CLOG call for submissions: MIAMI

One of my favorite architecture journals (potentially my favorite) has announced their new call for submissions which strikes a particular chord for those of us from Cleveland. 

Miami.

Yes the home of CSI, Dexter, Vice and some basketball player who finally won a championship (without an asterisk) is the topic for CLOG's finely curated study.

Even as Miami stirs the architectural soul a bit as OMA and BIG battle royale for the rights to recreate the Miami Beach Convention Center in their own illustrious images (or at least in contextual interpretations) CLOG attempts to crash the party properly, shining a spotlight before the dawn (and eventual scattering) discovers the image of a new[er] city.

Courtesy of CLOG:

CLOG New York, July 16, 2013 CLOG Announces Call for Submissions for CLOG : MIAMI Photo © Andrew Kenney If you're having trouble reading this, view it online here. Submissions Due Aug 15 The largest city in the southeastern United States, Miami has long been subject to a range of unique forces—natural, political, and cultural—which have brought both booms and devastating busts. Despite setbacks, however, Miami has become a vibrant and broadly American city that mixes the historically Anglo-dominated North and the Latin South, vividly presenting many characteristics of today's United States: cosmopolitanism, an ever-shifting balance between public and private interests, economic volatility, and environmental tightrope walking. When it comes to architecture, something is definitely happening in Miami. Not only is real estate and development booming, but recently, significant civic projects have demonstrated a potentially serious public/private commitment to infuse the commons with design and the arts, as seen in the Wynwood Art District and Art Basel Miami. Miami invented a strand of mid-century Modernism, epitomized the design aesthetic of the 1980s, hosted the major intellectual center of the New Urbanism movement, and is now providing opportunities to a new (and hungry) crop of international architects in projects like the Miami Beach Convention Center, Coconut Grove, the New World Center, One Thousand Museum Tower, 111 Lincoln Road, and more. So like LeBron, it’s time for CLOG to take its talents to South Beach. Submission info here.

Loren Naji Studio Gallery Call 4 Artists and New Exhibition Space

Knock Knock. “Who’s There?” Opportunities. “Opportunities Who?” Opportunities Knock! Loren Naji Studio Gallery makes a Call to Artists and Announces New Exhibition Space!

Member Loren Naji Studio Gallery | Neighborhood Ohio City 

Issue Summer 2013 | Author Loren Naji

Loren Naji Studio Gallery offers a shotgun blast of news for the summer, including exhibition space expanding into another room, a planned expansion into another neighborhood, and plenty of opportunity for artists.

 First, my familiar main gallery space has expanded into the adjacent, furniture-filled room, which has become “The Lounge Gallery.” Meanwhile, that original gallery will henceforth be called “The Parlor,” unless someone comes up with a better name!

 But I have even bigger news. I have been awarded a property, along with two grants in order to create a new one -of -a -kind art venue in Collinwood. I have wild ideas and shows planned, and I even need a live- in curator—not to mention other curators and artists–to help bring these shows and adventures to fruition! Each of the twelve rooms in the new Collinwood venue will feature installations by individual artists. Indeed, every room and surface of the house will be used for exhibition, including the exterior.

 In fact, the exterior of this house will literally become a gallery turned inside-out. Using weather resistant paint on panels and repurposed frames, artists will create work to be attached to the facade. This spectacle will allow onlookers to view art from the sidewalk and street! As paintings are sold, they will be replaced by new ones, creating an ever changing, mosaic-like exterior. This striking marvel will create intrigue and draw viewers to enter the space to discover the artist installations.

I need local artists to create works for the exterior, installation artists for the interior and one more special person to live rent free in one room of this gallery and act as gallerist, curator and co-director. Please call me at the gallery, 216.621.6644 for information.

Following are more opportunities associated with upcoming shows:

“Tall Walls, Unjuried, Uncensored” show, a co-production of CWAL and Loren Naji Studio Gallery, opening July 19, 2013. Anyone with art and a $25 dollar entrance fee can participate. Start creating controversial and even offensive art for this extravaganza!

My sister Jamilla Naji, a painter from Albuquerque, will curate a show depicting “the human condition,” with narrative vignettes, opening October 4. Contact my gallery for details.

Skulls, curated by Mary Urbas, opening November 1, 2013. Contact her or myself for inclusion possibilities.

