Meet Natasha Herbert

While some attend schools to learn a trade, others have a keen, natural ability to do it. The latter describes artists who are born with intrinsic talent, which defines Natasha Lehuanani Herbert. Her young life spent honing her skills in drawing, as an escape from a troubled childhood in the inner city of Cleveland, progressed into a passion for creation. The need to actualize her artistic desires led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Media from Michigan State University. Upon launching her professional photography career, she realized a plethora of awe-inspiring wedding, portrait and street work. Herbert’s wedding portraits have been featured in numerous highly recognized publications like Essence, Huffington Post, and Glamour Magazine.

In 2022, she was recognized with the Allen E. Cole Excellence in Photojournalism award from the Western Reserve Historical Society. Herbert has always used photography as an outlet to relieve the stresses of her environment. In doing so, she’s achieved much success and wishes to foster and give back to youth growing up in the same circumstances that she endured. Herbert’s desire is to inspire inner-city youth in Cleveland, by creating a hands-on photography program. This program will be an outlet that provides an enriching experience for youth to learn a new, marketable skill and adopt a positive, creative hobby.

Creative Impact Fund Project: The Avenue Cleveland

Natasha Herbert will instruct and lead a photography program which will have a strong emphasis on the technical use of a DSLR camera. She will teach the youth participants how to use their eye to connect emotionally and drive them to produce images that speak and evoke some sort of response from the viewer. The program will challenge their creativity while simultaneously teaching them all of the processes of photography. For example, finding inspiration from movies by using the Rule of Thirds method, learning how to correctly use light, composing their shots, and having the capability to change their settings based on the environment. By the end of the program, the youth will have gained a definite understanding of capturing moments.

In addition, at the end of the program, the youth will have to take photos that are emotionally driven. The challenge is to take photos that are candid and evoke some sort of response from the audience. They will get their inspirations from every day life and movie scenes. At the end of The Avenue program, the photos will be printed/matted on 13 x 19 format paper, and they will have a photography exhibition to showcase their captures. Herbert plans to go to the regions of the area she feels need it most like East Cleveland, where she currently teaches at Kenneth Clement Boys’ Leadership Academy. Pamphlets will be handed to the schools and or youth facilities like recreation centers with the photography program description.

Furthermore, Kenneth Clement Boys Leadership Academy intends to create an after school program for students in school or a week day program at the recreation centers. The project in itself is very close to home for Natasha Herbert because she grew up in the Kinsman neighborhood, which was often plagued with violence and no opportunities available to youth. She wants to show youth that there’s more out here. The goal is to encourage youth to seek and obtain success despite their environmental factors. Herbert already has extensive experience teaching 4 grade – 8th grade children about photography. She works with 15 students at the Kenneth Clement Boys Leadership Academy. Furthermore, Herbert independently invests in and provides all current supplies and materials, i.e. cameras, lens, and lighting, for the classes that she teaches. The Avenue Cleveland Photography program will provide an explorative art and most importantly bring light to the youth in these communities that lack resources.

Meet Baba Jubal Harris

The African drum speaks, talks, communicates with the voice of our human ancestors . The drum has a function beyond keeping time. Rhythms speak, the voice of the drum forms a bridge between the ancestral spiritual realm and the human realm. Musical form, conforms to the limitation and necessities of time, moment by moment, day by day ,month by month, year-by-year, century by century. Music is fluid and conforms to the container of the times that constrain it. The origin, essence and sacred ancestral spirit of African American musical expression is contained within a feeling that has the power to transcend pain, agony, misery and transform bad feelings into good feelings at the cross road of destiny. Today we are in the process of global polyrhythmic revival. Our African Ancestors knew that polly rhythmic drumming accompanied by voice and musical instruments create modal vibrational phenomena. Modern science has rediscovered that wave propagation harmonics and harmonic overtones create visual patterns of sacred geometry. It is our sacred human oneness within the Divine Source of Life that gives us victory over those forces that oppose our humanity. It is our sacred music and spoken word that has the power to transform bad to good and good to greatness.

Creative Impact Fund Project: Heart Beat Drum Circle

Heartbeat Drum Circle is a unique and inclusive gathering that brings together drummers, dancers, artists, social activists, government and business leaders, community builders, healers, and educators. The primary purpose of this collective is to express joy, love, and appreciation for the gift of life through the power of arts and rhythm.

At Heartbeat Drum Circle, all people are engaged in a holistic and sustainable arts experience that is deeply rooted in rhythmic harmony. The sound we create resonates with the human heartbeat, connecting us on a primal level. The configuration of drummers and dancers is carefully orchestrated in a circle, representing unity and equality. This dynamic circle is thoughtfully balanced by positioning participants at specific points, allowing for the free flow of hyper-dimensional energy.

