That’s evident in the live/work loft spaces that have taken shape since 2000 in the abandoned warehouses just east of downtown, on and near Superior Avenue. The Tower Press building was the first to advertise space for “artists (and non artists) from all walks of life.” Since then, a chain reaction of development has ignited similar arts-inspired living environments. For those of us who aren’t tenants, that means Cleveland is cultivating a fresh arts scene.
You can catch an open house at the Tower Press, where artists open their living rooms (er, studios) so you can see their invention and energy. For a taste anytime, stop in the Artefino Art Gallery Café, run by prominent local artist Hector Vega, where the paintings, sculpture, glass, handmade jewelry and gifts are as tempting as the lattes and confections.
Just down the street, you can watch Brian Bencheck blow glass into magic. His studio, Burning River Glass, captures double-takes from anyone who passes the sidewalk-level windows. The gallery houses unexpected pieces with jolts of color, elegant vases and enchanting Medusa-like light fixtures. Take classes and you’ll learn about the skill involved in each work.
The concentration of galleries located in Tremont justifies an evening dedicated to touring the neighborhood. You can come on the second Friday of every month during Tremont’s ArtWalk, when doors are open late. Or you can block out the day and discover eclectic finds, such as Tremont’s oldest, Brandt Gallery, which displays works from Northeast Ohio artists, or Atmosphere’s new location next to Edison’s Pub on Professor. You can indulge in some Eye Candy and get a fix of alternative art, music and film at Inside-Outside Gallery.
If it’s edge you’re after, head out on the Superior Viaduct to SPACES, where regular, casual events join artists and art lovers. Make time for MOCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, and pick up a present for the impossible on your list at the ARTspace gift shop inside — an exhibit in itself.
Mix your art outing with dining and explore Little Italy’s art scene — a hodgepodge of intimate galleries as endearing as the neighborhood itself.
1300 Gallery, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland
(216) 939-1300 Tue-Sat noon - 5 p.m.
1300 draws its energy from the vibrant mix of members that occupy the space, including Assemble Gallery, an apparel and printing firm, a graphic design company and other artists. ♣
* (Asterisk Gallery) 2393 Professor St., Cleveland
(330) 304-8528. By appointment.
An excellently laid-out, gritty space with monthly exhibitions of Cleveland artists.
1300 Gallery, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland
(216) 939-1300 Tue-Sat noon - 5 p.m.
1300 draws its energy from the vibrant mix of members that occupy the space, including Assemble Gallery, an apparel and printing firm, a graphic design company and other artists. ♣
* (Asterisk Gallery) 2393 Professor St., Cleveland
(330) 304-8528. By appointment.
An excellently laid-out, gritty space with monthly exhibitions of Cleveland artists.
Alan Gallery, 101 Front St., Berea
(440) 243-7794. Tue-Fri 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Classic gallery space featuring more than 50 Northeast Ohio artists, corporate art, custom framing and handmade gifts. ♣
Artefino Art Gallery Café, 1900 Superior Ave., Cleveland
(216) 830-1400. Mon-Fri 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This cafe on the ground floor of the Tower Press Building showcases art by Hector Vega, Michael Greenwald, David Haberman, Janice Anter and Lori Leavitt, among others.
Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, 1834 E. 123rd St., Cleveland
(216) 721-9020. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat noon - 4 p.m.
Preserves, documents and promotes work created by Ohio visual artists through research, exhibition and education.
Atmosphere, 2379 W. 11th St., Cleveland, (216) 685-9527. Fri 5 - 10 p.m., Sat 5 - 9 p.m.
An eclectic mix of local artists works; monthly raffles benefit the American Cancer Society.
Azure Stained Glass Studio, 2173 Professor St., Cleveland
(216) 357-2600. Wed-Thu noon - 6 p.m., Fri noon - 7 p.m., Sat noon - 5 p.m.
Working shop of two collaborative artists who produce ecclesiastical, residential and commercial stained-glass window design and restoration.
B. K. Smith Gallery, Lake Erie College, 391 W. Washington St., Painesville
(440) 375-7461. Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat-Sun noon - 5 p.m.
Features four shows a year based on the academic calendar.
Baycrafters Gallery, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village
(440) 871-6543. Noon - 5 p.m.
