Jewish Museum in Cleveland Explores African-American Art

CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
"15th Defense" by Elmer W. Brown, linocut
OHIO - Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage presents “Hardship to Hope: African-American Art from the Karamu Workshop” through Jan. 1. Art and artifacts from local archives and collectors depicting a turbulent time in Cleveland history. 1930s Cleveland, Ohio…labor strikes and riots…the “Mad Butcher” torso slayings…the city in the throes of the Great Depression. Hard times, but with them glimmers of hope. The Terminal Tower opened, Jesse Owens set records, Superman was created. Budding artists and performers were finding hope at a settlement that would become Karamu House, a center of community and gathering place for free expression. Working with Cleveland State University, Karamu House, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Artists Foundation, Western Reserve Historical Society and a private collection, the Museum has gathered more than sixty-five pieces, art and artifacts that open a window to a turbulent and creative time in Cleveland. On display through January 1, 2012, http://www.maltzmuseum.org/ or 216-593-0575. [link]