Friday, August 09, 2013

PechaKucha Cleveland Vol. 19 - 2013.08.23


I don't know why people use Facespace as their main site when they have a perfectally usable and navigable (sp, ugh) presence online with a  decent layout that is updated and doesn't require me LOGGING INTO FACESPACE to gather information.

As you can tell, this is a pet peeve of mine.

Anyway, via PechaKucha Cleveland actual website:

VENUE
@ Behind the West Side Market
W. 24th Street
Cleveland OH 44113
DETAILS
August 23, 2013
7:00am - 11:00am
FREE!
900 seats available






On Friday, August 23rd, 2013 PechaKucha Night Cleveland will be hosting its annual OUTDOOR event in Ohio City in the shadow of the one and only West Side Market!

Nestled between the parking lots that serve the West Side Market, PechaKucha will be taking over West 24th Street as an all-star list of presenters – many of which are from right there in Ohio City – take the stage to talk about their passion for their work. Our partners and friends from the West Side Market, Ohio City Incorporated and Market Garden Brewery & Distillery are really the ones helping make this event possible and we can’t wait to fill Ohio City with creative thoughts, discussions and camaraderie!

The "doors" and the bars will open at 7:00pm as the music reverberates off the West Side Market as we await 8:30pm for the presentations to begin. As always, PechaKucha Night is a FREE event, though we certainly appreciate donations as they are the way we offset the costs for doing our summer series outdoor event. 

Please reach out to friends and colleagues to let them know about PechaKucha Night Cleveland Volume 19th; this is going to be an evening block party you do NOT want to miss! Once the presenter list is formalized, you will be able to find it here as well as on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/172735222898761/

Thursday, August 08, 2013

Student Hip-Hop Showcase: Part Performance, Part Party


Progressive Arts Alliance Student Hip-Hop Showcase
Friday, August 9th, 2013
MOCA Cleveland
FREE
3pm

I have a special place in my heart for the Progressive Arts Alliance, a group who's mission is to engage young people and inspire them via arts learning ever since I was given the chance to be an artist/educator where I used architecture as a way to strengthen English, Math and Science curricula with middle students at George Washington Carver Middle School in Cleveland, Ohio. Perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had the good fortune to have and share with a fellow designer. It was a truly amazing process, made more so by the student's ingenuity, creativity and ability to freely question (there was a lack of embarrassment that I found held students back when I taught Architecture Design Studio at Kent State University. The students I met through PAA were quick to engage and to immerse themselves in the lesson, helping each other and constantly striving to solve rather complex problems conveniently coupled with working on unfamiliar software on unfamiliar computer platforms. Yet in only a few quick weeks the students truly blossomed into creating extremely provoking and personal work.

Anyway, enough about me.

more info via MOCA - CLE

Come celebrate the achievements of students from Progressive Arts Alliance's 12th annual RHAPSODY Hip-Hop Summer Arts Camp with a dynamic showcase of hip-hop music, dance, rhyme, and visual art.
 
A fun concert for the whole family, this outdoor celebration on Toby's Plaza will be part performance, part party. See how Progressive Arts Alliance is transforming arts education by using hip-hop's cultural art forms as a positive and productive form of creative self expression.

This party will be the culmination of this summer's Progressive Arts Alliance Student Hip-Hop Camp which took place in early July.

The Cleveland Flea - 2013.08.10


August Cleveland Flea (I know, I missed posting a few, I'M SORRY)
Saturday, August 10th, 2013
1401 East 55th Street, Cleveland, OH

Vendors and stuff via Cleveland Flea

"No two Fleas are alike.
Because of our constant state of growth and the seemingly unlimited supply of artisans in the area, our network of moving parts produces a slightly different event every month.
This page is where you’ll find the most up-to-date listing of vendors for upcoming Fleas.
FOOD TRUCKS
Here are just a few of the amazing food trucks that have made an appearance at the Cleveland Flea so far.
Traveling from all over the Greater Cleveland area, they bring the vital sustenance (and the occasional, gluttonous treats) that keep our Flea-goers and Flea-vendors shopping and selling through last call.
VENDORS
At the August 10th event, you’ll find the following vendors, all of their amazing treasures, and so much more!