Part of a 55-year-old nonprofit visual-arts organization that inhabits three buildings, Baycrafters features pottery, multimedia paintings and photography. ♣
The Beck Center for the Arts Jean Bullicek Galleria, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
(216) 521-2540. Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat noon - 6 p.m.
Specializes in unknown artists and themed shows. ♣
The Bonfoey Gallery, 1710 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
(216) 621-0178. Mon-Thu 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Represents many of the city’s most established artists, including Laurence Channing, Douglas Lucak, Patrick Kelly, Chris Pekoc and John Pearson, as well as younger artists such as Daniel Dove, Sarah McKenzie and Eric Neff. ▲
Brandt Gallery, 1028 Kenilworth Ave., Cleveland
(216) 621-1610, ext. 2. Sat noon - 6 p.m. and by appointment.
Regional contemporary art. Installations and exhibitions change eight to 10 times per year.
Burning River Glass, 2218 Superior Ave., Cleveland
(216) 214-2120.
Not your typical vases-and-goblet display, Burning River Glass showcases Brian Benchek’s large-scale blown glass sculptures, many featuring more than 1,000 pieces. By appointment only.
Clara Fritzsche Library Gallery, Notre Dame College, 4545 College Road, South Euclid
(216) 373-5267. Mon-Thu 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 1 - 10 p.m.
The gallery in the library often features faculty, local artists and religiously inclined shows.
The Cleveland Artists Foundation Virginia Foley Gallery, Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
(216) 227-9507. Tue-Sat 1 - 5 p.m.
A nonprofit, regional art historical organization that collects the work of Northeast Ohio artists. ♣
Cleveland Institute of Art’s Reinberger Galleries, 11141 East Blvd., Cleveland
(216) 421-7407. Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
A year-round schedule of shows, ranging from student and faculty shows to exhibits of major international artists, such as Viktor Schreckengost and Vito Acconci.
Cleveland State University Art Gallery, 2307 Chester Ave., Cleveland
(216) 687-2103. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat noon - 4 p.m.
This beautiful exhibit space hosts shows featuring national and international artists, as well as occasional exhibitions affiliated with Cleveland State University students and faculty. ▲
Contessa Gallery, 1501 Euclid Ave., Suite 112, Cleveland
(216) 861-9280.
Open during theater events. Specializing in Old and Modern Masters and other top-tier, museum-quality works by prominent American and international artists. ▲
Contessa Gallery, 24667 Cedar Road, Legacy Village, Lyndhurst
(216) 382-7800. Mon-Thu 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun noon - 7 p.m.
Specializing in Old and Modern Masters and other top-tier, museum-quality works by prominent American and international artists.
Corcoran Fine Arts, 13210 Shaker Square, Cleveland
(216) 767-0770. Mon-Fri noon - 5 p.m., Sat noon - 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Art from the Cleveland School intermixed with important museum-quality American and European artists.
Dick Kleinman Fine Art, 12210 Mayfield Road, Cleveland or 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere
(216) 421-8484. Tue-Sat noon - 6 p.m., Sun 2 - 5 p.m.
Moving from Little Italy to Eton in May. Whimsical 3-D pop collection abounds with the likes of Dr. Seuss, Charles Fazzino, Max Hayslette, Todd M. Muskopf and Michelle Delacroix.
Doubting Thomas, 856 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland
(216) 241-7800. Fri-Sat 6 - 10 p.m. and by appointment.
Works displayed are outside the Outside movement.
Duda Gallery, 8912 Brecksville Road, Brecksville
(440) 526-3210. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Features Paul Duda’s acrylic landscapes and florals, oils by Robert Hartshorn and acrylics by Michael Schmidt.
E. Gordon Gallery, Murray Hill School House, 2026 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
(216) 795-0971. Tue-Fri noon - 6 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and by appointment.
Elizabeth Gordon represents emerging Cleveland contemporary artists.
The EDGE Art Gallery, 1844 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
(216) 241-7120. Mon-Thu 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat by appointment.
This warm and inviting space holds monthly exhibitions for regional, emerging artists, including many artists of faith. ▲
Elevation Art, 1240 Huron Road, 5th Floor, Cleveland
(216) 430-2751. By appointment.
Represents local, national and internationally exhibited contemporary artists. ●
Eye Candy Gallery, 2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland
(216) 241-2740. Wed-Thu noon - 6 p.m., Fri-Sat 1 - 9:30 p.m.