Cleveland Kids Create, curated by my 10 year-old daughter, Brielle Naji, opening December 6, 2013. Featuring work by children between the ages of 5 and 13. Have your kids start creating a piece for this show! All work will be sold for $20.00, providing great holiday gifts and help to a charity for children!

Loren Naji Studio Gallery

2138 West 25th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44113

lorennaji.com

216.621.6644

Jason Schupbach Presentation - 2013.07.26

Jason Schupbach Presentation

Friday, July 26th, 2013

Cleveland Institute of Music, Mixon Hall

8.30-10am

        

National expert to speak with Cleveland’s arts and culture sector on placemaking

Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC)’s Arts and Culture Roundtable

CLEVELAND – Jason Schupbach, Director of Design Programs, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will present at CPAC’s Arts and Culture Roundtable on Friday, July 26, 2013. Schupbach will share his insights on national trends in creative placemaking, and placemaking projects that have been funded by the NEA, including those in Cleveland.

As Director of Design Programs for the National Endowment for the Arts, Schupbach manages a $10 million annual portfolio of design and creative placemaking grants and initiatives. He also serves as national liaison to and steward for the design and creative placemaking fields for the Federal government and manages a number of design leadership initiatives including the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, Governors’ Institute on Community Design and Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design.

The event will take place Friday, July 26, 2013, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mixon Hall. Registration and information is available at http://artsandcultureroundtable4.eventbrite.com/.

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. For more information on the NEA please visit http://www.nea.gov.

CPAC’s Arts and Culture Roundtable is a forum to connect members of the arts and culture sector with one another, and those outside of arts and culture, around issues of civic and common cause. The first three Roundtables in the 2013 series featured Hunter Morrison, Executive Director of Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium Initiative,  Terrance C.Z. Egger, President and Publisher of The Plain Dealer, and  Kelly J. Barsdate, Chief Program and Planning officer for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA).  Future Roundtables will take place at locations throughout greater Cleveland, at 8:30 a.m. on September 27 and November 22.

CPAC is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to strengthening, unifying and connecting greater Cleveland’s arts and culture sector. CPAC provides counsel and research to foster a more informed dialogue between representatives of the arts and culture sector and public leaders concerning arts and culture’s role in the region’s development. It also supports the advancement of artists, arts and culture professionals and other civic leaders through an array of programs and services. For more information, please visit www.CultureForward.org.

CPAC is generously supported by The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Kulas Foundation and The John P. Murphy Foundation. CPAC is funded in part by the generous support of Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund CPAC with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Wildwood Wetland and Stream Restoration Celebration - 2013.07.10

If you are like me at all you live in Northeast Ohio and completely take the Cleveland Metroparks continuously for granted, even when you spend a couple hours there (as I did yesterday with the little lady, walking around the Nature Center which is a fantastic place to spot turtles and frogs).

Anyway, stop taking it for granted and get off your butt and do more hiking. Its good for you.
Also, celebrate some milestones:

Wildwood Wetland and Stream Restoration Celebration
via: Cleveland Metroparks webbernet site

When & Where

July 10 @ 5 - 7 p.m.

Reservation: Euclid Creek Reservation

Wildwood Park Picnic Pavilion, E. 174th Street and Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44110

About

Categories: Citizen Science, Exploring Nature, Green Living, Hiking/Walking, Presentations/Lectures

Price: Free

Phone: 216-524-6580, ext. 16

Email: cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org

---

Please join the Euclid Creek Watershed Program Project Partners as we celebrate the wetland and stream restoration at Wildwood Park!

• Project partners are hosting a public meeting and tour to celebrate the wetland and stream restoration project, the culmination of four years of work. 
• Several speakers will briefly discuss the wetland and stream restoration project, followed by either a short hike or a ~1 mile walk around the site.  
• Meet the project partners pivotal in making this project happen.

For more event details click here to view the flyer, and to RSVP, please email me back or call me at 216-524-6580, ext. 16.

Please pass along this email anyone you know who may be interested in this exciting celebration.

For a listing of all Euclid Creek Watershed events coming up this summer and fall, including a Green Cleaning Workshop for Inside and Out in Richmond Heights and our annual SWCD Conservation Day in September at Wildwood, click here.