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Digital Bookmobile: Lakewood, Ohio - 2013.08.09


I have a soft spot for alternative library outreach projects (especially after putting together Cleveland Public Library's BookBox with B.Watson and LANDstudio) and am intrigued by the DIGITALBookmobile, a converted 18 wheeler exhibit which becomes a virtual branch for the host library (or school's) digital library. While I personally am not sold that an ebook is better than a physical book (especially for us copious note-takers and dog-earers - which you should NOT DO in library books) out reach to our digitally enhanced and betrothed denizens is important. When we stop reading we are in some real trouble, let me tell you what.

Friday, August 9th, 2013
Part of the Ohio eBook Project

What more could be offered? Big Truck! Books! Digitalz!

More 2013 National Tour dates for your learning pleasure.

Books, Check 'em OUT! (Remember that one? I hope it sticks in your head all day.)

Thanks to the MarJ for the heads up.

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Cleveland Convention Center Hotel Open House - 2013.08.08

My understanding is that there wasn't a giant rush of developers hoping to leverage themselves into the new Convention Center Hotel Project, however Cooper Carry (who I hope that link is incorrect due to the absolute horribleness of the website) has apparently been named the "winner". Seriously, worst/slowest/most cumbersome architecture website ever. And I know bad website design. I've made a lot of 'em.

There is an open house this week to meet representatives from Cooper Carry where folks can come and, I suppose, say something for consideration, prior to the "design process" being begun, about the hotel project.

I dunno. Say something nice and useful. Architects like that.

It is about here where I say, "Holy sheet! Way to offer last minute notice for input at the most insane time slot ever for working folks who want to get involved. Couldn't we have hosted this at the freshwater crib on the second full moon of the third month of the year 1810?" I suppose some people can make it. If you can, good on you, the rest of us will be at work, working.

Thursday, August 8th, 2013
1.30pm - 3pm
Cleveland Public Library
Louis Stokes Wing, Room 218
325 Superior Ave. E
Cleveland, OH 44114

Please register for the event - info@LAND-studio.org 

Monday, August 05, 2013

June 2013 Reading List Recap

Great Streets: Allen B. Jacobs -
The seminal classic of taking a comprehensive look at the manner factors that make streets "great". Violating the current American premise that pedestrians are a liability on a public way, Great Streets breaks down the historically great streets into specific manageable components for explanation and comparison. Factors such as scale, activity, spaces for rest, solar/wind exposure, connectivity, view and vegetation are all explored first through historical case studies and maps (Nolli plans) and ending with a series of cross sections. The sketches are not exact, and most of the plans and sections are to a rough scale which makes the book even more important as it deals more with the perception of space than the actual cataloging (and technical breakdown). There is no fixed formula for putting together a street that people are comfortable on and want to visit, but there is a rationale for understanding how streets should be used if one wants to grow a healthy retail (storefront) space and increase activity (safety). A fantastic exploration and one necessary for anyone interested in planning or good architecture. 10/10

BLDGBLOG book: Geoff Manaugh -
If I were lucky enough to choose two people with whom I would want to spend the evening conversing in a nerdy fashion it would be Geoff Manaugh and Roman Mars. Manaugh's book, BLDGBLOG book sums up exactly why. There is no better way to talk about design and architecture than talking around design and architecture. In what was my most enjoyable read this summer, I was reminded exactly of why I loved architecture, from the exploration of forgotten infrastructure to the daydreams of recent movie writers, the lens of spatial design is liberally applied in the most certain of fashions, even as a web of science-fiction is weaved through the stories forming a sinuous pathway of logic. There is a fascination expressed with the built environment that a smarter contemporary than myself called "almost child like", which causes this ridiculously fun read to be so enjoyable. There is a wonder and joy expressed that few practitioners allow to be expressed (why DO we all wear black?). An unbelievably great book for the most curmudgeonly of your architecture friends. 11/10

