of Cleveland's bleakest months watching movies for 10 hours a day? This year, you'll have even more chances to catch your favorite flicks, says Patrick Shepherd, Associate Director of the Cleveland Film Society (CFS), the nonprofit that organizes the festival.
CIFF attendance and film entries have more than doubled since 2003, Shepherd says, providing the requisite market demand to justify leasing all 11 theaters in Tower City Cinemas. Last year's record turnout of 71,500 admissions made it possible to offer more showings of sell-out films.
"Last year, we sold a record number of stand-by tickets," Shepherd explains. "We're not increasing the number of films we're showing -- instead, we're expanding our capacity by offering more screenings, and by showing sell-out films in two theatres at once."
CIFF program guides will be available throughout Northeast Ohio during the week of February 28th. Tickets will go on sale to CIFF members on Friday, March 4th. Non-members can purchase tickets beginning on Friday, March 11th.
On top of offering patrons a chance to see films from around the world, the CIFF provides a boost to downtown Cleveland. "We are increasing our already significant economic impact on downtown," Shepherd says.
Source: Patrick Shepherd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Alex Tapie has always wanted to open an art gallery, the kind of space that provides young, emerging artists with an opportunity to show their work to an audience.
"I wanted to create a space that was interactive and that would demystify the art experience," says Tapie, a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art. "A collective gallery, studio and venue space."
She mentioned the idea to fellow artists Brian Straw, Dan Price and Suzanne Cofer. "We all clicked creatively," Tapie says. Survival Kit art gallery was born.
The gallery opened with a bang in December, attracting over 200 people to its first show. Rotating exhibits and events, including music and craft fairs, are planned for 2011. On Friday and Saturday, Jan. 21-22, Survival Kit will host the 4th Coast Pop Up Market, an exhibit by local artists, designers and vendors that features art, vintage clothing and music.
Getting to this point wasn't easy, say the owners. To turn vision into reality, Tapie and her cohorts first had to find a space. They stumbled upon the perfect location, a 4,500-square-foot space in the 78th Street Studios, a hub for arts-related businesses in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, which Tapie labels "a great arts community."
The problem was that the space was "trashed." Tapie talked the landlord into letting her fix it up in exchange for cheap -- even free -- rent. The artists spent five months cleaning trash and debris, scraping tile, painting floors and building walls.
As for the name, Tapie says it's fitting because the gallery is a creative lifeline for young artists seeking community here. "We started joking around that this project was our survival kit -- that we could survive collectively," Tapie says. "The name just fit." And stuck.
Source: Alex Tapie
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"I wanted to create a space that was interactive and that would demystify the art experience," says Tapie, a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art. "A collective gallery, studio and venue space."
She mentioned the idea to fellow artists Brian Straw, Dan Price and Suzanne Cofer. "We all clicked creatively," Tapie says. Survival Kit art gallery was born.
The gallery opened with a bang in December, attracting over 200 people to its first show. Rotating exhibits and events, including music and craft fairs, are planned for 2011. On Friday and Saturday, Jan. 21-22, Survival Kit will host the 4th Coast Pop Up Market, an exhibit by local artists, designers and vendors that features art, vintage clothing and music.
Getting to this point wasn't easy, say the owners. To turn vision into reality, Tapie and her cohorts first had to find a space. They stumbled upon the perfect location, a 4,500-square-foot space in the 78th Street Studios, a hub for arts-related businesses in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, which Tapie labels "a great arts community."
The problem was that the space was "trashed." Tapie talked the landlord into letting her fix it up in exchange for cheap -- even free -- rent. The artists spent five months cleaning trash and debris, scraping tile, painting floors and building walls.
As for the name, Tapie says it's fitting because the gallery is a creative lifeline for young artists seeking community here. "We started joking around that this project was our survival kit -- that we could survive collectively," Tapie says. "The name just fit." And stuck.