Original art and design by American artists.
Fawick Gallery, Baldwin-Wallace College, 95 E. Bagley Road, Berea
(440) 826-2152. During exhibitions, Mon-Fri 2 - 5 p.m.
Six exhibitions per year. Two springtime shows are dedicated to students; the remainder, organized by faculty, range from contemporary paintings to sculpture or ceramics by Ohio artists. ♣
FESTIVO Gallery, 2021 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
(216) 229-5110. Fri-Sat noon - 7 p.m.
The gallery features eclectic, contemporary impressionistic work of Brian Jones.
The Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery, Ursuline College, 2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike
(440) 646-8122. Tue-Fri noon - 5 p.m., Sat-Sun 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rotating exhibits feature several media, serving students and the community. ♣
Front Room Gallery, 7209 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
(216) 534-6059. Sat 1 - 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Mixes local and national artists, showing provocative works that run from personal fantasies to political indictments.
Gallery M, Loftworks Building, 1667 E. 40th St., Suite 3B, Cleveland
(216) 773-8277. Mon & Wed 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and by appointment.
Cleveland’s only live-work gallery devoted to metals. Three shows annually feature mostly art jewelry and metalwork.
Gallery Ü Cleveland, mobile gallery with headquarters at 2338 Scranton Road, Cleveland
(216) 323-0085.
By appointment. Features contemporary emerging and mid-career artists with a Cleveland connection. Fine art offered for purchase or rental.
Headfooters, 12610 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
(216) 795-1668. Tue-Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This unpretentious gallery exhibits Outsider paintings and drawings.
HeightsArts Gallery, 2173 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 371-3457. Wed-Sat noon - 9 p.m., Sun 1 - 5 p.m.
A small nonprofit gallery run by a community arts organization, Heights Arts represents quality emerging and established artists.
Inside-Outside Art Gallery, 2688 W. 14th St., Cleveland
(216) 623-8510. Tue & Thu-Sat noon - 6 p.m. and by appointment.
Moving works by self-taught, primitive and mentally ill artists.
Kelly Randall Gallery, 2678 W. 14th St., Cleveland
(216) 771-7724. Wed-Fri noon - 6 p.m., Sat noon - 5 p.m.
Emphasis on original local works, rotating every four to six weeks and showing one to five artists at a time.
La Cachette Gallery, 20 E. Orange St., Chagrin Falls
(216) 401-8920. Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thu 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Specializing in contemporary impressionistic painting and sculpture. Representing Maria Bertran, Lisa Hannaford and Walter Savermann.
M% Gallery, 12812 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
(216) 990-3349. By appointment. Cutting-edge, sophisticated contemporary art and design in a comfortable space.
Malcolm Brown Gallery, 20100 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights
(216) 751-2955. Tue-Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Art in all mediums by African-American artists of national prominence through museum quality.
The Miller Weitzel Gallery, 5304 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
(216) 939-9099. Sat 1 - 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Focuses on local talent. ♣
Mirage Studio, 2174 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 371-4172. Tue-Fri 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat noon - 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Represents local and international artists and American crafts in all media.
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Cleveland, 8501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland
(216) 421-8671. Tue-Sun 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
A museum in name, MOCA also hosts local artists for The Sky Lounge exhibitions in its Mezzanine Gallery.
Newsense Gallery, 1376 Fry Ave., Lakewood
(216) 521-8582. By appointment.
Presents art exhibitions, discussion forums and film screenings. ♣
Paradise Gallery, 2199 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 554-5548. Mon-Thu noon - 5 p.m., Fri-Sat 7 - 10 p.m. and by appointment.
A contemporary gallery with fine art, glass and jewelry by emerging local artists.
Pavanna Gallery, 2250 Professor Ave., Cleveland
(216) 771-9811. Fri 4 - 10 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and by appointment.
The specialty of the house is hand-blown glass by artists such as Dan Bergsma and Ed Branson, but it also carries paintings, American crafts and jewelry.
Pentagon Gallery, 3102 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 321-3362. Tue-Wed and Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thu 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Bimonthly shows are generally nontraditional, impressionistic, running the gamut of media.
Piccadilly’s Fine Art Galleries, 2253 Professor Ave., Cleveland
(216) 344-1800. Tue-Thu noon - 6 p.m., Fri-Sat noon - 4 p.m. and 6:30 - 9 p.m.