I would also highly suggest keep checking the Metroparks Calendar for a full listing of fun events, paddleboarding, kayaking, foraging, hiking, tobogganing (in winter), etc.  If they had an RSS feed I think they would really be on to something HINT HINT HINT COUGH COUGH HINT.

Larchmere Streetscape Call for Artists - due 2013.07.15

via LANDstudio

DEADLINE: Call for Artists, Larchmere Streetscape

Date: July 15 from 5:00PM - 5:00PM

The City of Cleveland, in partnership with the City of Shaker Heights, is seeking proposals from artists and designers for the design of benches and bike racks or other street furniture to be incorporated into planned streetscape improvements along Larchmere Boulevard, between East 121st Street and North Moreland Boulevard.

The participation of artists on this project is funded in part by the City of Cleveland’s Public Art Program, which requires that certain capital projects undertaken by the city, including streetscape improvements, set aside funding for public art.

Submission deadline is Monday, July 15, 2013, at 5 p.m. For details, please go to our resources page and click on "competitions."

Veteran's Memorial Bridge Subway Tour - July 06, 2013

Holy smokes, this one almost slipped past me!

Veteran's Memorial Bridge (Detroit Superior) Subway Tour
Saturday, July 6th, 2013
9am-3pm

Offering some of the best views of the valley (the Cuyahoga River valley downtown that is), views that rival those being proposed by the Rotary Club of Cleveland for the suggested path along the Red Line Viaduct (itself a GREAT idea, one I support with every ounce of my supportive nature of supporting. In fact, during a hiccup on the Red Line I was stuck on that viaduct for about 45 minutes as the signalling was being "fixed" and spent the time admiring quite a fantastic little view, I can only imagine how successful a bike/jog/walk trail from W. 25th to Downtown would be. If anything it would provide a great connection for alternative commuters to get downtown without having to deal with traffic on Carnegie or going over the Veteran's Memorial Bridge dubious East bound lane).

Anyway, if you have the time, I highly suggest you grab a camera, maybe a pair of binoculars, some ice water and make the trek across the bridge with family and friends. If you missed the previous Ingenuity festivals or the last Cleveland Competition exhibition that took place there, you missed quite an experience. Better start making up for it.

More info via The Cuyahoga County Office of the Executive (nothing on the County Engineer's website?) 

Veterans Memorial Bridge & Subway Station Tour on Saturday, July 6th

CLEVELAND ‐ The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works announces the annual Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour, to be held on Saturday, July 6th, 2013. This free, selfguided tour will allow visitors to experience the original streetcar station and tracks, unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland, and various exhibits and films. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and the event ends at 3:00 p.m. No Reservations are required.

The main entrance for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour is at the Department of Public Works Garage, 2433 Superior Viaduct, at the northeast corner of the West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue intersections. Free parking is available in the lot located at this address. Volunteers will be assisting with the maintenance of traffic and parking on the day of the tour. Cameras are encouraged for this event.

According to Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, “Tourists will get a feeling for the era as well as what life was like when streetcars were the only major form of public transportation. Those who had once ridden the streetcars will reminisce of their past and simpler times and younger generations are able to witness a well preserved piece of Cleveland history.” Last year, over 2,000 people ventured out to take part in this unique and interesting experience. The County is honored to open the gates and share this unique piece of history with visitors throughout the country.

In 1918, the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge was celebrated as the world’s largest double‐deck, reinforced concrete structure, and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge is 96 ft. tall and 3,112 ft. long, connecting Detroit and Superior Avenues over the Cuyahoga River Valley in downtown Cleveland. The Subway served as a major hub for commuter transportation until the discontinuation of streetcar service on January 24, 1954.

For questions prior to the tour, please visit our website at www.publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us or contact the Department of Public Works, (216) 348‐3824, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the day of the tour, please contact 216‐348‐3900/3901. 

PS. the Cleveland Competition homepage has some great photos of the bridge and since the last competition was centered on ideas for re-using the subway level, well, there are lots of purty things to look at.