Source: Alex Tapie
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleve hotspots fair well in mag's 'best of ohio' list
In its January article titled "Best of Ohio," Ohio magazine lists what it believes are the best places to go and things to do around the Buckeye state. Cleveland-based attractions faired well, snagging four spots on the list.
Under the category "Best Way to End the Work Week," Happy Dog's polka happy hour is billed as "a riotous affair" where "a fake-beard-clad polka aficionado spins classics for a diverse crowd of college students, families and seniors, all dancing along to scratchy tunes spun on vintage vinyl."
Those with a sweet tooth were directed to Lilly Handmade Chocolates. "What a concept: selling artisanal chocolates and fine wines and craft beer in one location," the article declares. "Amanda and Joshua Montague, both classically trained chefs, help customers pair spirits with delicious chocolates, some of which also have a hint of alcohol."
Listed as a "Restaurant to Bank On," Dante Boccuzzi's Dante restaurant in Tremont dishes out a "reliably delectable menu including pasta, fish and beef, it's located in the regal confines of an old bank, and guests can request to dine in the old vault."
Earning props for its big makeover this year, Cleveland's IngenuityFest snags the category best "Fest Makeover," citing the new location beneath the Veterans Memorial Bridge as reason #1. "In 2010, one of Cleveland's most unique festivals changed things up a bit and brought in more fest-goers than ever: More than 40,000 people.
Check out the rest of the rankings here.
Under the category "Best Way to End the Work Week," Happy Dog's polka happy hour is billed as "a riotous affair" where "a fake-beard-clad polka aficionado spins classics for a diverse crowd of college students, families and seniors, all dancing along to scratchy tunes spun on vintage vinyl."
Those with a sweet tooth were directed to Lilly Handmade Chocolates. "What a concept: selling artisanal chocolates and fine wines and craft beer in one location," the article declares. "Amanda and Joshua Montague, both classically trained chefs, help customers pair spirits with delicious chocolates, some of which also have a hint of alcohol."
Listed as a "Restaurant to Bank On," Dante Boccuzzi's Dante restaurant in Tremont dishes out a "reliably delectable menu including pasta, fish and beef, it's located in the regal confines of an old bank, and guests can request to dine in the old vault."
Earning props for its big makeover this year, Cleveland's IngenuityFest snags the category best "Fest Makeover," citing the new location beneath the Veterans Memorial Bridge as reason #1. "In 2010, one of Cleveland's most unique festivals changed things up a bit and brought in more fest-goers than ever: More than 40,000 people.
Check out the rest of the rankings here.
Cleveland Storefront Art aims to brighten up the downtown landscape by filling the windows of vacant properties with works of visual art. Through their tireless efforts, Robert Carillio and Joan Smith have crafted an artful albeit temporary solution to an irritating problem.
Northeast Shores Development Corporation continues its push to attract out-of-town artists by offering affordable housing. Since 1994, the North Collinwood-based nonprofit has rehabbed approximately 125 area homes. A more focused development plan is concentrating efforts within a tight 14-block footprint.
christmas story house hot come holiday time
Holiday time in the newspaper biz is great news for Cleveland's A Christmas Story House and Museum. That's the time of year when fun and fluffy holiday-themed stories fill the gaps left by the lack of real news. Here are just a few of the recent mentions about Tremont's most beloved movie abode.
In a Dallas Morning News story titled "Home featured in A Christmas Story is a holiday special," the writer opts to lead with the good-old leg lamp, stating "It stands where it should: in the living-room window."
He then goes on to say, "The living room, the lamp, the tree, the BB gun and more are inside A Christmas Story House and Museum in the Pembroke section of Cleveland. It's the actual house used for exteriors in the movie, made in 1983." Not sure where the heck the "Pembroke section of Cleveland" is, but you get the point.
Read the report here.
Over in Nebraska -- yes, even Nebraska loves Ralphie -- the Lincoln Journal Star ran a story called "What's Christmas without a visit to Ralphie's house in Cleveland?" Well, sad, that's what!
