Arts + Culture

Beyond the Pleasuredome: Shonberg’s psychedelic art shines at the Buckland Museum
Guests can get a taste of the psychedelic and the occult at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick with the works of artist Burt Shonberg, known as the Grandfather of Psychedelic Art.  
Women with wings: Inside the International Women’s Air & Space Museum
The annual Cleveland Air Show reminds us of the rich aviation-related history in our city and the state of Ohio. Locals have heard of the Cleveland Air Races and seen historical aircraft at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. Yet some Clevelanders may not be aware of the significant role of women in aviation history—and the museum at Burke Lakefront Airport that celebrates them.
In her words: Immersed in Vincent
Writer Erin O'Brien takes a welcome step away from reality and into the immersive world if Vincent Van Gogh.
Legendary mural: LAND studio unveils restored 1969 mural ‘Life is Sharing the Same Park Bench’
As LAND studio celebrated its 10th anniversary of creating public art and public spaces in Cleveland this past Saturday, Oct. 9, the newly-restored mural “Life is Sharing the Same Park Bench” on East 9th Street and Superior Avenue was unveiled. 
Lights up on Cleveland Play House: Theater is ready to raise the curtain after a long, dark period
Eighteen months after going dark because of the pandemic, the Cleveland Play House is getting ready to raise the curtain this month. Read about what theater life was like while the curtain was down.
Sneak peek: Cleveland claims its position FRONT and center in the international art world
A lot can happen in four years, and for many of us, 2018—the year that FRONT Triennial made its colorful debut across Cleveland—feels like a lifetime ago. As the triennial event prepares to yet again position The Land at the epicenter of the global art world next summer, FRONT plans to explore much-needed themes of healing and transformation.
In his own words: Democracy is stronger with the arts
Jeremy V. Johnson, CEO and president of Assembly for the Arts, pleads the case for supporting the arts in Cleveland before Monday's debate between the two Cleveland mayoral candidates. 
Wrapped up: Shaker artists add new utility box wraps, creating public art all over the city
Shaker Heights is newly adorned with eight new wrapped utility boxes along the Red and Green RTA Rapid Transit lines in its fifth year of SHAC on TRAC.
Baseball wars: Local filmmaker debuts film on fatal 1920 pitch that began Indians, Yankees rivalry
Cleveland Indians baseball takes center stage at the 12th Annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival with the premiere of local filmmaker Andy Billman's “War on the Diamond” on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
The Great Lakes African American Writers Conference turns the page toward its 2021 event
As the author of "Little Lumpy's Book of Blessings," Rev. Dr. Leah Lewis is no stranger to the path to publication—and she founded the Great Lakes African American Writers Conference to help make sure others don’t get burned along the way.
Huge mural in Buckeye celebrates, tells the story of African American history
Cleveland leaders and residents on Saturday gathered in Amos Norwood Mini-Park for the unveiling of artist Anna Arnold's six-foot-by-44-foot mural telling the history of African Americans.
Satanic Panic: Exhibit at the Buckland Museum takes a spooky look at pop culture
Just in time for the Halloween season, a new exhibit at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Majick explores the 80s pop culture obsession with the occult.
A watchful eye: The Lone Sailor statue now stands watch over Lake Erie waters
The Lone Sailor statue took its place on Lake Erie's shores last week—paying tribute to the men and women in the U.S. Navy and bringing awareness to the upcoming USS Cleveland. 
Photo essay: A documentation of the creation of 19 murals during Cleveland Walls!
Last week, 23 world-class artists—11 of them local artists—descended on the MidTown neighborhood to create 19 dynamic public murals during the Cleveland Walls! FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski tracked the progress of the artists and their murals last week and compiled this photo essay.
Pave your path to publication in FreshWater and go on an Artist's Way journey
Curious about hyperlocal and solutions journalism, or always wanted to do the Artist's Way? Join FreshWater contributing editor Jen Jones Donatelli as she leads two creative cohorts this fall.
Students, artists team up with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture to tout LGBTQ+ Pride and racial equity
this summer, artist and Civil Rights activist Amanda King has been busy with her “It’s Almost Tomorrow” mural in Public Square as part of #VoicesofCLE project and her participation in Learning Lab.
Mexico joins the Cleveland Cultural Gardens just in time for One World Day
Mexico is now represented in the Cleveland Cultural Garden and Comite Mexicano de Cleveland will celebrate One World Day with food and activities this Sunday, Aug. 29.
Converge: Artists Archives presents the works of 71 regional artists to share the LGBTQ experience
CONVERGE, a visual art exhibition will feature more than 200 works of art by 71 regional artists and shown across five venues. The exhibit brings together the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, including the struggles with AIDS, the historically underrepresented voices of women, transgender people, and people of color.
Greyt expectations: Thomas Fox says goodbye to CreativeMornings and hello to Greyt Culture
Thomas Fox is infusing fresh new energy into Cleveland's cultural scene with Greyt Culture—offering everything from sunset rooftop concerts to free breakfast lectures.
Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Venues: Author celebrates new book this weekend at the Beachland
Plenty of local music industry pros will be at the Beachland Ballroom this weekend to celebrate the launch of Deanna Adams' newest book, "Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Venues."