Veterans Memorial Bridge & Subway Station Tour on Saturday, July 6th

CLEVELAND ‐ The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works announces the annual Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour, to be held on Saturday, July 6th, 2013. This free, selfguided tour will allow visitors to experience the original streetcar station and tracks, unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland, and various exhibits and films. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and the event ends at 3:00 p.m. No Reservations are required.
The main entrance for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour is at the Department of Public Works Garage, 2433 Superior Viaduct, at the northeast corner of the West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue intersections. Free parking is available in the lot located at this address. Volunteers will be assisting with the maintenance of traffic and parking on the day of the tour. Cameras are encouraged for this event.
According to Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, “Tourists will get a feeling for the era as well as what life was like when streetcars were the only major form of public transportation. Those who had once ridden the streetcars will reminisce of their past and simpler times and younger generations are able to witness a well preserved piece of Cleveland history.” Last year, over 2,000 people ventured out to take part in this unique and interesting experience. The County is honored to open the gates and share this unique piece of history with visitors throughout the country.
In 1918, the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge was celebrated as the world’s largest double‐deck, reinforced concrete structure, and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge is 96 ft. tall and 3,112 ft. long, connecting Detroit and Superior Avenues over the Cuyahoga River Valley in downtown Cleveland. The Subway served as a major hub for commuter transportation until the discontinuation of streetcar service on January 24, 1954.
For questions prior to the tour, please visit our website at www.publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us or contact the Department of Public Works, (216) 348‐3824, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the day of the tour, please contact 216‐348‐3900/3901. - See more at: http://executive.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/VAMemrlBrdg-SubwayStnTour-070613.aspx#sthash.O2f69flF.dpuf

Veterans Memorial Bridge & Subway Station Tour on Saturday, July 6th

CLEVELAND ‐ The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works announces the annual Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour, to be held on Saturday, July 6th, 2013. This free, selfguided tour will allow visitors to experience the original streetcar station and tracks, unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland, and various exhibits and films. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and the event ends at 3:00 p.m. No Reservations are required.
The main entrance for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour is at the Department of Public Works Garage, 2433 Superior Viaduct, at the northeast corner of the West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue intersections. Free parking is available in the lot located at this address. Volunteers will be assisting with the maintenance of traffic and parking on the day of the tour. Cameras are encouraged for this event.
According to Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, “Tourists will get a feeling for the era as well as what life was like when streetcars were the only major form of public transportation. Those who had once ridden the streetcars will reminisce of their past and simpler times and younger generations are able to witness a well preserved piece of Cleveland history.” Last year, over 2,000 people ventured out to take part in this unique and interesting experience. The County is honored to open the gates and share this unique piece of history with visitors throughout the country.
In 1918, the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge was celebrated as the world’s largest double‐deck, reinforced concrete structure, and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge is 96 ft. tall and 3,112 ft. long, connecting Detroit and Superior Avenues over the Cuyahoga River Valley in downtown Cleveland. The Subway served as a major hub for commuter transportation until the discontinuation of streetcar service on January 24, 1954.
For questions prior to the tour, please visit our website at www.publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us or contact the Department of Public Works, (216) 348‐3824, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the day of the tour, please contact 216‐348‐3900/3901. - See more at: http://executive.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/VAMemrlBrdg-SubwayStnTour-070613.aspx#sthash.O2f69flF.dpuf

Veterans Memorial Bridge & Subway Station Tour on Saturday, July 6th

CLEVELAND ‐ The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works announces the annual Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour, to be held on Saturday, July 6th, 2013. This free, selfguided tour will allow visitors to experience the original streetcar station and tracks, unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland, and various exhibits and films. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and the event ends at 3:00 p.m. No Reservations are required.
The main entrance for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour is at the Department of Public Works Garage, 2433 Superior Viaduct, at the northeast corner of the West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue intersections. Free parking is available in the lot located at this address. Volunteers will be assisting with the maintenance of traffic and parking on the day of the tour. Cameras are encouraged for this event.
According to Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, “Tourists will get a feeling for the era as well as what life was like when streetcars were the only major form of public transportation. Those who had once ridden the streetcars will reminisce of their past and simpler times and younger generations are able to witness a well preserved piece of Cleveland history.” Last year, over 2,000 people ventured out to take part in this unique and interesting experience. The County is honored to open the gates and share this unique piece of history with visitors throughout the country.
In 1918, the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge was celebrated as the world’s largest double‐deck, reinforced concrete structure, and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge is 96 ft. tall and 3,112 ft. long, connecting Detroit and Superior Avenues over the Cuyahoga River Valley in downtown Cleveland. The Subway served as a major hub for commuter transportation until the discontinuation of streetcar service on January 24, 1954.
For questions prior to the tour, please visit our website at www.publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us or contact the Department of Public Works, (216) 348‐3824, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the day of the tour, please contact 216‐348‐3900/3901. - See more at: http://executive.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/VAMemrlBrdg-SubwayStnTour-070613.aspx#sthash.O2f69flF.dpuf

