Arts & Entertainment

We're here! We're here! We're here! That is the announcement from 30 local art organizations who pooled their resources to create The CAN Journal, an informative directory describing the depth and breadth of the many unsung art organizations in the greater Cleveland area.

CAN (Collective Arts Network) is the brainchild of Liz Maugans, Bay Village resident and director of Zygote Press in Cleveland. Frustrated by the lack of media attention to smaller organizations, this free journal was made possible by a partial grant from the Ohio Arts Council, contributions from each participating organization and a few classy ads. It is available at all the participating organizations, including BAYarts, as well as libraries, bookstores, hotels and other venues.

Today, we resume our continued exploration of the year 2012, as I make even more incredibly accurate predictions involving the Cleveland sports scene...

APRIL: Embattled Browns president Mike Holmgren – already on the hot seat with the fans and media over the rate of supposed progress (?) of the team – shocks the entire NFL on draft day. Citing the fact that "we need help everywhere," misguided Mike trades the team's first, second, and third round picks to the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals for 114 lower-round picks. Browns fans hope some of the picks will be used to secure much-needed help in the front office.

Every Friday, rain, shine, sleet or hail, a dedicated group of professional artists gather in the new Fuller House art studio. Models of all shapes and sizes are rendered in oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil and watercolor.

We've asked the artists to choose a sample of their favorite work from the past year to display in the Dianne Boldman Gallery in the Huntington House. The show will run through March 3 in conjunction with the Emerging Artists show in the Fuller House Sullivan Gallery.

The show will be on view during regular office hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Now showing in The Sullivan Family Gallery in the Fuller House is a rare glimpse at the work of some of the founders and early faculty of BAYarts (formerly Baycrafters). Through years of renovation, these works were singled out and stored for their historical and artistic value, brought out on rare occassions when space permits.

It is only fitting that they now hang in the new Sullivan Gallery, a nod to the longevity of the 64-year-old organization with an even more promising future.

The exhibit is open through Feb. 3. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon; Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; or by appointment. Call 440-871-6543 or info@bayarts.net for information or appointments.

The Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows are not your typical mom and pop potholder craft shows. This eclectic group of artists has become known as a niche group in the local art and craft show community. Unique vendors range from precious jewelry made of reused American coins, to quirky and eco-friendly flower vases made out of recycled light bulbs. The show has taken the typical art and craft show stereotype and flipped it on its head!

This year's Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be held at Wagner’s Country Inn, 30855 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Stewart’s Caring Place, a non-profit organization that provides support for families touched by cancer.

Clague Playhouse continues their 84th season with “See Rock City” by Arlene Hutton and directed by Rob Gibb.
 
Raleigh (played by Jeff Bartholomew) and May (played by Kristen Levy) are back. You loved them in “Last Train to Nibroc” and now they are planning a honeymoon in Rock City. Join them and their mothers (Erin Bunting and Paige Reich) as they face unexpected circumstances at home and the challenges of a new post-World War II America.
 
“See Rock City” runs Friday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Feb. 5, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Students at Rocky River's School of Rock spent many hours in November crafting their own version of Mike Peters and The Alarm’s classic "Love Hope Strength.” It was all part of a three-day recording workshop which provided an interactive educational music experience with an emphasis on vocal, instrumental and arrangement pre-production. 

“The students learned how detailed and competent one must be to cut tracks in a recording studio. And on the last day of the workshop, we did just that at Elevation Studios in downtown Cleveland," said music director, Tommy Rich.

The Huntington Playhouse season comes to an end with a production of “Miracle on 34th Street” playing through Dec. 18.

This is a new twist on the classic story as it presented as a radio show. The story is the same, though, with the fun and Christmas wonder still there for the entire family to enjoy.

The theatre is also selling gift certificates and its popular Flex Pass for those people wanting to give the gift of live theatre for the Christmas season.

Reid Wood, Professor Emeritus at Lorain County Community College, introduced the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council Quarterly Event audience to an art that can be cerebral, thought-provoking, and serious – yet can also leave room for humor. This art, called Mail Art, is an international movement, whose forms, imagery, and messages come with a myriad of possibilities for creativity, interpretation and expression. 

