Tradition marks this week’s Fresh Start, with two longtime regional gems and a third one on a truly incredible rise. Summertime means parades, and the annual multicultural arts processional in University Circle this weekend is the hottest of them all. Smack dab in the middle of picturesque Chagrin Falls, Valley Art Center’s annual sale and exposition has spanned three decades. Room Service, under the guidance of Danielle DeBoe, and the fine folks at the Gordon Square Arts District beckon with a weekend of live music, libations, food, more than 3,800 square feet of regional fashions, designs, wares and more. Welcome to summer in C-Town.
Made Men and Women
It didn’t start as an art fair, but it certainly morphed into one. Made in the 216 began as a sale at the diverse home goods boutique Room Service, owned by Danielle DeBoe. Strong word-of-mouth buzz brought hundreds to the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood for these shopping shindigs. Each new installment has grown exponentially. At its core, apparel, home accents and accessories by local artisans are the focal point, augmented by bands jamming at the Happy Dog. This time around, neighborhood restaurateurs, cafés, shopkeepers and theaters are getting in on the act with the Discover Gordon Square Arts District Day. Made in the 216 hits this Friday and Saturday, June 11-12, with the brand new District Day happening on that Saturday.
Run Around in Circles
Not that you needed a reminder, but the ever-popular Parade the Circle in University Circle happens this Saturday, June 12. This free, interactive celebration of Cleveland’s arts, culture and history is put on by University Circle Inc. and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The parade itself is flanked on either side by live music, street performers, tasty local noshing, puppet shows and crafts for kids and more. Naturally, the highlight of the day is the procession itself, which steps around Wade Oval with paraders in costumes, on floats and in various shades of pageantry and performance. Each year, PTC draws more than 2,000 participants and 50,000 spectators and, at least to this pair of lifelong Northeast Ohio eyes, no summer in Cleveland has officially begun until the Parade has run. Learn more here.
Pleasant Valley Sunday
The Valley Art Center offers their annual Art by the Falls this Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. The open-air fine art and craft fair draws thousands annually to Riverside Park and the banks of the Chagrin River. Two days of lazy perusal of fine art, shops, galleries, restaurants and assorted Victorian eyefuls always ensue, with a juried component to the show being one of the highlights. “Buy Local” is the event’s ultimate mantra, so expect dozens of regional artists working in ceramics, glass, jewelry, apparel, photography and scads of other visual arts displaying and selling their creations. We’re guessing you’ll feel like you walked into a Thomas Kinkade painting when you arrive. Hours and details are here.