Veterans Memorial Bridge & Subway Station Tour on Saturday, July 6th

CLEVELAND ‐ The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works announces the annual Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour, to be held on Saturday, July 6th, 2013. This free, selfguided tour will allow visitors to experience the original streetcar station and tracks, unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland, and various exhibits and films. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and the event ends at 3:00 p.m. No Reservations are required.
The main entrance for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Station tour is at the Department of Public Works Garage, 2433 Superior Viaduct, at the northeast corner of the West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue intersections. Free parking is available in the lot located at this address. Volunteers will be assisting with the maintenance of traffic and parking on the day of the tour. Cameras are encouraged for this event.
According to Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, “Tourists will get a feeling for the era as well as what life was like when streetcars were the only major form of public transportation. Those who had once ridden the streetcars will reminisce of their past and simpler times and younger generations are able to witness a well preserved piece of Cleveland history.” Last year, over 2,000 people ventured out to take part in this unique and interesting experience. The County is honored to open the gates and share this unique piece of history with visitors throughout the country.
In 1918, the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge was celebrated as the world’s largest double‐deck, reinforced concrete structure, and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge is 96 ft. tall and 3,112 ft. long, connecting Detroit and Superior Avenues over the Cuyahoga River Valley in downtown Cleveland. The Subway served as a major hub for commuter transportation until the discontinuation of streetcar service on January 24, 1954.
For questions prior to the tour, please visit our website at www.publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us or contact the Department of Public Works, (216) 348‐3824, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the day of the tour, please contact 216‐348‐3900/3901. - See more at: http://executive.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/VAMemrlBrdg-SubwayStnTour-070613.aspx#sthash.O2f69flF.dpuf

Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Climate Action Plan - Public Review

Sustainable Cleveland 2019 has put together a draft Climate Action Plan and they are currently looking for public input. Comments are due by July 31st, 2013.

Via: Sustainable Cleveland 2019:

The Earth’s temperature is rising because people are adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, mainly by burning fossil fuels. Experts predict Ohio in particular will experience hotter summers, stronger storms, increased flooding, threats to agriculture, and a reduction in Lake Erie water levels. The implications for local natural, social, and business environments are compelling reasons for change.

Click here to read the draft Climate Action Plan

The City of Cleveland is leading a community process to create a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to not only reduce GHG emissions, but also plan for changes in the climate that will affect Clevelanders. The CAP is scheduled to be complete before the Annual Sustainability Summit on October 3-4, 2013.

Taking action around climate change—reducing greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time planning for adaptation and resilience—integrates many of the sustainability initiatives we are working on in municipal government and as a community. The Cleveland Climate Action Plan is designed to build off of the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Action and Resources Guide and the annual sustainability summits.

We would like to thank the 50-member advisory committee, the Sustainable Cleveland Stewardship Council, and dozens of community members and working group members for co-creating an actionable response to climate change that is built upon collaborative problem solving.

This plan is about much more than climate change. It provides opportunities for Clevelanders now, and into the future. There are 34 actions in this plan that strengthen our economy, clean our environment, and improve the health and wellness of Clevelanders. Whether it’s planting trees, building green, creating healthier transportation options, or reducing waste and recycling, we can increase the livability of our neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for all Clevelanders

Please click here to read the DRAFT Climate Action Plan and submit your comments below by July 31, 2013.

Happy Independence Day!

While the Declaration of Independence was written on the 2nd, it was actually ratified on the 4th (which we celebrate).

As a nation we are constantly undergoing change, re-evaluating ourselves, attempting to grow, be better, be a symbol of hope for the world. Lately (we can't even say that really) our politics seem to blind us to a binary expectation of how our systems work. "You are either for us or against us", seems to be the common mantra chanted from AM radio and cable TV. Somehow we are spending an awful lot of time trying to undermine everyone else's opinion instead of taking a serious consideration of what the real questions are.