In the article, the reporter states that the "real draws are the house and the museum, featuring original props and costumes and memorabilia from the film and hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. You'll find the red snowsuit, worn by Ralphie's little brother, Randy, and also his silver zeppelin. There's also the ratty coat that McGavin wore while he changed the flat tire. The family car is parked in a garage next to the gift shop."
Check it out here.
Closer in miles but no less enthusiastic, the Columbus Dispatch deems A Christmas Story House worthy of inclusion in a piece titled "Statewide festivities bound to put you in the holiday spirit."
"The home in Cleveland, featured in the beloved 1983 movie, is open year-round for tours but is, of course, especially popular this time of year. Across the street is A Christmas Story House Museum, featuring original props, costumes, photographs and memorabilia from the movie."
Read more here.
So, calling all "connoisseurs of soap." For cripes sake, get thee to the Christmas Story House and Museum.
In a Dallas Morning News story titled "Home featured in A Christmas Story is a holiday special," the writer opts to lead with the good-old leg lamp, stating "It stands where it should: in the living-room window."
He then goes on to say, "The living room, the lamp, the tree, the BB gun and more are inside A Christmas Story House and Museum in the Pembroke section of Cleveland. It's the actual house used for exteriors in the movie, made in 1983." Not sure where the heck the "Pembroke section of Cleveland" is, but you get the point.
Read the report here.
Over in Nebraska -- yes, even Nebraska loves Ralphie -- the Lincoln Journal Star ran a story called "What's Christmas without a visit to Ralphie's house in Cleveland?" Well, sad, that's what!
In the article, the reporter states that the "real draws are the house and the museum, featuring original props and costumes and memorabilia from the film and hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. You'll find the red snowsuit, worn by Ralphie's little brother, Randy, and also his silver zeppelin. There's also the ratty coat that McGavin wore while he changed the flat tire. The family car is parked in a garage next to the gift shop."
Check it out here.
Closer in miles but no less enthusiastic, the Columbus Dispatch deems A Christmas Story House worthy of inclusion in a piece titled "Statewide festivities bound to put you in the holiday spirit."
"The home in Cleveland, featured in the beloved 1983 movie, is open year-round for tours but is, of course, especially popular this time of year. Across the street is A Christmas Story House Museum, featuring original props, costumes, photographs and memorabilia from the movie."
Read more here.
So, calling all "connoisseurs of soap." For cripes sake, get thee to the Christmas Story House and Museum.
CPAC announces creative workforce fellowships
Community Partnership for Arts & Culture (CPAC), a nonprofit arts and culture organization, recently announced its latest class of Creative Workforce Fellowships. Made possible with support of Cuyahoga County citizens through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the annual Fellowships offer a $20,000 financial award to 20 outstanding artists.
Fellows also receive membership with the COSE Arts Network, a tuition waiver for CPAC's Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute, and inclusion in a publication of Fellows' work.
Five of the awards went to Cleveland Institute of Art faculty members and four went to CIA alums, including Dean of Faculty and Professor Matthew Hollern.
"These wonderful CPAC awards for our faculty and alumni speak volumes about the influence of CIA on the culture and economy of our region," said CIA President Grafton Nunes. "These artists contribute in very tangible ways to the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland and the national arts culture."
See the complete list of artists here.
Fellows also receive membership with the COSE Arts Network, a tuition waiver for CPAC's Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute, and inclusion in a publication of Fellows' work.
Five of the awards went to Cleveland Institute of Art faculty members and four went to CIA alums, including Dean of Faculty and Professor Matthew Hollern.
"These wonderful CPAC awards for our faculty and alumni speak volumes about the influence of CIA on the culture and economy of our region," said CIA President Grafton Nunes. "These artists contribute in very tangible ways to the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland and the national arts culture."
See the complete list of artists here.
