Arts

“Pride CLE” by Chuck Fischer

By Shawn Mishak

art exhibition made possible through a partnership between Cleveland’s Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, Lake Erie College, Judson Manor and MetroHealth, is now on view with work by 71 regional artists across those five venues.

CONVERGE brings together the stories of the LGBTQ community, including the historically underrepresented voices of women, transgender people, and people of color.

“LGBTQ history is our history, and the story of the community is the story of our region. Behind the jubilant parades and rainbow flags which blossom along porches in June, is a proud and diverse population who live, work, and contribute mightily to the creative culture of Northeast Ohio,” the show’s press release states.

Curator Kelly Pontoni and cocuraters Sam Butler, Tony Williams, and Mark Yasenchack selected more than 140 pieces in an array of media including painting, photography, textiles, glass, fashion, assemblage, and immersive installations.

Additional programming includes artist and curator talks, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions examining a variety of subject matter.

“We looked at age, race, gender, lesbian, gays, bisexual, transgender, non-bianary, the whole spectrum. It was very important to us that we address all of these different identities,” says Pontini. “As a nontraditional student in my late 40s, I found myself surrounded by a new generation of LGBTQ+ students. I wondered where I, as a lesbian, fit into an increasingly non-binary word. But instead of holing up in my comfort zone, I asked questions. I listened. And over many, MANY cups of coffee, I gained perspective.”

Pontini, now 52, says she was an older student and felt that CIA offered acceptance for LGBTQ students. She wonders how her life would’ve been different if she were able to be “out” at 18, 19 or 20 instead of in her late 30s.

“I started taking my peers over coffee and we had these wonderful, intimate conversations. I realized that me in my 50s, if I was not able or willing to listen to the younger generation then I was no different than the people that did not accept me as a lesbian when I was 18, 19 or 20.”

Pontoni, who works as the collections registrar for the Artists Archives, partnered with the LGBT Community Center and MetroHealth, which always hosts the AIDS quilt on World AIDS Day, to make the exhibition happen.

“The purpose of the exhibition is to celebrate and document the legacy and the contributions of these artists to the cultural fabric of the Western Reserve,” says Mindy Tousley, executive director of the AAWR. “I hope the viewer is struck by the creativity, strength, and size of our LGBTQ+ community of artists, by the sincerity of their stories as told through their art, by their struggle for equity and equality under the law, and come away with more tolerance and acceptance.”

Pontoni exclaims: “This has been the most amazing experience of my life, connecting with people, talking to them and listening to their stories.”

After being cancelled last year due to Covid concerns, the Waterloo Arts Festival will return next weekend on Sept. 11 from noon to 7 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Five stages will feature music throughout the afternoon and galleries in the district will be open, including Waterloo Arts and Photocentric which will be featuring works in the Waterloo Arts Juried Exhibition.

“Last spring, as the vaccination schedule rolled out, we were optimistic, but things still seemed too uncertain to begin planning a June Waterloo Arts Fest so we made the call to postpone,” says Waterloo Arts Executive Director, Amy Callahan. “We didn’t know then if we would have to cancel again but we wanted to put some sort of community event together because we know how important it is to come together with neighbors and friends, especially in times of uncertainty and stress. It is also important to be mindful of health risks, but because the festival is mostly outdoors, with plenty of room to spread out, and September weather is usually more temperate than June, making mask wearing a viable option for anyone vulnerable.”

The fest will feature local bands such as Lea Marra & the Dream Catchers, Super Babes, MuAmin Collective, Sammy Slims, Tischler Klezmer Orchestra and more offering an eclectic mix of musical genres. There will be a host of local handmade art vendors, food trucks, and interactive art experiences for all ages.

“I’m looking forward to closing the street down and seeing people relax and enjoy the day with family and friends,” says Callahan. “It will be a full event but I’m not worrying about every nook and cranny of the street being programmed. I think it is ok to give people some space this year and have a more relaxed event. There will still be 5 outdoor stages, street performers, art and community vendors, art exhibits, crazy art installations, and activities for everyone, but there will also be room to spread out so you can choose your level of engagement.” scene@clevescene.com t@clevelandscene