This Holiday, as we grill and sun and drink and eventually watch explosions in the night sky, reminiscent of the blood spilled for our freedoms, lets take some time to enjoy our family, our friends, loved ones, pets, the crowds at the park and how lucky we are to be citizens of a nation that so many of us are proud of.

I would hope we can put aside our bickering and concentrate on the real problems we face. Education, meaningful employment, keeping healthy, our inclusion in an international economy, etc. In the meanwhile I would just like to wish every a safe holiday, enjoy your day off from work, enjoy your friends, your family and if you are lucky enough to have Friday off as well, a long 4 day weekend.

Lets relax for a bit. We can get back to the grind, the anger, soon enough.

Happy 4th of July and lets hope the rain stays away so we can all enjoy a fantastic display.

2013 Tall Ships Festival - Cleveland

Cleveland Tall Ships Festival 2013

July 4th - July 7th, 2013

Port of Cleveland

I admit, I have an affinity for the water (which is why living in Kansas City was so miserable, alright, one of the reasons) and find this natural attraction to interacting with it. That being said I enjoy boats. I really enjoy boats without motors (or don't rely on them), there is something about the quiet movement, gliding across the surface of a lake (or pond) that is relaxing and exhilarating. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I look forward to the Tall Ships Festival every year.

Schedule via Tall Ships Festival Website

 "Schedule of Events"

The Festival will showcase the diverse Great Lakes maritime history, spotlighting environmental themes while promoting youth leadership through sail training.  Visitors can board the vessels, meet the crew and experience the heritage these ships symbolize.  Cleveland welcomes the Tall Ships Challenge®, a series of port-to-port international sailing races, cruises and maritime festivals starting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and culminating in Erie, PA.

Wednesday, July 3:  Enjoy the spectacular entry of the Tall Ships under full sail as they enter Cleveland’s harbor.  Opening Ceremonies will follow the Parade of Sail (scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.) though the festival grounds will not be open to the public nor will the ships be available for boarding.  The public will be encouraged to view the Parade at Voinovich Park “free of charge.”  The Festival will begin July 4, 2013, located at the Port of Cleveland, behind FirstEnergy Stadium, Home of the Cleveland Browns.

Thursday, July 4—Sunday, July 7: Gates open: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.*; Ship boarding: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Private hospitality functions: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Ship ramps are unable to accommodate wheelchairs; dockside viewing only.  Ship boarding hours are subject to change and lines may closed before posted time to accommodate those already in line. Hospitality functions will be held the evenings of July 4, July 5 and July 6.  Please complete the “Contact Us” form on the website for information regarding a dockside event, reserving a ship for a private sailaway, reception, etc. 

Friday, July 5^th is PORT OF CLEVELAND DAY and all Military service men and women in uniform will be allowed into the site “free of charge” or with a military I.D.   

Friday, July 5^th: BLOOD DRIVE - "bleed red, white and blue" Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cleveland and the Port of Cleveland 2013 Tall Ships Festival in cooperation with the American Red Cross. The Bloodmobile will be located on West 3^rd and Erieside, Cleveland, OH  44115 just outside of the festival site, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, weather permitting. Appointments may be made by logging on to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: rotaryclubofcleveland. All who come to donate blood will receive an American Red Cross baseball hat, while supplies last. For additional information or questions, please call 1-800- RED-CROSS

Festival Activities

As the first U.S. port to welcome the fleet to the Great Lakes, the festival will have an international flair with a focus on the importance of our diverse heritage and a continued commitment to the respect for and preservation of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.  Come and enjoy exhibits, a Maritime Market Place, and great family entertainment.  Take part in dockside youth sail training activities, visit the Festival Village, and discover more about sailing and nautical products and services.

Entertainment Schedule

Thursday, July 4th

     Main Stage  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Tom Kastle - Singer, songwriter, Tall Ship Captain and teller of tales.

          Desmond and Molly - Singing duo of classic and popular tunes.

     Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial - Re-enactment Tent  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins - Presenting folklore, music and storytelling...all with a 

          nautical theme.

          Eric Johnson, Historian - Speaking about the history of the War of 1812 with emphasis 

          on Lake Erie's major role in this War.  He will speak at noon and 2:00pm.