Rather than wait on Superman, NewBridge is preparing unemployed adults and at-risk youth for a bright future. Modeled after Pittsburgh's Manchester Bidwell Training Center, Cleveland's new alternative center for arts and technology is helping people on the margin.
film shot entirely in cleveland to make premiere at sundance
Ohio's newly enacted film production tax credit is already paying dividends.
Shot entirely in the Cleveland area this past summer, the film Take Shelter will have its world premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, held January 20-30 in Park City, Utah. According to the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, the film is just one of 16 to make it into the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition section, beating out nearly 2,000 other entries.
Producer Tyler Davidson is a Northeast Ohio native and resident. His previous films include Swedish Auto and The Year That Trembled, also shot in the Cleveland area. Take Shelter stars Michael Shannon, an Academy Award-nominee for Revolutionary Road and newcomer Jessica Chastain, who will star opposite Brad Pitt and Sean Penn in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life.
"The opportunity to launch any film at Sundance is a dream come true," Davidson said, "but a film made entirely in Northeast Ohio, where I was born and raised and where I still live, is truly something special for me. I couldn't be any more excited."
To learn more about the film, check out this release.
Shot entirely in the Cleveland area this past summer, the film Take Shelter will have its world premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, held January 20-30 in Park City, Utah. According to the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, the film is just one of 16 to make it into the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition section, beating out nearly 2,000 other entries.
Producer Tyler Davidson is a Northeast Ohio native and resident. His previous films include Swedish Auto and The Year That Trembled, also shot in the Cleveland area. Take Shelter stars Michael Shannon, an Academy Award-nominee for Revolutionary Road and newcomer Jessica Chastain, who will star opposite Brad Pitt and Sean Penn in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life.
"The opportunity to launch any film at Sundance is a dream come true," Davidson said, "but a film made entirely in Northeast Ohio, where I was born and raised and where I still live, is truly something special for me. I couldn't be any more excited."
To learn more about the film, check out this release.
artists fleeing the big apple for piece of the plum
Frank Sinatra crooned in his famous ode to NYC that, "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." But according to Crain's New York writer Miriam Kreinin Souccar, today's version of that song might very well go, "I'll make a brand new start of it -- in old Cleveland."
In an article titled "Artists Fleeing the City," the reporter cites the following problem: Artists can no longer afford to live and work in New York.
"Artists have long struggled in New York, moving into rough areas, gentrifying them and then getting forced out. But as the city has gotten increasingly expensive, there are few such neighborhoods left to move to, forcing a growing number of artists to abandon the city."
The result, she adds, is that "for the first time, artists fresh out of art schools around the country are choosing to live in nascent artist communities in regional cities like Detroit and Cleveland -- which are dangling incentives to attract this group -- and bypassing New York altogether."
So-called second tier cities like Cleveland are actively courting artists with incentive programs and housing deals. "In the Cleveland neighborhood of Collinwood, the Northeast Shores Development Corp. has bought 16 vacant properties and renovated them as artists' residences. All but four have sold, and the development company plans to renovate more properties.
"We thought we'd be attracting artists from Cleveland," says Brian Friedman, of Northeast Shores. "I had no idea we'd be getting contacted regularly by people from New York."
Start spreading the news here.
In an article titled "Artists Fleeing the City," the reporter cites the following problem: Artists can no longer afford to live and work in New York.
"Artists have long struggled in New York, moving into rough areas, gentrifying them and then getting forced out. But as the city has gotten increasingly expensive, there are few such neighborhoods left to move to, forcing a growing number of artists to abandon the city."
The result, she adds, is that "for the first time, artists fresh out of art schools around the country are choosing to live in nascent artist communities in regional cities like Detroit and Cleveland -- which are dangling incentives to attract this group -- and bypassing New York altogether."
So-called second tier cities like Cleveland are actively courting artists with incentive programs and housing deals. "In the Cleveland neighborhood of Collinwood, the Northeast Shores Development Corp. has bought 16 vacant properties and renovated them as artists' residences. All but four have sold, and the development company plans to renovate more properties.
