2.1-3rd

2.1-3

Transformer Station 1460 W.29^th Street, Cleveland, www.transformerstation.org   “Inaugural Exhibition.”  Opening 12-9pm Friday and Saturday 12-5pm Sunday. Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell unveil their transformation of an early-twentieth-century relic, an electrical substation that powered Detroit Avenue streetcars.  Now a museum of contemporary photography and photo-based art, Transformer Station provides a west side presence for the Cleveland Museum of Art, which splits programming duties with the Bidwells. The couple curates from their personal art collection for “Light of Day,” one of two exhibitions which inaugurate the building.  “Some of these pieces have been in storage, and so they’re now seeing the light of day for the first time,” Fred Bidwell says. “I think it’s a good overview of what’s happening in contemporary photo-based art, but at the same time it’s our personal choice. In fact, although there are some pieces here by some very famous artists, there’s work here by very young artists who are just becoming known. I think all of these pieces, in their own way, are beautiful objects, and you really don’t need to know a thing about art, a thing about photography, to just look, and enjoy.” The second exhibition, “Bridging Cleveland,” displays a commissioned homage to Cuyahoga River bridges by Vaughn Wascovich, a former Ohioan now teaching in Texas.  Wascovich began his process by handcrafting panoramic pinhole cameras—inscrutable machines with a lifespan of a single exposure and an indeterminate scope.

2.1

Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216.421.7350, www.clevelandart.org “MIX at CMA: Interface.”  Opening 5-9pm. Art + technology collide in this interactive evening event. And, if you’ve never been to one of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX @ CMA events, you’re in for a treat.  The details: Bring your iPad to interface with the CMA like never before in our innovative, state-of-the-art Gallery One. Enjoy music, cocktails, and cutting-edge technology. Plus explore Picasso’s mysterious Blue Period masterwork La Vie (Life) in the new Focus Gallery and get the chance to uncover the mysteries of your own future.  Cleveland Public Library will also be in attendance showing off their cool 3D printers and related software from the TechCentral Department at the Library.  Advance tickets $8; $10 day of event. Members FREE. Reservations strongly recommended. Call (216) 421-7350 or go online.

Waterloo Arts, 15605 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, 216.692.9500 artscollinwood.org   “Pretty Vacant and the Beauty of Decay: Works of Dana Depew, Ron Copeland, Joe Carl Close, Greg Ruffing and Dave Desimone.”  Opening Reception 6pm. (Image Above). Rust Belt Chic is on display in Arts Collinwood’s next exhibition: Pretty Vacant.  Check it: The rustbelt region is full of reminders of a more prosperous past. A significant loss of manufacturing jobs, coupled with massive population decline, eroding infrastructure and political ineffectiveness has left the region ravaged and depressed. Cleveland and cities like Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Gary, Detroit and Flint have all experienced the “shrinking city” phenomenon with mixed results.  This phenomenon has left the region vacant. Empty residential and commercial space has left neighborhoods like Collinwood exposed and vulnerable to a myriad of social and economic hardships. However, with this vacancy comes an opportunity to start anew, to rebuild and begin again.

Loren Naji Studio Gallery 2138 W. 25^th Street, Cleveland www.lorennaji.com “Then and Now Self Portraits.”  Opening 6-Midnight.  What a great roster of 16 artists for this cool show! There will be 2 bands performing, of course my famous "Beer Pit", wine, food and a great crowd of people at this great art party!!!!  As always EASY PARKING in the huge lot directly across from the gallery.

Spaces, 2220 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland 216.621.2314 www.spacesgallery.org  “Jimmy Kuehnle and Jon Rubinwith Filipe Castelblanco.” Join us for food & drink, and great art at the opening reception for SPACES' latest public projects including Jon Rubin and Filipe Castelblanco's "The Foreigner;" artist-in-residence Jimmy Kuehnle's mobile project; and the latest audio and video art in The Vault.

1.24-26

1.24

Juma Gallery, 20100 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44122, 216.295.1717.   “Twice Told: Works by Janet Eskridge and Jacquie Wynn Kennedy.” Opening reception 5:30-8:30pm. Both artists reflect and interpret the writings from young women. Eskridge is influenced by the stories the writings tell, versus Kennedy who is moved by the visual qualities of the handwriting.  Please stop by to enjoy artist talks, live music, and refreshments!  

1.25

Fawick Gallery, Baldwin-Wallace College 94 E. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH 440.826.2152.  “Harold Cole:  A Retrospective 1962-2012.”  Opening 5-8pm. Dr. Harold Cole has been one of our Art History professors, here at BW, for many years and shares his work spanning 50 years that include paintings, drawings, and printmaking.   There will be complimentary appetizers and refreshments for all guests.  This reception is free and open to the public.  We look forward to seeing you all this Friday.