Manage Your Day to Day: 99U -
I admit, the grind of working in a firm on projects that I am not incredibly in love with (or have any control over) is massively depressing. It makes one feel powerless, as if only responding to man-made emergencies. Sometimes you just have to find a way to re-prioritize and usually I need a little karmic kick in the ass to get myself going. To that end this "self help book" for designers attempts to break down a list of things you, as a designer, can do to make yourself more efficient and in the end, happy. The range of responses is nice, I suppose there cannot be any one answer for everyone, but it is hard to solve the problem if one cannot isolate it (or, even if isolated if there is very little one can do about it). Not a horrible read, but nothing especially ground breaking. To sum it up, don't waste time and energy on things you don't think are worth your time and energy. 6/10

Spatial Agency: Other Ways of Doing Architecture - Nishat Awan, Tatjana Schneider, Jeremy Till
You know how some people want to talk about architecture? As in lecture you endlessly about their own views, hoping you will smile and nod and squeak out "you are so brilliant, what insight!"? This book will make them flee from your desk due mostly to picture to work ratio. Acting as a more "architectural" response to Design Like You Give a Damn (if you interpret DLYGD as more industrial design focused) Spatial Agency attempts to offer a curated view of architecture whose worth cannot be offered simply in dollars spent, or publications made, but as community impact. Where Manage Your Day to Day offers the hope of invigorating one with the possibility of taking control, Sparial Agency offers example of those doing it (and it is what I want to be doing). This book has the potential to make you take stock of your career and question exactly what you have been working for. Some folks like everyone to know they are an architect, some folks would rather just be an architect and do some damn good. Buy this book. Do some damn good. 10/10

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Made in the 216 - 2013.08.02-04


Made in the 216 Summer Extravaganza 2013 
August 2-4
1810 w25th Street
Cleveland, OH


Kickoff Party Fridaty night at 4pm
Saturday 10-10
Sunday 10-5

via Made in the 216:


MADE IN THE 216 SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA 2013

August 2-4 (Party Friday August 2nd, starting at )
Back at it in Ohio City!! at 1810 W. 25th St. ( corner of W.25th and Jay Ave)
Kick off Friday August 2nd at 4pm with our favorite- DJ Peter Pleasurecruise, followed by The Very Knees and MaHolos at 8pm
MADE in the 216 will be open Fri 4-10
Sat 10-10
Sun 10-5
Join us as we take over the block and celebrate all the reasons living working and playing in CLE is tops!
Fabulous local goods, drinks, tunes and eats!!
Eats provided by Barrio, Umami Moto and Touch. Drinks from Great Lakes Brewing Company.
We’ve go local bands all weekend in the MADE space, Joy Machines and the Old Angle-
We’re talking..
Very Knees
MaHolos
Sweet Gravy James
Molly Lape
Cheap Clone
Shit Box jimmy
Extra Medium Pony
Blisse
Sammy Slims
Noon
Uno Lady
Beach Stav
Kid Tested
Next New Nothings

Friday, July 26, 2013

VibrantNEO Upcoming Open Houses - Summer 2013

via: VibrantNeo

Join us for the next round of Vibrant NEO Open Houses where we will look at Alternative Scenarios - different potential futures for Northeast Ohio - that could result from different choices.
The VibrantNEO process puts you in charge of Northeast Ohio’s future. What will our communities look like, how successful will our economy be, and how much will it likely cost us if we keep our current policies and approaches to land use, transportation and development in place? What would the alternative futures look like if they change?
We need your help to define what we value and what choice Northeast Ohioans want to make for our future. We can only answer these questions together!