"We thought we'd be attracting artists from Cleveland," says Brian Friedman, of Northeast Shores. "I had no idea we'd be getting contacted regularly by people from New York."
Start spreading the news here.
detroit shoreway's gordon square arts district called out for 'creative placemaking'
In a recent report released by the National Endowment for the Arts, Gordon Square Arts District captured the attention of the report's authors. Complied by the Mayors' Institute on City Design, and entitled "Creative Placemaking," the study highlights communities that are using the arts and other creative assets to help reshape their physical, social, and economic character. The publication is intended to serve as a guide for civic leaders, arts organizations, and philanthropic organizations.
"Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired," the report states.
In the case study titled "The Art of Economic Development," Gordon Square Arts District is touted as a collaboration of three non-profits (Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Cleveland Public Theatre and Near West Theatre) that is midway through a $30 million revitalization that will generate $500 million in economic development.
Read the entire document here.
"Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired," the report states.
In the case study titled "The Art of Economic Development," Gordon Square Arts District is touted as a collaboration of three non-profits (Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Cleveland Public Theatre and Near West Theatre) that is midway through a $30 million revitalization that will generate $500 million in economic development.
Read the entire document here.
When Dobama Theatre was forced out of its longtime Coventry Road home in 2005, it marked the end of a nearly 40-year tradition of live theater in the Coventry Village neighborhood. But the recent drought will end next year when the Ensemble Theatre takes over a portion of the
old Coventry School building for classes and shows. Last week, Cleveland Heights Planning Commission approved their request for a zoning variance.
Ensemble, now in its 31st season, was founded in Cleveland Heights in 1979 and had performed at the old Civic until 2003. The company moved its performances to the Cleveland PlayHouse, at 8500 Euclid, but remained based in Cleveland Heights. Managing director Martin Cosentino said recently that the company is pleased to be returning home to its roots.
Coventry School, at 2843 Washington Blvd., has been vacant since 2007, aside from a short period when University Hospitals leased it for employee training. The city's approval of Ensemble's use allows performances for up to 150, plus classes and summer camps, from February through August. At press time, Ensemble's web site did not indicate any performances at Coventry for the three productions already announced for the 2010-2011 season, and Cosentino could not be reached.
Source: City of Cleveland Heights
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
old Coventry School building for classes and shows. Last week, Cleveland Heights Planning Commission approved their request for a zoning variance.
Ensemble, now in its 31st season, was founded in Cleveland Heights in 1979 and had performed at the old Civic until 2003. The company moved its performances to the Cleveland PlayHouse, at 8500 Euclid, but remained based in Cleveland Heights. Managing director Martin Cosentino said recently that the company is pleased to be returning home to its roots.
Coventry School, at 2843 Washington Blvd., has been vacant since 2007, aside from a short period when University Hospitals leased it for employee training. The city's approval of Ensemble's use allows performances for up to 150, plus classes and summer camps, from February through August. At press time, Ensemble's web site did not indicate any performances at Coventry for the three productions already announced for the 2010-2011 season, and Cosentino could not be reached.
Source: City of Cleveland Heights
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
University Circle's Uptown project took a major step forward last week when the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland board approved plans
for a new home, a dramatic, six-faceted, $27 million structure of
highly reflective stainless steel and glass to be built at Euclid
Avenue and Mayfield Road.
The new building should make quite an impact on visitors to the busy intersection: "Viewed from the exterior, the building will appear as an inventive massing of six geometric facets, some flat, others sloping at various angles, all coming together to create a powerful abstract form," MOCA promises on its web site. "Clad primarily in mirror-finish black Rimex stainless steel, the façade of the new MOCA will reflect its urban surroundings, changing in appearance with differences in light and weather."
The four-story, 34,000-square-foot building will provide MOCA about 40 percent more space than its current home, in the Cleveland Playhouse complex at 8501 Carnegie. The main gallery will be on the 6,000-square-foot top floor, which will be equipped with movable interior walls.
