Cleveland's A Slum

The evening of November 14th is shaping up and going to be a blast. Most importantly is the All Things Cleveland show @ Asterisk Gallery. Already preparations for the show are having some funny speed bumps. You may have seen the Cleveland - logo in anticipation for this group show, well, from the gallery owner:

"for now please use the ' Cleveland's a Slum' logo or any of the images that I have attached for the press release if you forward the info. I received a cease and desist letter from The Greater Cleveland partnership/CLE+ lawyer on Monday, stating I must immediatley discontinue using the CLE- mark. I contacted a friend that happens to be a corporate copyright lawyer downtown and he is going to take care of it. There is a parody defense that I am protected under as well as other free speech issues. So please use the plum image for now until I have this resolved by mid-week."

Classic. Especially considering the first line in the press release:

"If you cannot laugh at yourself, you cannot laugh at all. Just think of the overwhelming cabbage smell of grandma’s house, the Big Chuck and Little John show on a black and white television with tinfoil on the antenna, etc. The work exhibited is produced solely by Cleveland artists to emit that bleak perspective of a Clevelander. This exhibition will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The object was to produce an exhibition that promotes a self deprecating view of Cleveland by Clevelanders. The work must represent or depict Cleveland in some way, shape, or form. Think more of a less positive Harvey Pekarian viewpoint, burnt perogies, , the continual grief and despair we feel each and every day, the adverse effect our sports teams have on our mental state, our bleak and depressing outlook on life, etc, etc, all the good things.

The opening reception will be complete with a live polka style performance covering all the great Cleveland inspired hits like – Bernie, Bernie, Cleveland Rocks, The Heart of Rock n Roll, etc. Sauerkraut and kielbasa will be available and will be slow cooked overnight to give the gallery that special sensory smell we are all accustomed to being from Cleveland. Opening Reception - Friday, Nov 14th., 6-10pm. Show runs through Dec. 6th"

If that wasn't enough, later in the evening after 10pm, head over to Now That's Class for the Pink Eye Magazine issue 2 release party and cheap-ass art sale. Located at 11213 Detroit Ave. bands playing will be Hot Cha Cha, Mystery of Two, Dimeras + Artist Flea Market! There will be quality art donated by incredible local artists. All work is available for under $20! It is $5 at the door. This is a fundraiser to help cover the magazine print costs, this is DIY baby.

Art Scene Haps

Undeterred by break-ins and vandals, another gallery is setting up shop in Collinwood called Low Life Gallery. They'll be focusing on the low brow and pop surrealist end of things, and are having a few group shows coming up for Halloween and Christmas. As their cultural manifesto says,

"There is a war that is being waged on culture. Big box retail. Warehouse club lifestyle. Does anyone really need 15 pounds of chicken? More isn't always better. Turn off the television. Go see live local music. Read a book. Support the little guy. Don't always super size. VOTE! Do instead of watch. Get out, walk in the woods and reconnect with nature. When is the last time you went to a museum? The mall? Which one do you value more? Why? Avoid chain restaurants. Travel more. Avoid ruts whenever possible. Try talking to total strangers about the things which really matter to them. Exercise daily. Sleep in late sometimes. Read poetry. Really listen. Celebrate diversity. Enjoy art. Live life!"

You can visit them at www.myspace.com/lowlifecleveland, hoping they'll have a site up and running soon as well. I don't see an address listed yet either, but it is around the whole Beachland area at 152nd, you know.

Stuff and Things Happening...

August 8th: Triumvirate a group show opening Friday @ Asterisk Gallery w/ Dana L. Depew, Rick Ferris, and William Schwartz.

August 8th: Blasphemy! A sacrilege art show curated by Miss Allisun. Friday @ Doubting Thomas Gallery in Tremont as well during the art walk.

August 14, 15, 16th: SPACES Summer Cleanup Garage Sale!
Office furniture, office supplies, clothing, art, randoms, tools, and more. The gallery will be full of good things for you to take home. Come on you vultures, you know you want it! Thur 8am–5:30pm Fri 8am–7pm Sat 8am–5:30pm

In other news, I've been made the new art editor at Kotori Magazine, which is merging with GetUnderground.com. So posting on here may get a little slow, between that and other arty farty opportunities I may be taking advantage of in the near future.

But fear not, you know that anytime something irks me -- or I drink too much coffee -- I'll still have something to say.

Asterisk Gallery recap

Some photos from last night at Asterisk Gallery (click for larger images). Lots of people out for the art walk despite the rain that was on and off...












I would have liked to make it out to Doubting Thomas (the men in art exhibit sounded fun) and Brandt Gallery, but alas, I had a little accident over at Edison's Pub resulting in part of my face being cut up and made throbby with pain. (No it wasn't alcohol related thank you, I'm a lush, not an idiot drunk). So my art-fartings and photos will be halted for the time being until my face is restored and glorious again. Yes, I am that vain.