Pick a date and location that’s most convenient for you and join us for a Vibrant NEO Open House where you can learn about and help choose among different possible futures for our region. The open house format will allow you to attend the meeting at your convenience. Stop by during any of the following times.
WEEK ONE
July 29                        
Cleveland MetroParks Zoo (Reinberger Education Center)
4:30 – 7:30 pm
3900 Wildlife Way (next to the Zoo’s Main Entrance)
Cleveland, OH 44109
Register Here 
July 30    
Lorain County Community College (Spitzer Conference Center)
4:30 – 7:30pm
1005 North Abbe Road
Elyria, OH 44035
Register Here 
July 31      
Kent State University – Ashtabula Campus (Blue and Gold Room)
11:30am – 2:30pm
3300 Lake Road West
Ashtabula, OH 44004
Register Here 
July 31  
Willowick Community Center
4:30 – 7:30pm
321 E. 314th Street
Willowick, OH 44095
Register Here 
August 1      
Tech Central @ Main Branch, Cleveland Public Library
11:30am – 2:30pm
325 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
Register Here 
August 1     
Akron Urban League (President’s Hall)
4:30 – 7:30pm
440 Vernon Odom Boulevard
Akron, OH 44307
Register Here 
WEEK TWO
August 6     
Raymond John Wean Foundation
11:30am – 2:30pm
147 West Market Street
Warren, OH 44481
Register Here
August 6     
OH! WOW – Children’s Center for Science and Technology
4:30 – 7:30pm
11 West Federal Street
Youngstown, OH 44503
Register Here 
August 7Kent State University Main Campus – Ballroom
11:30 – 2:30pm
1075 Risman Drive
Kent, OH 44242
Register Here
August 7   
The Metropolitan Center
4:30 – 7:30pm
601 Cleveland Avenue NW
Canton, OH 44702
Register Here 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Burning River Fest-2013.0726-27


I will admit that I enjoy most brewery based festivals and this one is usually a pretty good time, especially if you enjoy environmental awareness raising.

via: The Burning River Fest 2013 internets site.


"Join us for Burning River Fest 2013 on July 26-27, 6-11pm.  Presale tickets are now available!
Since 2001, folks from all over the Great Lakes region have come together to remember the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River and celebrate the renewed sense of eco-consciousness the infamous fire sparked. Intended to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes region and Cuyahoga River ecosystem, the annual Burning River Fest features educational exhibits from area environmental groups, fresh food from local farms and eateries, live music, and a special appearance by Great Lakes Brewing Company’s® Christmas Ale™! 
Highlights from Burning River Fest 2012:
  • Over 25 bands and musicians on three stages bringing funk, blues, rock, and more to the shore
  • Local environmental groups featuring interactive and educational displays for all ages, including Baldwin Wallace University's Instrument Petting Zoo and Whole Foods Market's "Art On Wheels" recycled art booth
  • Fresh, all-natural local food and chef demonstrations, plus handcrafted beer by Great Lakes Brewing Company.
  • A Corporate Boat Float featuring boats made from post-consumer recyclable materials
  • The most spectacular nighttime views of Cleveland from a wonderful greenspace right in the heart of Cleveland’s industry
  • A ceremonial lighting of floating pyres intended to commemorate the efforts to clean up our waterways since the burning of the Cuyahoga.
Proceeds benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways, which has donated over $320,000 to date.

GOOD CHEER. GOOD CAUSE. GOOD BEER."

How does that not sound spectacular? Also I love how they are lighting up the Historic Coast Guard Station (second from the left).
~image via Burning River Fest 2013 webpage.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Cleveland discusses the Death Penalty - Charles Club (2013.07.24) + Cleveland Salon (2013.07.29)

Via: Cleveland Salon

"This month, the Charles Club and the Cleveland Salon are covering the same issue in two different ways.
First, on Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. at the Happy Dog, the Charles Club will be hosting a debate on whether the death penalty should continue to be used or should be abolished.  The focus is on civil but passionate disagreement, so both sides will be well represented and will address the main arguments for and against capital punishment.  You can view the Facebook invitation here.  The Happy Dog is at 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102.
The following Monday, July 29, the Cleveland Salon will be meeting at Mahall’s 20 Lanes to have an open, respectful discussion on the death penalty; it also starts at 7 p.m.  You can view the Facebook invitation here.  Mahall’s is at 13200 Madison Ave.,  Lakewood, OH 44107.
If you have any questions, go ahead and email us.  We hope to see you later this month!"