National and international artists, including Sam Park and Thomas Arvid.
Rachel Davis Fine Arts, 1301 W. 79th St., Cleveland
(216) 939-1190. Tue-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mostly an auction house dealing American and European 19th- and 20th-century fine art, decorative arts, paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture. Bimonthly live auctions. ♣
Raw & Co., 1009 Kenilworth Ave., Cleveland
(216) 235-0635 or (216) 235-5511. By appointment.
Spotlights established artists such as Bill Radawec, Enid Williams and Paul Yanko.
Red Dot Project, 1900 Superior Ave., Suite 125, Tower Press Building, Cleveland
(216) 664-9600. By appointment.
The project contains stacks of drawers that hold portfolios of small and medium-sized artworks, making it possible to view many works created by many artists in one central location.
River Gallery, 19056 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River
(440) 331-8406. Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Art and fine crafts, ceramic, glass and original prints by area as well as nationally and internationally known artists. ♣
Art and fine crafts, ceramic, glass and original prints by area as well as nationally and internationally known artists. ♣
Scaravilli Design & Studio Gallery, 12414 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
(216) 791-9919. Tue-Thu noon - 8 p.m., Fri-Sat noon - 10 p.m., Sun noon - 5 p.m.
Contemporary art gallery and digital design studio with a living room feel.
The Sculpture Center, 1834 E. 123rd St., Cleveland
(216) 229-6527. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat noon - 4 p.m.
Founded by David E. Davis to foster the careers of emerging Ohio sculptors, the center also promotes the conservation of outdoor sculpture.
Founded by David E. Davis to foster the careers of emerging Ohio sculptors, the center also promotes the conservation of outdoor sculpture.
SHAHEEN Modern and Contemporary Art, 740 W. Superior Ave., Suite 101, Cleveland
(216) 830-8888. By appointment.
Unveils quality modern and contemporary visual works, including those by emerging Cleveland artists and international talent. ■
Sofia Art & Photography, 11917 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
(216) 721-1507. By appointment.
Raw, no-frills, come-as-you-are space for edgy local artists.
Something Different Gallery, 1899 W. 25th St., Cleveland
(216) 696-5226. Mon and Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Eclectic Cleveland artistry packed into less than 1,000 feet of space; an inviting, energy-filled environment.
(216) 696-5226. Mon and Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Eclectic Cleveland artistry packed into less than 1,000 feet of space; an inviting, energy-filled environment.
SPACES, 2220 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland
(216) 621-2314. Tue-Thu and Sat 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fri 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 1 - 5 p.m.
Exhibits that aim for the forefront of contemporary art, often not only unique to Cleveland, but also fresh to the art world.
Studio of 5 Rings, 2400 Superior Ave., Suite 201, Cleveland
(216) 771-0830. Fri 5 p.m. - midnight, Sat 7 p.m. - midnight and by appointment.
Artwork that touches lives “through visual, literary and martial arts.” Also downtown Cleveland’s only winery.
Thomas R. Riley Gallery, 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Eton, Woodmere
(216) 765-1711. Daily, call for hours.
Works by artists who are also showing in the most prestigious museums, such as Dale Chihuly and Dante Marioni.
The Turkaly Art Gallery, Murray Hill School House, 2026 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
(216) 721-1233. Tue-Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fine contemporary sculpture and paintings by nationally and internationally known artists.
Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls
(440) 247-7507. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 4 pm., Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Nonprofit community-arts center offering more than 50 visual-art classes and rotating exhibits with community outreach.
Verne Collection of Japanese Art, 2207 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
(216) 231-8866. Tue-Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Established in 1953, the gallery specializes in “quiet elegance” by antique and contemporary Japanese printmakers and painters, as well as prints and paintings by American artists who are living in Japan or have studied there.
Vixseboxse Art Galleries, 12413 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 791-2727. Wed-Sat 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Established in 1922, Vixseboxse offers fine American and European paintings, watercolors and bronzes from the late 19th century to the present.
Zygote Press Gallery, 7209 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
(216) 881-4000. Sat noon - 4 p.m. and by appointment.
A nonprofit, artist-run printmaking organization, the gallery displays fine art, print-related works, including works on paper, etchings, woodcuts and photo arts. Bimonthly, open-studio exhibit openings. ✿