The work can be in the form of an envelope that is created with any media – paint, ink, printmaking, collage. Some mail artists are influenced by what is the norm for the postal system, such as the cancellation stamp. It has inspired mail artists to create their own stamps which they use to print upon their envelopes, etc., or its contents.

The Youth Challenge gang kicked off the holiday season with a special show on Dec. 10 at Magnificat High School’s Performing Arts Center. The talented stars of the Dance and Drama Program entertained the crowd with an original production, “A Very Magical Christmas at the Mall.” 

Almost fifty participants and volunteers worked tirelessly to choreograph group routines for the show. Performances included the acting, dancing and performing talents of everyone involved. The result of their hard work was an entertaining and hilarious production.

Join Matthew Ullumn, head chef and owner of Sweet Melissa in Rocky River, on Dec. 20 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at BAYarts Fuller House for another fun-filled evening of holiday cooking. Matt will teach you how to make his favorite holiday appetizers including tapenades, flatbreads, crostini and dips to help you prepare for stress-free holiday entertaining.

The class is $50 and includes complimentary wine and a feast of appetizers! Space is limited. To register, email: info@s-melissa.com. More information is available at www.s-melissa.com.

It's been quite a year in the brand-new Sullivan Family Gallery at BAYarts; what better way to end the year than with the magic of Stanka Kordic, the award-winning Lakewood painter.

On Dec. 1, about 40 guests attended an artist talk, sipped wine and got a chance to get an in-depth look at how the artist is inspired and her technique. The event was the second in a series of Gallery Talks featuring artists and their work, to be continued in 2012.

Bay Village Historical Society created beautiful Cloisonne enameled ornaments, rich with detail and colors to memorialize and honor the historic structures found throughout the city. Sadly, many of many of the buildings are fading into history, but this year's ornament celebrates the renovation and opening of one of the city's favorites: The Irene Lawrence Fuller House on the BAYarts campus.

A new ornament is offered every year. Don't worry if you missed a year, the entire collection can be purchased at the Historical Society or BAYarts Holiday Gift Shop. Priced between $13 and $15, the ornaments make wonderful gifts.

As part of BAYarts' holiday events, a very special night out is planned for "the ladies" highlighting shop artists on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 7-9 p.m. in the Sullivan Family Gallery in the Fuller House. Complimentary wine and appetizers (from Mojo's at BAYarts), holiday music and extended hours in the Holiday Shop will make this a truly festive night.

I'm a local artist and writer here in Westlake, and I've entered a contest sponsored by e-book publisher MeeGenius. My children's book manuscript, "Up Ned's Nose," needs your votes! If you have a moment, please check out my story at meegenius.com/challenge/up-neds-nose-by-david-simon, and if you like it, please vote! Part of the grand prize package is a complete MeeGenius library for use at Holly Lane Elementary School.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., the West Shore Chorale & Orchestra will present their annual Carols & Choruses of Christmas concert at the Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts. John Drotleff will conduct the 80-member group, which has been performing on the West Side since 1968.

This year, the Chorale will welcome back the Monday Morning Bell Choir from Westlake United Methodist Church, under the direction of Ardith McCloy. The program will feature traditional carols and seasonal pieces from Vivaldi, Handel, Christiansen and others.

Award-winning watercolorist and BAYarts instructor Bob Moyer has a special talent for re-creating the classic Coca-Cola Santas created by Haddon Sundblom in 1931. He shares this special gift with his students in a workshop on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (bring a lunch or grab some goodies at Mojo's). For teens and adults; cost is $45 for BAYarts members, $55 for non-members.

Love to give that special someone something TRULY unique and handmade by you? Think you have no artistic talent or can't find the time? BAYarts won't let you down.

They are offering several fabulous holiday workshops that promise the time, materials and instruction to create genuine gifts of the heart: Adults and teens can come solo or with friends to such workshops as Holiday Family Portraits (made in the ceramic studio), Wine, Cheese and Ornaments: a festive night making ceramic ornaments, enjoying wine, cheese and friends; or learning from the master, Bob Moyer, to paint watercolor Santas for cards or gift giving.

BAYarts' annual Holiday Shop, a multi-room wonderland in the Huntington House of BAYarts campus, is always a pleasant diversion from the hustle-bustle of the malls during the busy holiday season. Besides the obvious – free parking, a warm welcoming staff and free gift wrap – the walls and cases are brimming with original artwork: paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, fabric purses, hats, sweets, scents and soaps.