The project itself involves the creative act of harmonizing divergent cultural expressions, as we understand that these diverse elements have the potential to create moments of wholeness, especially in times of great uncertainty. Heartbeat Drum Circle has successfully demonstrated the power of community cooperation, bringing people together in practical and meaningful ways.

The logistics of the project are simple yet impactful. We provide workshops for leaders to create their own Samba/Siko frame drums, empowering them with the tools to express themselves through rhythm. Participants also learn four basic poly rhythms (with the opportunity to learn more as they progress). They are then encouraged to take what they have learned back to their schools, organizations, clubs, etc., and actively recruit others to join this rhythmic movement.

To culminate this journey, participants attend a preliminary Heartbeat Drum Circle rehearsal with their respective groups, leading up to the main event in May 2024. This collective effort aims to address the pervasive issues of violence and fear within our community. We strive to reach those who are afraid to go to work, places of worship, school, or even walk the streets due to the prevailing tension and stress caused by violence.

In this environment, Heartbeat Drum Circle serves as a powerful alternative. It creates a space where respect and appreciation for life take center stage, promoting the message of “Drums Not Guns” and “Drums Not Drugs.” We firmly believe that drums are instruments of mass creation, offering an alternative to the destructive force of weapons. By participating in Heartbeat Drum Circle workshops, individuals learn self-love through self-respect and self-discipline. The drums they create become personal and collective reminders of these principles, carrying the significance of our purpose.

Ultimately, the significance of Heartbeat Drum Circle lies in its ability to foster unity, heal communities, and inspire positive change. It is a call to action for people to recognize and embrace the transformative power of drums as an instrument of mass creation, creating a path towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Contact Babb: babajubal712824@gmail.com

Meet Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is a music composer, vintage electronics tinkerer, and an overall glass-half-full dreamer aural/visual artist. He loves video game music, analog gear of all sorts, and old BBC television programs, but his passion in life is connecting and connecting with people through art and sound especially those who wouldn’t normally be presented with what he likes to call the “opportunity of community” collaboration. He believes that music is one of the greatest instruments of camaraderie, outside of Love itself. He uses and creates sometimes forgotten analog and acoustic (tangible) musical devices to bring a hands-on approach to “bringing us together”, teaching while creating. He truly believes that the sound of music is everywhere, and he strives to capture and share it. As a person of color, he has experienced firsthand how important it is to be seen and heard, as well as be accepted as a unique individual, so he seeks to teach that everybody, no matter how “different”, is to be treated equally and encouraged to let their light shine bright by putting our stories out there through the vehicle of music!

All compositions feature at least one handmade instrument and have been inspired by the African-American experience. Ben grew up in California but with a Military/Pastor Father, he has lived in 16 different states which gifted him the ability to comfortably interact with anyone from any walk of life. He started channeling music at age 15 and began tinkering with the visual arts as early as 10, building “toys” from disassembled tube televisions and various audio equipment.

Ben moved to Cleveland after the passing of his older brother Chris. Since then he has gone on to create and collaborate on various art pieces including the Splice Cream Truck, The Riff Mechanics School For the Riffted, and The See Our Light Art exhibit which is currently on display at the Glenville Public Library. Every art project that Ben involves himself in always has a central theme of bringing people together by any (positive) means possible — Which ultimately culminated in his 4-day round trip journey to purchase and pick up the Splice Cream Truck from Helena, Montana and drive it back over 2000 miles to Cleveland with no sleep. He is dedicated.

Creative Impact Fund Project: The Splice Cream Spliced Team Dream Concert Series

The Splice Cream Spliced Team Dream Concerts series is a monthly pop-up concert series consisting of three 3-hour family-friendly concerts. These concerts will take place in the Buckeye Community, specifically in front of the Trumpet Man at Art & Soul Park. The aim of the concert series is to showcase the talent of three diverse artists who not only come from the area but also represent the surrounding communities. The performances will encompass a wide range of genres, spanning from hip-hop to classical, and from poetry to rock, R&B, and country.

The project’s main objective is to bring together a team of creative community members and provide a platform for them to showcase their talents to a local audience. The target audience includes individuals who may not have had the opportunity to experience live performances by specific musical artists in traditional venues. Each stage artist will be given forty-five minutes to perform, and they will be presented in a unique way – in a self-contained ice cream truck that doubles as a mobile stage. The ice cream truck will be equipped with lights, speakers, a mixer, and microphones. When it’s time for the concert to begin, the stage will be dropped, the speakers will be plugged in, and the lights will be turned on, setting the stage for an unforgettable concert experience.

