By Ray Robinson
Why haven’t you taken the family out to the Cleveland Museum of Art ? Did you know that ad- mission is absolutely FREE and they welcome each and every one of us to visit their treasure trove of all things beautiful ?
Often times many Cleveland residents, of all age groups, religious backgrounds and ethnic makeup will ride past this magnificent structure wondering about the myriad of historical pictures, artifacts and other treasures locked tightly behind these heavily secured doors. They think “Surely there’s nothing in there for me. AND, furthermore , I’m probably not invited in anyway”. WRONG !
Times have surely changed in the world of art and at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Locally, it is one of the best places to travel back in time with family , friends or with the thousands of other visitors who tour the museum and it’s ever-changing collection of art alone.
There are collections for any and everyone at the CMA. Even if you don’t know one doggone thing about art, who cares. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there are hundreds of beautiful things to be-
hold between these glass walls.
The building is home to some of the most celebrated artists of the past to the exquisite collections from modern day artists who are taking us into the future of art and beyond. There are delightful displays of some local artwork and also amazing works from some of our internationally known artists as well.
One of my favorite things that happens at the museum has nothing to do with what’s inside the building. Over the many, many years that I’ve visited the CMA, I enjoyed attending, “Chalkfest” more than anything. “Chalkfest” brings together artists of all levels and places their artwork side-by-side for the entire city to see. Individuals get an opportunity to purchase a sidewalk square and within that square they take chalk to sidewalk, creating some of the most colorful and creative drawings imaginable. It’s a sight to see.
Of course, photographers have used the area as one of the most picturesque places to pose wedding parties, models and their own sweet children for that one in a lifetime photo shoot. Thousands of couples share tender moments as they stroll around the Wade Park Lagoon that sits just a few yards from the museum. Plenty of business deals have been cut in and around the building’s exterior area too. Overall, it’s a nice place to meet new friends and a cool venue to link up with a few of your established ones.
The Cleveland Museum of Art was founded as a trust in 1913 with an endowment from prominent Cleveland industrialists Hinman Hurlbut, John Huntington, and Horace Kelley. The neoclassical, white Georgian Marble, Beaux-Arts building was constructed on the southern edge of Wade Park, at the cost of $1.25 million. Wade Park and the museum were designed by the local architectural firm, Hubbell & Benes, with the museum planned as the park’s centerpiece.
The 75-acre green space takes its name from philanthropist Jeptha H. Wade, who donated part of his wooded estate to the city in 1881.The museum opened its doors to the public on June 6, 1916, with Wade’s grandson, Jeptha H. Wade II, proclaiming it, “for the benefit of all people, forever”. Wade, like his grandfather, had a great interest in art and became the museums first vice-president; in 1920 he became its president.
Today, the park, with the museum still as its centerpiece, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
So. as you can see, the Cleveland Museum of Art is thee perfect place to spend a few hours with the gang. You can grab a few snacks in the coffee shop, Provenance, or pick up a couple of gift items at the gift shop.
“The CMA is absolutely family friendly. The Community Arts Center is a colorful destination that provides free art program- ming for all ages and all skill levels. Individuals and families alike are invited to take part in artmaking and gallery exploration”, Jordan Jimenez, Assistant Director of Community Arts at the CMA spouts . “ I recommend stopping by the Community Arts Center to see for yourself the amazing opportunities that exist. Visit cma.org/cac to see upcoming artist-led workshops if you’re not sure where to start looking for a guided program”, she adds.
The address for the CMA is 11150 East Blvd.