1.26

Breakneck Gallery, 17020 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216.767.5610 “Evil Ohio: Giving Darkness Its Due.” (Image Above) Opening 7-10pm. The sinister has always existed in these parts, and the latest show curated by Breakneck Gallery, James “The Human Furnace” Bulloch, Ron Kretch and Martin Geramita is set to celebrate it. Evil Ohio will allow local artists to explore the Buckeye State’s dark side. “The differences among the three curators ensure that despite the narrowness of the theme, the show will be a powerful example of the Northeast Ohio art scene’s multiformity.”  Artists include James Bulloch, Sean Burns, Ralph Walters, Derf, Frank Walls, Matthew Sweeney, Karl Berringer, Steven Anderson, Geoff May, Erin Mulligan, Jason Byers, Mikey Arnold, Steve Ehret, Sean Kelly, R!ch Cihlar, Grant Smrekar (Rustbelt Welding), Steve Knerem, Chad Kimes, Barb Merritt, Jordan Beier, Lauren Chaikin, Ashley Ribblett, Billy Ludwig, Karen Novak, Shawny Walthaw, Billy Ludwig, Angela Oster, Matt Bors, Briette Sheaffer, and Richard VanOver.

Negative Space.  3820 Superior Ave., 2nd Floor, Cleveland.  “Erin Mulligan and Nino Bellitto.”  Opening 7-11pm.  

1.17, 18, 24

1.17

“David Mull + Martha Cliffel.”  Opening Reception 6-9pm. David Mull and Martha Cliffel are two accomplished artists with no formal training. Instead, they possess a high degree of craftsmanship w/ exceptional imagination. Just check out Mull’s detailed ink and graphite drawings and Cliffel’s colorful assemblages. Heights Art Gallery, 2175 Lee Road  Cleveland Hts., 216.371.3457 www.heightsarts.org

1.18

“New Exhibitions @ the Galleries at CSU.  Animatopoeia and Dante Rodriguez.”  Opening Reception 5-8pm.  Featuring NOC’s own Stephanie Craig (Image Above). Check out DANTE RODRIGUEZ: NEW WORKS – “Graphic and conceptual works by one of Cleveland’s most promising emerging artists,” plus ANIMATOPOEIA: A MOST PECULIAR (POST MODERN) BESTIARY – “a thematic exhibition of works by 19 internationally recognized artists in various media, exploring animal imagery in contemporary art, curated by Omid Tavakoli.” Cleveland State University Art Gallery, 1307 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216.687.2103, www.csuohio.edu/artgallery

“The Sculpture Center: 2013 W2S Series.”  Opening reception 5:30-8pm. At the Main Gallery, view Justin Farris Braun: The Swelling Horizon, which, via convoluted beams, “highlights both the disparity that exists between nature and humans as well as the dependence they have on each other.”  Then, at the Euclid Avenue Gallery, is Jimmy Kuehnle with Inflatable Wonderland Labyrinth of Joy.  Kuehnle is “currently exploring concepts to create within the gallery ‘an inflatable wonderland labyrinth of joy.’” Cool.  At 6:15 PM be sure to check out The Artist Talks: Jimmy Kuehnle in the Euclid Avenue Gallery. Then, at 7:00 PM, stick around for The Artist Talks: Justin Farris Braun in the Main Gallery.  This series is part of the year-long city-wide collaborative project Present and Accounted: A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Cleveland Performance Art Festival (1988-1999). Watch for more details. Sculpture Center, 1834 East 123^rd St., Cleveland, 216.229.6527  sculpturecenter.org

“Remembrances:  The Art of Joseph McCullough.”  Opening Reception 5-8pm.  Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, 1834 E. 123^rd St. Cleveland, 216.721.9020

“Life Through the Ages, The Cabinet of Curiousities and Altered City.”  Opening 5-9pm. Kokoon Arts Gallery 1305 W. 80^th St. 2^nd Floor, Cleveland 216.832.8212, www.kokoonarts.com

“Harris Stanton Gallery Exhibit.”  Opening 5:30 pm. Featuring the work of NOC’s own Bonnie Gordon!  Harris-Stanton Gallery 2301 West Market Street, Akron, 330.867.7600, www.harrisstantongallery.com

“Adrienne French.”  Opening 6-9pm.  Kenneth Paul Lesko Gallery 1305 West 80^th St., Cleveland, 216.870.6719 www.kennethpaullesko.com

“Third Fridays.”  West 78^th Street Studios, 1301 W. 78^th Street, Cleveland

“CSU @ CWAL: So much art!!”  Opening Reception 6pm. Cleveland West Art League presents the FIRST EVER off-campus exhibition organized by Cleveland State University and The Student Organization of Fine Arts. This show is BIG. We’re talking about 35+ artists… about half current students, half recent alumni. So, go, check out their first show of 2013 @ Cleveland West Art League – 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland.