The Splice Cream Truck, as it is called, goes beyond being just an ice cream truck. It features a fully analog recording studio, making it a tool to “splice together” communities that have historically been separated by color lines and virtual borders. The project aims to achieve this by recording and sharing the stories of these communities with other groups that may have been previously inaccessible to each other. As an incentive for participating in interviews, individuals will receive an ice cream treat or a SPLICEE (an Icee-like drink, if the Icee machine is installed as planned), as well as an on-the-spot “vinyl” 45rpm.

The project organizers have a strong track record, having previously collaborated with over 50 different organizations and participated in various events, such as FreedomFest, FRONT Block Party, IGNITE! Neighbor Nights, and FreshFest Cleveland. They are confident that their presence in the community will attract a substantial crowd. Additionally, the project aims to work with other musicians and artists who have applied for the grant, with the intention of bringing different creative individuals together, showcasing their talents, and compensating them for their services. Each artist will be paid immediately after their individual sets, recognizing the challenges of pursuing their passion while also securing funding.

The organizers are also open to collaborations with food trucks, mobile artists, and businesses. Each concert in the series will feature three unique flavors of ice cream/Splicees that represent each artist’s style, and these treats will be provided free of charge to concertgoers. Diversity is a key aspect of the project, as it aims to expose the community to various styles and genres of music that are not typically represented in specific areas. During the intervals between sets, mingling and discussions will be encouraged while enjoying an icy treat of one’s choice.

The entire concert series will be audio and video recorded. Additionally, a compilation of the performances will be made available for free download and streaming, and a vinyl record will be produced to commemorate the project. These recordings will be accessible at local libraries, event centers, and community gathering places. Furthermore, each participant will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win their own copy of the compilation record.

Contact Benjamin Smith : composersmith@gmail.com

Meet Julie Schabel

We are all here to learn. Wave Space is an artist-run creative studio in Lakewood, Ohio owned by Julie Schabel. Their goal is to be accessible to the community by offering free art classes to areas of Cleveland that are underfunded and have cut art programming in schools. Having taught art classes in CMSD schools and by speaking with students in classes, Julie sees a strong need for more social emotional learning, especially in the arts, our proposed classes will provide that for students. Wave Space Workshops will also focus on the skills to develop their own creative style with high quality projects and in depth instruction. Screen printing is like magic to kids. The look on their faces when they lift the screen up and see the print transferred from the screen to the shirt, bag, paper, is priceless. This process, as well as other printing and stenciling techniques are great for encouraging group learning and critical thinking skills.

Creative Impact Fund Project: Wave Space Summer Camps at CPL

Wave Space, a team of educators and artists, plans to offer one-week Wave Space Workshops for free at Cleveland Public Libraries in the Hough, Collinwood, Union Miles, and Central Kinsman neighborhoods. The program will focus on printmaking, creativity, and learning the elements of design. By the end of each week, students will have completed a cumulative project, which will be showcased at Human Heart Studios’ art gallery to showcase the students’ work.

Each Wave Space session will run for one hour in the afternoon from 1-2 in August or after school as per the schedule. The program will welcome up to 15 students ranging from 1st to 4th grade who can register either online, at the library, or via social media. The lead teacher for the program will be Julie Schabel, who has 5 years of experience teaching art programming in the Cleveland area. Additionally, Wave Space will have another staff member alongside Julie Schabel to assist and oversee the project.

Besides, the program will document the classes by capturing photographs of the students. Each student will be requested to give permission by signing a release form that includes information about Wave Space and Assembly for the Arts. Moreover, pre and post-class evaluations will be conducted to understand the effect of this program on students’ skill development and engagement.

A quote from Wave Space founder, Julie Schabel: “Kids always tell me that art is their favorite class. I hope that the projects I create stay with the kids as they grow and learn valuable life lessons from their art making experiences. I try to guide the students to a final project that is influenced by their creativity and ideas. Sometimes the end result is very different from my initial explanation but the student ends up developing their own style through this process, so I encourage it. I teach students about artists they don’t normally learn about in school or on a museum field trip. I find that using more accessible contemporary examples helps connect them to the project more.”

Creative Impact Fund Project: Raíces: Danzas de México

Meet Shadi Ayoub

Shadi Ayoub grew up in a print family in Beirut, Lebanon, where his family owned and operated a print shop. After his father passed away, Shadi took over the family business and expanded his technical skills in operating vintage printing presses. Realizing the need to share his knowledge and provide opportunities for others to experience print, Shadi started giving shop tours, hosting demos and workshops, and teaching letterpress at the American University of Beirut.