"Flexibility is key to a program that, like ours, embraces aesthetic, conceptual, and cultural diversity, and displays works in a great variety of mediums and genres," says MOCA Director Jill Snyder.
The building was designed by Foreign Office Architects of London, whose team includes Cleveland-based Westlake Reed Leskosky. The MOCA building is FOA's first museum and first American commission. Groundbreaking will occur in December.
Uptown, a $150 million residential and retail development, is a collaboration between private developer MRN Ltd., and University Circle Inc. and area institutions. MRN is the company behind the East Fourth Street restaurant and entertainment district in downtown Cleveland.
Source: MOCA Cleveland
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
The new building should make quite an impact on visitors to the busy intersection: "Viewed from the exterior, the building will appear as an inventive massing of six geometric facets, some flat, others sloping at various angles, all coming together to create a powerful abstract form," MOCA promises on its web site. "Clad primarily in mirror-finish black Rimex stainless steel, the façade of the new MOCA will reflect its urban surroundings, changing in appearance with differences in light and weather."
The four-story, 34,000-square-foot building will provide MOCA about 40 percent more space than its current home, in the Cleveland Playhouse complex at 8501 Carnegie. The main gallery will be on the 6,000-square-foot top floor, which will be equipped with movable interior walls.
"Flexibility is key to a program that, like ours, embraces aesthetic, conceptual, and cultural diversity, and displays works in a great variety of mediums and genres," says MOCA Director Jill Snyder.
The building was designed by Foreign Office Architects of London, whose team includes Cleveland-based Westlake Reed Leskosky. The MOCA building is FOA's first museum and first American commission. Groundbreaking will occur in December.
Uptown, a $150 million residential and retail development, is a collaboration between private developer MRN Ltd., and University Circle Inc. and area institutions. MRN is the company behind the East Fourth Street restaurant and entertainment district in downtown Cleveland.
Source: MOCA Cleveland
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
cle orchestra invades south korea
In anticipation of the Cleveland Orchestra's long-awaited return to Korea, the Korea Times published a gleeful article by Lee Hyo-won.
"It would be an understatement to say that much has changed since the last time the Cleveland Orchestra played in Korea, 32 years ago under the baton of Lorin Maazel," writes Hyo-won. "Back in 1978, it was a rare occasion for local classical music aficionados to hear a world-class foreign orchestra live."
Of the performance and performers, the article states:
The top American ensemble, known for its distinct European sound, will present fans a full orchestral program of works by the European masters. It is expected to deliver a powerful, roof-raising experience with Debussy's Prelude "A l'apres d'un faune," Mozart's Divertimento in D major, K. 136 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica."
Interesting note gleaned from piece: The Severance Hospital in downtown Seoul was established in 1900 by Louis Severance, father of John Long Severance, the namesake of Cleveland Orchestra's residential Severance Hall.
Interested parties can purchase tickets from 60,000 to 150,000 won, the equivalent of $53 to $132 in US dollars.
Read the entire article (in English) here.
"It would be an understatement to say that much has changed since the last time the Cleveland Orchestra played in Korea, 32 years ago under the baton of Lorin Maazel," writes Hyo-won. "Back in 1978, it was a rare occasion for local classical music aficionados to hear a world-class foreign orchestra live."
Of the performance and performers, the article states:
The top American ensemble, known for its distinct European sound, will present fans a full orchestral program of works by the European masters. It is expected to deliver a powerful, roof-raising experience with Debussy's Prelude "A l'apres d'un faune," Mozart's Divertimento in D major, K. 136 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica."
Interesting note gleaned from piece: The Severance Hospital in downtown Seoul was established in 1900 by Louis Severance, father of John Long Severance, the namesake of Cleveland Orchestra's residential Severance Hall.
Interested parties can purchase tickets from 60,000 to 150,000 won, the equivalent of $53 to $132 in US dollars.
Read the entire article (in English) here.
