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PUBLIC VISIONS

THE VOICES OF CLE PROJECT IS SPARKING

IMPORTANT DIALOGUE [ Leslie Basalla-McCafferty ]

For the viewer, a public artwork might be a mere of beauty, or perhaps a comment on the surrounding streetscape. The Voices of CLE project seeks to elevate the potential of public art by pairing local artists of color with businesses and organizations eager to display their work. The end goal? To provoke emotion, foster healing and engender empathy by promoting meaningful conversations about race and community. Meet the Voices of CLE: > Stina Aleah An accomplished oil painter,

Stina Aleah discovered her talent for art almost by accident after a broken leg sidelined her high school track career. Her works center the experiences of modern Black women, seeking to highlight their beauty and shatter stereotypes in the process. Her paintings can be found adorning the windows of 1350 West St. Clair Ave. and on

Public Square. > Jerome White Since childhood, Jerome White has pursued his passion for art. Today he works to instill that same passion in others as an art teacher at Cleveland Heights High School and by participating in mural projects throughout the city. White believes that, in creating art, he acts as a conduit for inspiration from a higher power. His Voices of CLE work can be viewed at North Coast Harbor.

> Rashaun Dillard As a child, Rashaun Dillard first explored art by drawing comic book heroes.

Since then, his path has followed that of a traditional artist, working in acrylics and as a digital creator. Dillard’s paintings often contain social commentary, and he hopes his

Voices of CLE work—which can be seen at

North Coast Harbor and alongside Aleah’s on West St. Clair—will stimulate productive conversations and convey a message of unity.

> Lauren Pearce By combining bold, geometric and abstract elements with portraiture, Lauren

Pearce has created her own distinctive signature.

She uses her mixed-media images to examine the complex intersections of race and gender that inform her identity. A selection of her large-scale work can be viewed at 770 St. Clair Ave.

ART APPRECIATION

CLEVELAND MAKES IT EASY TO CURATE THE PERFECT MUSEUM OUTING

By Sarah Parr Fabric of society Art has long been a choice expression for those overcoming hardships. “Who Was This Built to Protect?” at moCa Cleveland features the work of long-distance artist-in-residence Aram Han Sifuentes, a KoreanAmerican artist who sews a variety of works that thread together the immigrant experience in the United States. (Through June 5, 2022)

Only human Displaying multiple artistic mediums that showcase artist Alberto Giacometti’s fascination with human physicality, the Cleveland Museum of Art exhibition “Toward the Ultimate Figure” features 60 works that just might make you think twice about the human form. (Through June 12, 2022)

Stars of the art world Intermeshing pieces from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s permanent collection with works from contemporary Black artists, “Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus” puts Black voices at the nucleus of the artistic conversation—including local artist Darius Steward and sculptor Elizabeth Catlett. (Through June 26, 2022) Child’s play Curated with kids in mind, The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s summer display, “Chagall for Children,” is a hands-on experience that infuses the works of artist Marc Chagall with more than a dozen ways to explore building blocks of art, such as color, light and texture. (May 11-August 28, 2022) Gift that keeps on giving To celebrate two Clevelanders’ generous gift of 100 works to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the aptly-named exhibit, “The Keithley Collection,” will grace one of CMA’s galleries this fall. With paintings, drawings and ceramics from both Western and Eastern artists, this exhibit is sure to hold something for everyone. (Sept. 11, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023)

Twelve Literary Arts TAKING CHANCES

By Aja Hannah Cleveland’s art scene beautifully weaves together diverse mediums and voices. Just ask the team at Praxis Fiber Workshop, located in Waterloo Arts District with 17 floor looms and fibers of all colors. Located in University Circle, The Sculpture Center is also a unique destination for artists of all kinds—hosting not just contemporary sculpture installations, but also mixed media and performances. If poetry slams are your jam, Twelve Literary Arts delivers with socially conscious programming and events for all ages. And all art lovers will want to bookmark SPACES, where the conversation between local and global artists ignites into enduring, provocative work (with a neon “ART” sign leading the way).

THEATRE FOR ALL

By Aja Hannah

> LatinUs Theater Co.

Moving to its new home at The Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression in Tremont last fall, this Hispanic theater company produces theatrical works in Spanish with visual productions sometimes including English subtitles.

> The Liminis Theatre

The convergencecontinuum’s Liminis Theatre is, at first, unassuming. The building sits at a nondescript intersection in Tremont, but the inside is home to progressive performances. The intimate, 40-seat experience also hosts many LGBTQ+ -centric productions.

Cleveland Public Theatre

> Cleveland Public Theatre

This recognizable name in local theater has made the ultimate equity move and lets attendees pay what they choose so that people of all backgrounds can afford to go to the theatre.