In 2019, Shadi moved to Cleveland and founded The 961 Collective, a letterpress printing studio and educational resource. He has been involved with local arts non-profits such as Zygote Press and Morgan Conservatory and has exhibited his work at various galleries and shows. Shadi has also been an active member of the arts community, serving on the board of Zygote Press and offering workshops and training at The 961 Collective, the Morgan Conservatory, and Zygote Press.

Through an artist residency and an apprenticeship with Master Papermaker Tom Balbo, Shadi has explored new techniques and pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with letterpress printing. He is dedicated to elevating the craft and creating a collaborative space for artists to meet, print, and learn together.

Creative Impact Fund Project: Let’s Print Together

After hosting several public demos and workshops internationally and in Cleveland, I saw hands on how amazed people were after the reveal of pressing their own print which was accompanied by a huge smile and often “can I make another one?”. It made me realize how important it is for members of the community to know that this was an important part of our history, it still exists, and they can actually do it themselves! Most had little to no experience with print and the possibilities it could provide as a medium which was the catalyst for applying to the creative impact project fund. ‘Let’s print together!’ will be a series of three public print demos open and free to everyone which will allow members of the community to come make their own prints, take away some free prints, and be part of Q&A sessions. The goal is for participants to have fun while also getting the opportunity to learn a traditional craft and how it can be used to their benefit. One sessions will take place at The 961 Collective, the letterpress studio housed inside the Ingenuity Cleveland building in the St. Claire Superior neighborhood. The remaining two sessions will be mobile offsite sessions in collaboration with other potential arts organizations from qualifying neighborhoods such as Zygote Press (Asiatown neighborhood) and Future Ink Graphics (Clark-Fulton neighborhood). By doing that we will have a greater reach impacting three different redlined communities allowing members of those neighborhoods to experience the power of print.

The 961 Collective facility has several machines for letterpress printing projects, the manual hand operated presses are safe and will be used by participants to make their own prints while the automated larger presses will be operated by myself as a demonstration tool of what is used for commercial large run productions. Participants will learn about the basics of ink mixing, the tools of the trade and how to operate the manual press to make their print which they will take home. Participants will also get to see printed samples of previous projects some of which are commercial applications for clients while others are limited edition art pieces to show them the versatility and range within the print medium. The two offsite mobile sessions will be possible through the use of a small portable Kelsey 5×8 press which has been an invaluable tool at demos to allow people to experience print without the need for a large heavy press.

These sessions will be in collaboration with other organizations and hopefully yield larger crowds due to combined marketing efforts for a greater impact within the community. There will be 1-3 local artists/volunteers at each event who will help answer any questions participants might have and guide them into making their prints. There will be some refreshments during these sessions and hope to be able to secure sponsorship for snacks and/or meals. Through training, trial and error, workshops and collaborations internationally, I have come to realize the need and importance of knowledge sharing when it comes to traditional printing. Information on these traditional techniques isn’t easily available and it is essential to keep passing them on and creating interest around them. Shop classes at schools are no longer being offered and kids are often missing out on hands-on educational experiences. That said, these sessions will also be a great opportunity for all age groups which will be a fun way for people to meet, mingle and learn about each other as well.

Meet Adenike Harper

Adenike Harper, also known as the “Gourmet Girl”, serves as the cake artist and owner of Gourmet Girl Custom Cakes. Self-taught with 19 years’ experience, she tells stories with sugar! With cake as her canvas and you as her muse, Gourmet Girl specializes in curating art gallery worthy cakes and desserts that reflect what makes you unique through couture cake design. Gourmet Girl Custom Cakes offers her customers or ‘Gourmies’ a one-of-a-kind, intimate creation process of their ‘cake story’ highlighting all that they love and what makes them special for the sweetest memories. Gourmet Girl considers herself a legacy baker. Her mother and grandmother were expert bakers and she comes from a long line of artisan of various disciplines. While her personal cake story is less about an actual cake design, and more about how she became Gourmet Girl when her path totally diverted from biology to baking. Gourmet Girl was born after Adenike decided to change career paths, very much unpredicted and unplanned. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with all intentions to go to medical school. But after the passing of her mother, she began baking to divert her mind from her grief and to revive memories of her mother teaching her how to bake growing up. Baking calmed her, it allowed her a way to channel energy into the production of something positive, visually pleasing, and delicious.