This is an extremely personal and important topic and should be an interesting discussion at the very least. I would assume that there will be quite a bit of information and opinion to absorb, and I doubt it will be boring at all.

Alley Cat Housing Project - Call for Artists


Not to be confused with Music Saves Alley Cat Fridays, the Alley Cat Housing Project hopes to draw attention for the needs of the community to act together to deal with the local stray cats of North Collinwood. Artists are asked to complete a design and to execute their work (if selected) on a pre-assembled wood 'cat-house'  which will be displayed during the October 4, 2013 "Walk All Over Waterloo" street fest.

Artists will receive an honorarium of $300 upon completion and delivery with the addition of a $50 people's choice award which will be awarded at the Oct. 4th event.

One cat-house will be raffled off with the proceeds to benet the Waterloo Alley Cat Project, a North Collinwood nonprofit organization which concentrates on neighborhood cats.  The remaining five shelters will be placed in the Waterloo area.

Call for artists pdf

Timeline:
Rendering Due Date - 2013.08.19 @ 5.30pm
Jury Selection - 08.22
Artist Notification - 08.23
Delivery/Pick-up of Homes - week of 08.26
Payment to Artists - 10.04
Completion Party - 10.04

Via: Creative Compass

Saturday, July 20, 2013

2013 Sustainable Cleveland Photo Contest


Sustainable Cleveland is looking for photos that capture Cleveland becoming a "thriving green city on a blue lake", something that should be pretty easy to do. Just check your file folders in between all your ruin porn of the flats/midtown/Broadway Ave./Lorain Ave./etc.

Cash money prizes for all your hard work and there are various categories.


From the Sustainable Cleveland website…
Overview           
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 is a 10-year initiative that engages people from all walks of life, working together to build a thriving and resilient green city on a blue lake. You are invited to submit up to two photos that highlight how this vision is being made a reality in Cleveland.
You are encouraged to submit photos that relate to the Sustainable Cleveland celebration topics and key areas for climate action, including:
  • Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
  • camLocal Foods
  • Waste Reduction and Resource Conservation
  • Clean Water
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Vibrant Green Space
  • Vital Neighborhoods and People
  • Public Health
Awards
  • 1st place: $1000 cash award and framed photoAmateur category
  • 2nd place: $500 cash award and framed photo
  • 3rd place: $250 cash award and framed photo
Youth category
  • 1st place: $500 gift certificate to a local camera shop and framed photo
  • 2nd place: $250 gift certificate to a local camera shop and framed photo
  • 3rd place: $100 gift certificate to a local camera shop and framed photo
All Entrants
The top 20 photos will be exhibited at the Sustainable Cleveland Annual Summit on October 3rd and 4th, the Sustainable Cleveland Center in Tower City, and other venues.
Entrants must be amateurs or students. Commercial photographers and post-secondary photo educators are not permitted to participate.
Eligibility Requirements and Contest Rules
  • Entrants can submit up to two photos. Entrants can only win one award.
  • Photos must belong to the entrant, be their original work and must not infringe the rights of any third party to the best of photographer’s knowledge. The original image may be cropped but must not be altered or edited beyond brightness, contrast and color adjustment.
  • Entry into this contest constitutes the entrant’s irrevocable and perpetual license to Sustainable Cleveland, without further compensation, to use, reproduce, print, publish, transmit, adapt, enhance or display such submission for the promotion and conduct of this and future Sustainable Cleveland photo competitions. Photos will be credited to the photographer in all cases to the best of the sponsors’ abilities.
  • Decisions of the judges are final and binding in all respects.  Judges reserve the right to disqualify any image.
  • Contest open only to legal residents of Ohio.
  • Cash Award Winners must complete and sign an IRS W-9 form with their name, address and Social Security number as a condition of receiving prizes.
  • While all submitted photos must be less than 1 MB in size, all Winners will be asked to provide a high-res image for print purposes.  Make sure to save your larger file!
  • There is no fee to submit.
  • Entry deadline is September 1, 2013 (11:45PM EST).
Photo Submittal
Submit your information and photo(s) at the following site:  https://sustainablecleveland.wufoo.com/forms/z7x4m1/
If you would like to submit two photos, you need to fill out and submit this form twice.
If you have any questions, please email sustainability@city.cleveland.oh.us.