Laurence Gartel, considered a pioneer in digital media, lectured a fall semester VMCAD
class via "telepresence," working with students remotely to create and
design 3D models of high-end automobiles. Gartel makes use of modern
technology to provide instant instruction and instant feedback to
students, even though he is hundreds of miles away.
"The interaction between students and artist in real time is the wave of the future," says Gartel. "Students can send files and get critiques immediately, both in front of their peers and independently."
For the project titled "Super Cars," Gartel's lesson was augmented by an in-class teacher, who worked with the students in learning the latest software applications. Gartel then translated some of the constructions into new works of art that will be included in an upcoming publication.
"Telepresence" makes online art classes engaging for teacher and students, according to Geof Pelaia, director of marketing for the college. "A few short years ago, online courses had no two-way dialogue," he says. "Now, Laurence can show and tell as if he were right with us in Cleveland."
Students will have the opportunity to see the work they create -- and their online teacher -- at VMCAD's open house on November 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.
SOURCE: Virginia Marti
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"The interaction between students and artist in real time is the wave of the future," says Gartel. "Students can send files and get critiques immediately, both in front of their peers and independently."
For the project titled "Super Cars," Gartel's lesson was augmented by an in-class teacher, who worked with the students in learning the latest software applications. Gartel then translated some of the constructions into new works of art that will be included in an upcoming publication.
"Telepresence" makes online art classes engaging for teacher and students, according to Geof Pelaia, director of marketing for the college. "A few short years ago, online courses had no two-way dialogue," he says. "Now, Laurence can show and tell as if he were right with us in Cleveland."
Students will have the opportunity to see the work they create -- and their online teacher -- at VMCAD's open house on November 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.
SOURCE: Virginia Marti
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
local filmmaker scores with cleveland response to lebron
Since it was posted last week on YouTube, Dan Wantz's passionate short film "LeBron James 'Rise' Commercial & Cleveland's Response" has gone viral, to say the least. It has been viewed over 3 million times, received well over 15,000 comments, and has become required posting on Facebook. Within a single day, the video appeared on TMZ.com, which quoted Wantz as saying that he "just wanted Cleveland to have a voice" and that James was "more than just a basketball player" to the people of Ohio.
Since then writers for the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Washington Post, even the Canadian Times all have weighed in. The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Jeff Schultz loves the video, saying, "It's pointed, it's hilarious and it makes a completely mockery of Nike's intent at image-making."
Responding to folks who say we Clevelanders are "holding a grudge" and that we should "get over it," Schultz writes, "Remember: It was Nike that stirred things back up again with a commercial. So [Cleveland's] backlash is completely in order."
If you haven't seen the video, check it out here.
Read Schultz's complete take here.
Since then writers for the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Washington Post, even the Canadian Times all have weighed in. The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Jeff Schultz loves the video, saying, "It's pointed, it's hilarious and it makes a completely mockery of Nike's intent at image-making."
Responding to folks who say we Clevelanders are "holding a grudge" and that we should "get over it," Schultz writes, "Remember: It was Nike that stirred things back up again with a commercial. So [Cleveland's] backlash is completely in order."
If you haven't seen the video, check it out here.
Read Schultz's complete take here.
cle int'l film fest snags academy grant
Earlier this week, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) announced that its "Women of the World" program, films made by women or about women empowerment, was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The CIFF is one of 30 U.S Film Festivals to receive this funding in the 2011 calendar year.
Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.
The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.
For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.
To read the CIFF release, click here.
Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.
The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.
For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.
To read the CIFF release, click here.
Want a crash course on recent and future Downtown development? Check out this brilliant and compelling video commissioned by Downtown Cleveland Alliance that highlights the hundreds of millions of dollars in recent development, including higher education, performing arts, residential and commercial.
Credit goes to Fusion Filmworks, TWIST Creative and Ante Up, which composed the gripping score.
Credit goes to Fusion Filmworks, TWIST Creative and Ante Up, which composed the gripping score.