1.24

“Twice Told: Works by Janet Eskridge and Jacquie Wynn Kennedy.” Opening reception 5:30-8:30pm. Both artists reflect and interpret the writings from young women. Eskridge is influenced by the stories the writings tell, versus Kennedy who is moved by the visual qualities of the handwriting.  Please stop by to enjoy artist talks, live music, and refreshments!  Juma Gallery, 20100 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44122, 216.295.1717

1.11.13

“The Digital Divide.”  Opening Reception 6-9pm. Zygote Press presents The Digital Divide, their first exhibition in the New Year, curated by Bruce Edwards.  Bruce says, “The show asks several artists that survived the divide to show work that spans the working practice of film and digital production, and asks how this evolution in photography influenced the path of their work.”  Runs through Sun 2/9. Zygote Press, 1410 East 30^th St., Cleveland 216.621.2900  www.zygotepress.com

“PechaKucha Night: Creative Resolutions.” 7pm.  New Year. New Building. New PechaKucha. MOCA teams up with PechaKucha Night Cleveland to feature 12 dynamic presentations inspired by “creative resolutions.” Hear creative people give image-heavy presentations on everything and anything of interest.  These shows are popular — and for good reason. Space is limited. Go (it’s free) and you’ll even get full access to MOCA.  Bar + music @ 7pm. Presentations @ 8:20pm. Museum of Contemporary Art, 11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216.421.8671, www.mocacleveland.org

“The Cleveland Print Room: Welcome to Hard Times.” Opening Reception 5-9pm.  Shari Wilkins is all about keeping memories alive.  When she’s not working as a found photo dealer, someone who goes to estate and garage sales hoping to salvage and sell old photos, the Lakewood native-resident is busy trying to keep the 20th century camera from falling into obscurity.  You know, the old school film cameras using Kodachrome or Polaroid film. Odds are if you have no idea what this is, then you’re also probably confused about why your digital camera makes a clicking sound whenever you take a photo. Just ask your parents.  Whatever the case, Wilkins’ efforts have come to fruition in the form of the Cleveland Print Room, located in the St. Clair/Superior neighborhood in Cleveland. The non-profit venue boasts a community darkroom, educational center, studio workspace and photographic gallery. While opening day takes place next month, its debut exhibit, Welcome to Hard Times by Vaughn Wascovich, opens Fri 1/11 in the Quadrangle arts district venue. The ArtCraft Building, 2550 Superior Ave., Cleveland. Be sure to check out the artist talk on Sat 1/12 @ 1pm. Call 216-401-5981 or visit http://ClevelandPrintRoom.com.

“Jing Jing Luo exclusive art exhibition + concert.”  Opening Reception 7-9pm. Calligraphy and a concert… Meet up at the Beck Center for the Arts for an exclusive art exhibition and concert from artist/composer Jing Jing Luo.  About: Jing Jing Luo is a self taught calligrapher and artist from Beijing who integrates visual and audio art through painting and music. Her unique Ink Brush Calligraphy Art Work uses mostly one stroke of ink or paint on her hand crafted parchment or Japanese Rice Paper.  This use of one stroke, or “Zen” stroke, is a centuries old technique in the Asian countries of Japan and China. Jing Jing brings a special Eastern Art Tradition to Beck Center for the Arts.  RSVP for the free event online.  http://art-2-you.com Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, 216.227.9507  

1.12.13

“Art + Music at Cle’s newest gallery.”  Opening Reception 7-10 pm. If Artistic Muse Gallery and Neighborhood Forum isn’t the newest gallery in Cleveland, then it’s definitely one of the latest creative spots to open up. Check it out on Sat 1/12 when the Gallery presents artist Laura Coiley Dietrich and singer/songwriter Quinn Sands. Refreshments, inspiration and good people. Located on Lakeshore Blvd.  Artistic Muse Gallery 18322 Lakeshore Blvd. Clevo.

Studio for Rent:  Contact Bette Drake. Drake Studio has a space available, space has wheel.  The rent is $75 a month.  Use of electric kiln (firing extra)   Phone 216-251-3878, or 216-961-8118.

Insulating Fire Bricks for sale, between 300-500 straights and arches.  Price @ $2.50 a brick.  Contact Todd for more info.  todd@toddleech.com

1.15.13

(Image Above)  CIA's Ceramics Department presents an evening with Molly Hatch, a ceramist and designer whose Signature Collection appears in Anthropologie stores nationwide.Hatch has been featured in numerous publications including, American Craft Magazine, Ceramics Monthly, House Beautiful, and Country Living. Her commercial work includes pottery, glassware, tea towels, painted furniture, and bird houses."…Hatch grew up on an organic dairy farm in Vermont surrounded by a startlingly diverse set of visual influences: the earthy reality of rural life, and the mysterious, disembodied luxury of antique decorative objects from her mother's family, prosperous Boston merchants who used Chinese export porcelain as ballast in their ships. Inspired by these two seemingly disparate family narratives, Hatch became an artist with a life-long passion for the decorative arts and the dialog between old and new. She has developed a robust studio practice that encompasses both works of art and design for industry, keenly aware of the different concerns and goals of each, while engaging with the ambiguity of objects that seem to exist in both the decorative and fine art realms."
—Philadelphia Art Alliance   When:
Tue Jan 15, 7:30pm
Reception follows

Where:
Cleveland Institute of Art
Aitken Auditorium
11141 East Boulevard
Cleveland OH 44106


Free and open to the public. Parking available.