One of the aftermaths of the 2007 – 2008 economic crises is the number of shuttered and abandoned factory and institutional buildings that litter northeast Ohio. And while they may not be pretty to look, a number of artists in Akron, Cleveland and elsewhere see these hulking remnants of the rustbelt's past as great places to work, live and play.
No matter what size, shape or intended use, most buildings have one thing in common – an exterior sign! Featuring the company’s name - the owner - or simply welcomeing guests to come inside. These signs often provide rich stories about the history, technology, commerce and culture at the time of their installation. Since 2005, the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati has offered a permanent home for hundreds of these landmarks that may have been lost forever.
This year the Cleveland Museum of Art turns 100. CMA is a founding member of an organization celebrating its centennial, the Association of Art Museum Directors. The AAMD serves as an advocate for art museums to use their collections for research, preservation and education of the public through Art. In recognition of CMA’s anniversary, the Association held their annual meeting in Cleveland. At an open forum they explored the topic of diversity and inclusion at art museums and other public entities such as foundations and businesses.