where is HOME?

Public art takes on many forms. It can be viewed by millions and interpreted in a million ways. Often times, these pieces signify unity and collaboration, displaying the value of community. While the city of CLE contains some great examples of public art, we could certainly use many more installations throughout our artistic neighborhoods.

One new public display can be found in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood (hey, I live there!), featuring artist Melissa Daubert. Tomorrow night, “Where is HOME?” will open to the public, featuring neighborhood residents reactions and thoughts from the W. 83rd Street explosion in January 2010. This interactive, on-site installation consists of silhouettes of residents who were affected by the explosion, providing their view on how they define the word “home” and the ways the community has healed since the incident.

The location of this installation is actually inside one of the abandoned properties damaged by the explosion and will remain on view through August 7. After the public showing, the house will be demolished and the property will be transformed into a community park. So even if you miss this public art viewing, you will still be able to enjoy the space as a new urban gathering place. And who doesn’t like parks?!?

  • “Where is HOME?” Public Art Viewing
  • Opening reception on Thursday, July 28 at 8:00pm
  • July 28 – August 7, 2011 from 9:00pm – Midnight each night
  • 2040 W. 83rd Street

 

 

 

July 27, 2011 | sean | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

you make me feel…like dancing

It’s time for another one. Another song I can’t get out of my head. This one is from Cobra Starship (think “Good Girls Go Bad”) and features the adorable Sabi.

I basically would like to play this on a hot summer night on a random city rooftop while dancing till 3:00am. Who would like to join me? I will bring the jello shots and speakers.

Keep cool and have a great weekend!

 

July 21, 2011 | sean | Tags: , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Strongsville = Strangeville

This is my hell.

After reviewing my tweets since this past Friday, the majority of the content includes ripping on the suburbs and those who reside in them. I should probably take some of my own advice from my previous post, “you should probably watch what you say“, and do just that.

Part of my problem is that I am such a loyal advocate of the city of CLE and urban living in general, that I get defensive and territorial while not realizing how crass I can be. So to those who I may have offended, please accept this as an apology. However, I must provide you with some observations why suburban folk get on my nerves.

  • You think I live in the ghetto
  • You take up my parking spaces in Tremont
  • You look at me like I am crazy for wearing something somewhat fashionable
  • You have never been anywhere else in CLE except for a sporting or concert venue
  • You cannot drive downtown even though it’s incredibly easy
  • You take over my favorite places on the weekend and then look at me like I don’t belong there
  • You say how nice things are developing in the city and don’t have the guts to move here
  • You think you live a “better” life in that subdivision
  • You keep your children from the city, depriving them from culture and local history
  • You think using a bicycle to get to places is crazy talk

Whether you live in the city or a suburb, I guess the snobbery goes both ways. I just have a difficult time understanding why suburban life is so much better. But one day things will change. People will sprawl once again, but this time it will be back to our urban cores — mark my words.

*Disclaimer – I do not believe ALL suburbanites agree with all of the above statements. I have family and friends who call suburbia home and I love them with all my heart (but they should consider being my neighbor).

July 19, 2011 | sean | Tags: , , , | 7 Comments »

you should probably watch what you say

I am not one to pick a fight. I get along with most everyone. I express my excitement and happiness for our great city through verbal and written words. However, sometimes one must share his thoughts and opinions on matters in which they feel important. Which is what I am going to do right now.

If you are active in any social media platform, you have created a personal brand. You divulge your thoughts, opinions, passions and views onto the world for all to see (or at least those individuals who follow you). Which brings me to my main point of this post: WATCH WHAT YOU SAY.

Last week I was scrolling through random tweets and came across this…

S***eC****e11“@C_Wardo: I want to yell from the top of a mountain!! ” You are gayer than the HIV virus…

The only reason why I started following this Shane fellow was due to his “marketing account manager” status listed in his profile and our affiliation as Kent State alumni. I immediately was disgusted by this statement, so I immediately responded with this…

seanski82 If you follow @S***eC****e11, you may find it amusing. Pretty blunt and ignorant tweets for a “marketing consultant”.

And then his final response…

S***eC****e11 Just lost a random follower over that HIV comment.. $5 says he is HIV positive.. Another $5 says I’m not sry about it… #AIDSface

REALLY!?! Now I don’t know Shane, but judging by his many words of wisdom, he is not a young marketing professional. What kind of marketing or advertising company does this ignorant “bro” work for? And if you consider passing out coupons for Jimmy Johns on the streets of Kent “marketing”, than you are clearly mistaken.

The Cleveland and Akron marketing communications industry is a small community. We basically all know each other or at least recognize the names and faces tied to our agencies and clients. And we all know as marketing professionals, that one must be very careful when expressing themselves via social media platforms. Your social media actions and statements are a reflection of your personality — you’re personal brand.

I could continue judging this young man, but I am a bigger person than that. However, if you want to investigate a little more and happen to find Mr. Shane’s Facebook profile, you can judge for yourself. And if the person at large happens to read this, you may want to watch what you say. Especially if you plan on getting a job anytime soon in the marketing communications industry. Just sayin’.

July 13, 2011 | sean | Tags: , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

luau on the lake

It’s balmy and sunny in the CLE. The beaches are crowded. The boats are sailing across the shores of Lake Erie. Our current weather conditions scream summertime.

While we don’t live in a tropical climate, one can dream of palm trees swaying along the landscape of Whiskey Island. But wait – you can experience a little island flavor in the Northcoast! This Saturday, the 6th annual Luau on the Lake will be held at Wendy Park.

This Hawaiian-themed party benefits Shoes and Clothes for Kids and includes amazing food, drinks, music, volleyball, raffles and enough fun for any big Kahuna. There is not much time to purchase your discounted pre-sale tickets, which ends this Wednesday, July 13th.

  • DATE: Saturday, July 16, 2011
  • TIME: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • LOCATION: Wendy Park at Whiskey Island, 2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland, OH 44102

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please click HERE. Aloha!

July 11, 2011 | sean | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

boom boom boom

it was quite the holiday weekend. It was everything I could have imagined and more, filled with loved ones, laughter, sun and spirits. One of those long weekends when you think about what life would be like if your job consisted of relaxation, socializing and consuming large amounts of food and alcohol. Wait, that lifestyle is attainable. However, I believe one might call that retirement. Can I retire once I hit the big 3-0?

Naturally, I did not take as many photos as I should have, specifically shots of myself lounging in a kiddie pool floating around the waters of Put-in-Bay. I must recreate that scene ASAP.

Last week I mentioned it was a packed weekend of P’s (parties and Perry’s) via Twitter and Facebook. Please see my evidence below.

And this little clip was taken at plum’s bash — yet another P! The more I think about it, the more I realize how I have become more ridiculous with age. Here’s to never taking myself too seriously.

July 6, 2011 | sean | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »