Those who know me and that I have been working with the East Cleveland Theater 0ver twenty plus years (over that but why tell my age). And I consider its Cleveland’s best kept secret.
But due to Covid we have been closed. We will be back but for now I want to tell you about a new space.
If you been watching the television, driving on I90 you have seen the ads and if you been following me, you have seen my post. Immersive Van Gogh an Exhibition of Van Gogh works, most think this is a CMA exhibit, but it is not, this exhibit is being held in an old factory building remodeled for this style of exhibition sitting at St Clair and 72nd street not far UC and MLK and one exit to the Rock Hall of fame. Great spot, yes?
Now I have been working here as an Exhibition Host and yes, I have viewed the show many times. It is well done Massimiliano Siccardi’s design and concept is wonderful and being immersed in Van Gogh work can be intense, that is not what I want to talk about. What I want to talk about is the space itself. Now we have many different art spaces here in Cleveland, but this space is unique as in Science Center unique.
The little background I can get is this building was built in 1926, Last housed an abrasive company, Even-Cut Abrasive Company when they left, and more history is not readily available so this what I have. The building was originally designed for manufacturing and warehouse.
The present design is a warehouse and a unique art space. You first walk into a large area for greeting guest and directing to the gallery space, this is a wall off area with high ceiling white walls and many projectors. If not using projectors the gallery can still host a standard art exhibit, the wall can house mural size art pieces, Not many galleries have this ability. Move from the guest area into an open retail space and just off that is a Lounge, and even more space that is currently use for sculptor pieces. Unique space.
As a Photographic artist I am excited about all the possibilities that a space like this creates, that I know of to date there are three or four artist that works have had an Immersive type of show created of their work, Van Gogh, Gustov Klimt and Frida Kahlo. While Cleveland has not received these shows they should.
They have started well with the hiring of staff that is local to Cleveland experience in the local community and the skills to get things done and make things happen. The problem will being able to maintain retain this staff over the long haul.
I see an Artist in Residence program, school programs, dance and fitness classes and a host of other events. The lounge and retail space provide for a good anchor of the space that can provide traffic even when the gallery space is dark.
How successful will it be only time will tell but since you put here, I say let them come, be open to all to all and watch it grow.
OK Shameful promotion for CLEVEland
This is a town of many different cultures and arts with a rich history from gospel, rock to R&B in music, to being the home of many theaters, professional and amateur. The city hosts the first black theater, the first color-blind theater in the nation and man small art galleries and museums. I could go on, but you get the picture. You will be hard pressed to find community so versed in the different arts not a bad test market.
Insert Shameless self-promotion
For me my artist of choice in creating an Immersive experience. I would work very closely with I think is a great American artist and her museum in Santa FE, I need not say her name.
The decision to place a facility like this is a great plus for the Cleveland art community, many have already begun asking in what ways the space will be available. And the location is perfect. This space can be used for a whole lot more than immersive shows. This space is screaming out for wedding, mini concerts, conventions and a host of other events.
They have started well with the hiring of staff that is local to Cleveland experience in the local community and the skills to get things done and make things happen. The problem will being able to maintain retain this staff over the long haul.
I see an Artist in Residence program, school programs, dance and fitness classes and a host of other events. The lounge and retail space provide for a good anchor of the space that can provide traffic even when the gallery space is dark.
How successful will it be only time will tell but since you put here, I say let them come, be open to all to all and watch it grow.