Next door at the Fuller House, Mojo's Coffee Shop has extended holiday hours and offers specialty seasonal drinks and pastries. Relax and enjoy the artwork of Stanka Kordic in the Sullivan Family Gallery – a great place to meet friends and family, and a calming reprieve from the holiday rush.

“Miracle on 34th Street” closes the Huntington Playhouse 2011 Season

The Huntington Playhouse season comes to an end with a production of “Miracle on 34th Street” opening Nov. 25 and playing through Dec. 18.

This is a new twist on the classic story as it presented as a radio show. The story is the same, though, with the fun and Christmas wonder still there for the entire family to enjoy. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling the box office at 440-871-8333. There will be Sunday matinees on Nov. 27, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18.

Clague Playhouse continues their 84th season with "A Christmas Cactus" by Eliott Byerrum and directed by Douglas A. Farren. 

Christmas Eve is no bed of roses for struggling private eye Cactus O'Riley (Nicole Daniel) who has a bad case of the holiday blues. The last surprise package she needs is a lovelorn deputy D.A. (Justin Sherman), a pair of armed-and-goofy fugitives (Assad Khaishgi and Craig Stadden) hunting some dead private eye named Jake Marley, and her secretary, Fred’s (James Rankin) overbearing mother (Nancy Allen), who mistakes a tense hostage situation for just the perfect little holiday murder mystery party. Comedy, mystery and romance converge in this uplifting contemporary Christmas tale where goodwill and justice triumph. 

When you've come to your senses and leave the mall, wander over to the serene shopping experience at BAYarts. Each year, Shop Designers Karen Petkovic and Beth Veres create a new experience, an alternative and inviting holiday shop featuring original work from regional artists.

Beginning at the Holiday Open House Nov. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., BAYarts Dianne Boldman Gallery in the Huntington House becomes part of the expanded gift shop which each year is transformed to guarantee surprises. An expanded space allows for even more unique jewelry, knitware, paintings, photography, ceramics, scents and more.

The Rhythm of Stillness: The Art of Stanka Kordic is now on display at BAYarts Sullivan Family Gallery in the Fuller House. An award-winning painter, Stanka has been working with the figure in a landscape as a means to express the importance of reaching out to the world. With this body of work, Stanka has begun to stretch her self-imposed boundaries of realism a bit further. Learn more about Stanka and her unique work at www.alternativeportraiture.com.

The Sullivan Family Gallery is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday or by appointment.

At the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., George Ryan, retired president of the Lake Carriers' Association, and Rob Catalano, former deputy director of the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum, will take you time-travelling through the history of our Great Lake.

Entitled 500 Years in 50 Minutes: Brief History of Great Lakes Shipping, they will use images, stories and models courtesy of the Great Lakes Historical Society to regale you with fascinating facts about how shipping has evolved since Native American times. Sail through the War of 1812, drop anchor in the 20th century and discover what’s in store for the future!

For the small fee of $7/adult in advance or $10/adult at the door, you will learn the answers to the following questions and more!

Clague Playhouse continues their 84th season with “A Christmas Cactus” by Eliott Byerrum and directed by Douglas A. Farren.

Christmas Eve is no bed of roses for struggling private eye Cactus O'Riley (Nicole Daniel) who has a bad case of the holiday blues. The last surprise package she needs is a lovelorn deputy D.A. (Justin Sherman), a pair of armed-and-goofy fugitives (Assad Khaishgi and Craig Stadden) hunting some dead private eye named Jake Marley, and her secretary, Fred’s (James Rankin) overbearing mother (Nancy Allen), who mistakes a tense hostage situation for just the perfect little holiday murder mystery party. Comedy, mystery and romance converge in this uplifting contemporary Christmas tale where goodwill and justice triumph.

My first memories of attending theater at the Cleveland Play House go back to the Euclid 77th Street Theater and the Drury Theater at 8500 Euclid Ave. Good fortune brought me there with my family as a young person. The experience was reinforced when my high school English class saw CPH productions of Shakespeare live. It was love at first sight. These theaters were houses one walked into where magic occurred. Difficulties dissipated; there was no bad. There was only the story that actors brought to life.