     Strolling throughout Festival  11:00am - 3:00pm 

          Face painters, balloon artist, cartoonist, jugglers, magicians and Pirates from the 

          Caribbean. 

     Main Stage 5:00pm - 10:00pm

          Jerry Cole and the High Plains Drifters, Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins, and   Desmond and Molly -  entertaining guests before the fireworks. 

Friday, July 5th

     Main Stage  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Tom Kastle - Singer, songwriter, Tall Ship Captain and teller of tales.

          Radio Disney Entertainers - two shows at 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

     Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial - Re-enactment Tent  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins - Presenting folklore, music and storytelling...all with a 

          nautical theme.

          Eric Johnson, Historian - Speaking about the history of the War of 1812 with emphasis 

          on Lake Erie's major role in this War.  He will speak at noon and 2:00pm.

     Strolling throughout Festival  11:00am - 3:00pm 

          Face painters, balloon artist, cartoonist, jugglers, magicians and Pirates from the 

          Caribbean. 

Saturday, July 6th

     Main Stage  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Tom Kastle - Singer, songwriter, Tall Ship Captain and teller of tales.

          Western Reserve Community Band - two concerts at 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

     Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial - Re-enactment Tent  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins - Presenting folklore, music and storytelling...all with a 

          nautical theme.

          Eric Johnson, Historian - Speaking about the history of the War of 1812 with emphasis 

          on Lake Erie's major role in this War.  He will speak at noon and 2:00pm.

     Strolling throughout Festival  11:00am - 3:00pm 

          Face painters, balloon artist, cartoonist, jugglers, magicians and Pirates from the 

          Caribbean. 

Sunday, July 7th

     Main Stage  11:00am - 3:00pm

          Tom Kastle - Singer, songwriter, Tall Ship Captain and teller of tales.

          Desmond and Molly - singing duo of classic and popular tunes.

     Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial - Re-enactment Tent 11:00am - 3:00pm

          Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins - Presenting folklore, music and storytelling...all with a 

          nautical theme.

          Eric Johnson, Historian - Speaking about the history of the War of 1812 with emphasis 

          on Lake Erie's major role in this War.  He will speak at noon and 2:00pm.

     Strolling throughout Festival  11:00am - 3:00pm 

          Face painters, balloon artist, cartoonist, jugglers, magicians and Pirates from the 

          Caribbean. 

2013 Creative Workforce Fellowship Video + Spontaneous Interventions.

Not to toot my own horn (although using the word "toot" is quite fun), the Creative Workforce Fellowship Video has been posted online where I talk about the Greening Gordon Square project. The videographer, Paul Sobota" did a great job in editing all my blather into something slightly cogent.

Dru McKeown from CPAC on Vimeo.

This has been the first long-term research project that I have had the ability to undertake within the Northeast Ohio community and has allowed me to identify just how important I find research of our built environment and how integral it is to become in my future work.

Recently a poster for the project was included in the Spontaneous Interventions: design actions for the common good exhibition in Chicago (May - Sept, 2013). The exhibition is an American extension of the recent 13th Venice Bienniale. It's the big poster, smack in the middle of the wall. you should be able to pick it out by the outline of Cuyahoga County. Take that Lake Michigan!

You can find more (and continuously-ish updated) information on the Greening Gordon Square webpage.

May 2013 Reading List Recap

Well, this reading list review is being typed up much later than anticipated. I admit my reasons are self centered. I had to put together 2 exhibition boards as well as study for my last ARE. By last I mean the last one I can take for 6 months.  Anyway, here we go, May of 2013.

Design is a Job: Mike Monteiro - the man behind "F*ck you, pay me", the Creative Mornings talk that showed the design world that what we do is work and should require compensation helped launch the podcast "Let's Make Mistakes" which appears on Monteiro's Mule Radio Syndicate, a "subsidy" of Mule Design. Enough of the accolades, let's get to the meat. I don't have this book anymore. I read it, was completely frustrated by how taken advantage of I felt (from working in a creative field) and subsequently loaned it out, with a fervor reserved for religious fanaticism. The book itself is easy to read, almost conversational, and contains strategies of the utmost importance for any designer, the most important being that your ability to design/problem solve is a skill and you have every right to compensation for your work. That being said, quite a bit of the book is not only how to protect yourself (via contracts or knowing when to use a lawyer), how to best interact and most importantly how to help slightly allow yourself the higher potential of enjoying your job. It is a necessary read for anyone running or involved with a design business. 10/10

LOG:26 - Most interesting articles (from my perspective): "Three Aphorisms", Wes Jones; "Digital Darwinsism: Mass Collaboration, Form-Finding and the Dissolution of Authorship", Mario Capro.

Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change: Victor Papenek - A suggested reading from Design is a Job. Another design book from the early 70’s, revised for 1985. Primarily a manual of “Do more then no harm, go forth and do good”, exposing the appropiation of design by marketing/sales in leui of fulfilling needs to humanity. One can see the light bulb go off in Cameron Sinclair’s noggin while reading this. It isn’t so much a call to arms as an attempt to be an alarm clock. Great ideas touched upon (and in no way limited to) include what we call BioMimicry, Designing for teaching self sufficiency to the ‘third world’, design for those of limited mobility/physical ability, overall, design for those that NEED it. As well as idea of the Creative tithe (Kymmenykset) - reallocating 10% of your time/income or CREATIVE ENERGY for something or someone in need.  Do more, do more good. Also got me excited about teaching again, dang it. 8/10

Seeing Voices: Olivar Sacks - An insight into the world of the deaf, via historical and sociological perspective of the development of ASL and other cultural sign languages. What started as an interest in cultural distinction has blossomed into a full blown interest in studying this emotive, physical and temporal language. A fantastic writing of a subculture that exists parallel to the world of hearing and offers a new perspective to experiencing our built environment. 10/10

This exercise, in attempting to codify what I have been reading lately, is teaching me quite a bit about myself, including the importance of an altruistic design culture in the workplace.

Waterloo Art Fest 2013 - 2013.06.29

Waterloo Arts Fest
Saturday June 29, 12-7pm

Via: Arts Collinwood

Art Fest 2013

WATERLOO ART FEST: SATURDAY JUNE 29, 12-7:00pm

Festival Overview: Now in its 11^th year, the Waterloo Arts Fest continues to grow into one of Cleveland’s most eclectic and vibrant street festivals with a strong emphasis on art and music. The Fest takes place on Waterloo Road in the Waterloo Arts District which is located on Cleveland’s east side. Last year’s Fest drew over 5,000 attendees. Music, performance art, street art, art vendors, community organizations and galleries come together to showcase Cleveland’s creative talent.

• STAGE SCHEDULE
• ART EXHIBITS
• FOOD
• MORE FUN STUFF
• ARTS ALIVE
• ZOETIC WALLS
• THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
• PROGRAM

Sorry posting has been slow lately

If anyone actually cares, my reasoning is that I have been dealing with a couple exhibitions, an ARE exam and a work computer that no one seems to have any interest in having fixed.

You know when you start to create a list of why you would be better off finding another job and a reoccurring one is complete lack of tools that allow you to do the job you are supposedly being paid to accomplish and the lack of concern on part of the people paying you? That is a bad sign. A very bad sign.

Privacy V Security: Cleveland Salon - 2013.06.24

Privacy v. Security
Cleveland Salon
Monday (Today!), June 24th, 2013
Mahall's 20 Lanes
Lakewood, Ohio
7pm

via Cleveland Salon:

Privacy v. Security

by Andrew Samtoy

The next Salon topic will be one that has been in the news a lot recently: the tension between liberty and security.  The revelation that our phone calls and internet activities are being tracked by the government in a huge program called PRISM has, rightly or wrongly, shocked many people.  The government defends these activities as being for the safety of our society and the good of the whole.  However, many people feel that this infringes on their liberty.  

What do you think?  

Does government monitoring of our activities infringe on our privacy? If so, how? How much privacy will you give up to maintain personal security? Is privacy worth anything if you are constantly under threat? Will men in dark suits tell Facebook to delete this event? Can any national interest justify monitoring the private email of a law-abiding citizen? What do we do – shut off our cell phones, close our online accounts and communicate only in person? Is there any expectation of privacy on social media or cell phone conversations in the first place?

Come on out to Mahall’s on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m., grab a drink and participate in the discussion! Nobody will be recording you. As far as we know, anyway.