Friday, July 19, 2013

Taste of Tremont - 2013.07.21



There are so many nice neighborhoods around Cleveland that it is hard to filter through all the events constantly going on to pick your traditional favorites.

Taste of Tremont is one of those favorites.

Food? Check (obviously, amiright?). Booze? Check. Czechs? Um, check.

This particular year my favorite rum producers, Portside Distillery, will be making an appearance with their Clydesdale horses at 12 noon. 

AND, the heat wave should break so the weather should be GLORIOUS.


Over the past 10 years the Taste of Tremont has quickly become one of Cleveland’s “must attend” events of the summer. We have come to expect over 25,000 visitors, rain or shine, from all over the region. The Taste of Tremont’s visitor profile consistently reflects the demographics of our pre-event media outlets. This means it is a great opportunity for your company to reach this group in a very targeted and relevant way. So, consider supporting this event and enjoy the day in true “Tremont Style.”


This event is FREE to the public.  Beer in the Beer Garden is $5.00 per beer, wine is $4.00 per glass and water is for sale as well ($2.00.)  You pay each food vendor as you go, but admission is FREE!!! 


Date: Sunday, July 21, 2013
Time: 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: Professor Street - between Starkweather and Fairfield

Admission: FREE to attend, but you pay for food and drink as you go


Entertainment:
Beer & Wine Garden (located at north end of Professor):
New this year... serving Wine & Portside Distillery Beers 
Live music by SLAP and Big Ship
Corn Hole



Press & Barrio Parking lot: The Lucky Ones
Dante: various bands throughout the day in the parking lot
Treehouse: Mary's Lane & Boys from County Hell
Fahrenheit: DJ Gusto 
Starkweather & Professor Ave corner: Tremont Farmers Market Stage - live music all day, with Ariel Silks from 12p-4p



VENDORS: Taste of Tremont is a neighborhood festival and all vendors must have an affiliation with Tremont and Tremont West Development programs.  



Directions: 

From the EAST:
I-90 west to W 14th Street/Abbey Avenue exit
Or I-490 west to W 7th Street exit, right onto W 7th through Tremont


From the WEST:
I-90 east to W 25th Street exit, continue east on Wade to Scranton, turn left at Scranton, turn right onto Starkweather (or Kenilworth or Fairfield) into Tremont
Or
Take the Shoreway (OH 2) east to W 25th Street exit, turn right onto W 25th St, continue south to Lorain Ave (at Westside Market), turn left onto Lorain Ave then right onto Gehring Avenue and quickly left onto Abbey Avenue, continue on Abbey Avenue to Columbus Ave. Follow Columbus to Willey Ave. Turn left on Willey, which becomes Kenilworth as it crosses Scranton and continues into Tremont



From the SOUTH:
I-71 north to W 14th Street/Steelyard Commons exit, continue around the roundabout to W 14th Street, turn right onto W 14th Street, continue north into Tremont
Or
SR 176 north to W 14th Street/Steelyard Commons exit, continue around the roundabout to W 14th Street, turn right onto W 14th Street, continue north into Tremont
Or
I-77 north to I-490 west, continue on I-490 west to W 7th Street exit, right onto W 7th through Tremont