In 1983, the Cleveland Play House, with the architectural expertise of Cleveland native Phillip Johnson, built an addition to the Drury, creating the Bolton Theater. Johnson used stone in a warm tone that beautifully matches gorgeous square sculptured tiles surrounding the Drury’s old entrance. The interior flows from one space to the next. The long diamond tiled corridor leading into the interior of the complex, step-by-step, prepares one for a grand experience inside.

In the season of witches, goblins and all things scary, a magic spell of sheer beauty was cast by five outstanding voices over the audience gathered at Westlake Porter Public Library to hear delightful samples from Massenet’s "Cendrillon" (Cinderella) on Oct. 18. 

The program, presented by the Cleveland Institute of Music, was a preview of CIM’s upcoming production of Massenet’s opera. It also marked the beginning of the 21st year of FYI: Opera programs offered free to the public by the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council.

David Bamberger, CIM’s Director of Opera Theater, presided over the program with the ease and skill of one who knows the subject and has presented FYI: Opera programs from its onset 21 years ago.

Bay United Methodist Church youth will run a “Family Fun Patch Day” on Sunday, Oct. 23, from noon-6 p.m. at the church located at 29931 Lake Rd. in Bay Village. The event is free and open to the public and will feature tailgate trick-or-treating in the church parking lot from 12:30-1:30 p.m., and additional young children’s activities including face and mini-pumpkin painting, a jumpy house and a hay bale pyramid from noon-6 p.m. Children are welcome to come in costume.

The event will be held in conjunction with the church’s annual “Pumpkin Patch Sale,” with proceeds from pumpkins, baked goods and hot cider benefiting the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) – the church’s annual youth mission trip to Central Appalachia.

BAYarts’ 2011 Annual Meeting was both a report to the membership and a cause for celebration. Board president Peter Winzig reported on BAYarts’ achievements over the past year and plans for the future. With the organization financially sound, continued community support and a successful fall “Moondance” fundraiser (raising close to $70,000 in general operating funds for the coming year), there was much to celebrate.

The Huntington Playhouse season continues with a production of “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure,” opening Oct. 20 and playing through Nov. 6.   

This spirited, fast-moving play presents the world's greatest detective at the height of his powers – surrounded by all the elements that fans have come to expect: danger, intrigue, wit, humor and surprise. "The game is afoot, Watson - and it is a dangerous one!"

The cast includes: Victoria DehMalo, Gareth Harris, Dale Hruska, Assad Khaishgi, Greg Mandryk, Tom Meyrose, Alex Nalbach and Allison Schulze.

Cleveland Beer Week is upon us! Now, the most important choice is what to drink. While most Clevelanders have enjoyed a Great Lakes or Buckeye Beer, few realize that really great beer is being brewed on both small and large scales by hobbyists and professionals alike right here on Cleveland’s west side.

The Westlake Cellar Rats, a brewing club made up of local area residents, has spent over 10 years taking to their kitchens and basements to create unique, hand-crafted beer that they are showcasing at the Taste of the Harvest event on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Lake Erie Building in Lakewood.

The Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library presented absolutely wonderful “Sunday Sounds” Sept. 18 when they sponsored The Marimba Masters of Cleveland. The good fortune to have learned about this event, to become aware of the remarkable five Marimba Masters of Cleveland, and to sit in close proximity in the Porter Room was more than one could wish for. 

The music eminating from the marimbas (a type of deep-toned xylophone) was uplifting. It was happy. It not only brought back childhood memories of the sounds of Euclid Beach Park with its glorious merry-go-round, but also the sound of ragtime.

Kent Collier, principal cellist of Blue Water Chamber Orchestra, delighted the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council audience at Westlake Porter Public Library on Sept. 27 with his “Bach and the Cello” performance. With Bach’s suites for cello, he revealed the rich special “singing” sound of the instrument as well as its ability to communicate and create mood.

Collier has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Eastman School of Music in New York.  He is a native Clevelander and has been principal cellist for Cleveland Opera, Cleveland Ballet, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and Lyric Opera. Most recently he has served as principal cellist with Red an Orchestra, Blossom Festival Orchestra and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. He has taught cello at Allegheny College, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, and the Cleveland Music School Settlement.

Opening in BAYarts' Sullivan Gallery on Oct. 7 is the 49th Annual Juried Show. Professional and amateur artists, 18 and over from throughout Northeast Ohio enter up to two pieces of work in any medium for cash awards. This year's show will be judged by well-known Ohio painter Augusto Bordelois and David LaFleur, who is a freelance art director at American Greetings.

Over 100 artists will enter and only a select few will have the honor of being hung in the Sullivan Family Gallery. Prizes are based on entry fees and will be awarded at the opening reception. The show will run through Nov. 4 and is sponsored by First Federal of Lakewood.

 The crisp and colorful month of October is upon us, and as we approach Halloween, many of us begin to feel a craving for a bit of intrigue and suspense. To satisfy this need for mystery and to raise money to provide assistance to local families in crisis, The Village Food Project would like to invite you to a special performance of “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” at Huntington Playhouse on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m.

Let us set the scene, courtesy of Huntington Playhouse: The world’s greatest detective has seemingly reached the end of his remarkable career when a case presents itself that is too tempting to ignore: The King of Bohemia is about to be blackmailed by a notorious photograph, and the woman at the heart of this crime is the famous opera singer, Irene Adler.  With his trusted companion, Doctor Watson, at his side, Sherlock Holmes pursues first the case, and then the affections of Miss Adler – and in doing so, marches right into the lair of his longtime adversary, that malevolent genius of crime: Professor Moriarty.

On Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m., David Bamberger, Director of Opera Theater at the Cleveland Institute of Music, will present the opening program for the 2011-12 FYI: Opera series at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road. 

The program previews CIM’s production of Massenet’s "Cendrillon" (Cinderella), which retells the world's favorite fairytale. Bamberger’s skillful art of bringing the composer, the composition and the plot to life with his knowledge and humor will frame the performance of selected arias in French by talented CIM student vocalists.

On Sept. 30, the I-X Piston Power Show roars into town at the I-X Center for three days through Oct. 2. This show is the world's largest indoor display of cars, bikes, trucks, boats and planes. One-million square feet of the I-X Center will feature over 1,000 vehicles.

A local unit of the Commemorative Air Force, the Cleveland Wing, will be appearing at this second annual show. The Cleveland Wing is one of the Commemorative Air Force's 74 CAF units located in 27 states. Scheduled to appear is the Cleveland Wing's historic North American SNJ-4 "Texan" Advance Trainer from World War II.

Visitors to the Westlake Bicentennial Sister Cities Student Art Exchange at Westlake City Hall this month will discover some engaging art created by students in both Westlake and Tralee, Ireland – Westlake’s Sister City. 

This exhibition is the third phase of the collaboration. The first phase presented Westlake student art in a Send Off to Tralee last April at Westlake City Hall. The art was then shipped to Tralee for the second phase, a joint exhibition with the student art of Tralee at Siamsa Tire Theatre in Tralee’s Town Park.

Pottery has always been a popular class at BAYarts but with recent equipment upgrades and facility improvements in the last five years, there has been an even greater demand. The studio is located in the stone basement of the historic Huntington House.

In spring 2011, with the endless rain, foundation issues created by Fuller House construction and an overworked drainage system resulted in regular flooding. It was common to see teachers in rubber wellies and young pottery students happily splashing in the puddles. The BAYarts staff worked around the clock with Cleveland Metroparks workers mopping and pumping throughout the day, seven days a week, but the endless rain made it impossible to repair the drains.

Soul/Funk singers Marvin Gaye and Al Green did it; R&B superstar Michael Jackson did it; Disco Bee Gees heartthrob Barry Gibb did it; Pop phenomena Prince, David Bowie, and Elton John did it; Rockers Mick Jagger and Robert Plant did it. Even now English Alternative Rocker Thom Yorke of Radiohead does it… They have all flung their voices into canary heaven at moments of passion. 

The seemingly unnatural sound of men singing up in soprano territory as a vehicle for expressing love, longing, desire, pain, and discontent is nothing new, as anyone who attends the upcoming Apollo’s Fire concerts “Love and Rage” will quickly hear. Cleveland’s inimitable baroque orchestra will present a fiery program of arias by Vivaldi and Handel, who pulled out all the stops when writing for male soprano singers, those rock stars of the 18th Century.  Groupies of the era went so far as to wear medallions bearing the portraits of their favorites, a fashion not dissimilar to the pins and tee shirts worn by fans of rock stars today.