Through baking to cope and along with God and therapy, Adenike made it through a very difficult time in life and was able to thrive from the joy that baking and cake decorating brought. Partnering with a licensed therapist, Gourmet Girl Custom Cakes wishes to create a mentoring program for youth in Cleveland that is rooted in mental health and wellness; teaches the art of baking and the visual art of cake design; supports and encourages; and celebrates legacy and heritage in the kitchen and in life. With Adenike’s love for teaching and 7 years of teaching experience this mentoring arts program will curate a program that helps youth to thrive in and out of the kitchen. Adenike’s most recent accolade was having won Impact cohort 16 of Jumpstart, Inc. in December 2022.

Creative Impact Fund Project: Peace of Cake

Partnering with a licensed therapist, Gourmet Girl Custom Cakes has created a mentoring program for youth in Cleveland that is rooted in mental health and wellness; teaches the art of baking and the visual art of cake design; supports and encourages; and celebrates legacy and heritage in the kitchen and in life. With Adenike’s love for teaching and 7 years of instructional experience “A Peace of Cake” will help participants thrive in and out of the kitchen. A “Peace of Cake” has the goal of providing in-school youth (12-17 year olds) with an experience that utilizes baking and cake decorating as a positive (emotional) outlet while learning core concepts from STEAM, nutrition and culinary science/art, entrepreneurialism, and food history and culture. This program will connect youth to caring adults in small group developmental relationships to reduce stress, foster self-expression, and resiliency. Encouraging positive mindset/mindfulness while cultivating confidence. Program activities will include 6 to 8 small group baking sessions that allow for individual and group project completion and the opportunity to experience success via project completion resulting in a good produced. Participants will be instructed in the fundamental elements of baking through the creation of a range of diverse desserts, while engaging in meaningful group discussion that aids in the creation of a safe and supportive environment that is free from pressure.

Meet Josh Maxwell

Josh Maxwell is an accomplished scientific and biophilic artist exploring the intersections of art, science, sustainability, and the harmony between humanity and the natural world. With a keen sense of how built environments affect the mind, body and spirit, Josh explores the methods and modes of reconnecting our selves and our souls back to the natural world through striking and impactful visual displays challenging one’s sense of place, space, scale, and the perceived notion that humanity is separate from nature. Josh’s work is focused on exploring the intersection of art, science, and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the harmony between humans and the natural world. Through his innovative mixed-use of mediums such as traditional oil and acrylic paintings, wood and stone sculpture, exhibit design, large scale murals, and landscape architecture, Josh creates moments of intimate observation and whimsy curiosity that inspire pause and reflection. Josh’s work promotes a more discerning emotional awareness of our well-being and that of the ecological world in which we impact. By challenging our perception of place, space, and scale, he creates a powerful connection between art and nature, inspiring viewers to become more deeply connected with the world around them. Josh has collaborated with some of the most notable institutions and communities in the field of natural sciences, including Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks, Sustainable Cleveland, Kelley’s Island State Park, The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and Edible Cleveland Magazine. His leading-edge artwork informs, educates, and engages audiences, helping to reconnect people with the natural world.

Creative Impact Fund Project: Rooted

The creative vision for the project is to produce an oversized series of flora and fauna of the hyperlocal neighborhood, and that of the deep connection Slavic Village holds for the Czech and Polish communities. The specimens would include plants that residents would assist in identifying as core to their heritage for things like cooking, holidays, and the presence of the natural world found in Poland. The Polish affinity for herbs has a long history, but it is also very much in tune with the modern ideas of healthy, natural living. Herbs are the oldest treatment out there, and folk medicine has made use of them all around the world since time immemorial. In Poland, traditional remedies have always been connected to the plentiful fields and forests. Possible specimens to illustrate would include: Dill (koperek) – its’ aromatic flavor complements many Polish dishes. Can be used as a garnish for soups and salads, great for  dill pickles and often used “mizeria” (cucumber/sour cream/yoghurt salad) Paprika (papryka) – an essential ingredient in goulash, paprika is also popular in Polish recipes, giving a red color and aromatic flavor to many meat dishes Bay leaves (liście laurowe) –  frequently used in soups, stews and meat dishes, bay leaves are essential herbs for Polish cuisine. Caraway (kminek) – these aromatic little black seeds may be most often encountered in rye bread, where they give the characteristic flavor that goes so well with corned beef. But caraway is also used in many other dishes, from sauerkraut to sausage. They are an essential ingredient in caraway soup. Poppy seeds (mak) – these seeds are most often found sprinkled on bread rolls, but they also are an essential ingredient in the well known Polish dessert dish called makowiec (poppy seed cake) and kutia (Christmas pasta dish) These flora illustrations would be painted across a brick wall in massive magnification. At the bottom of the mural would be an undulating border of landscaped herbs and spices found in the mural and beyond, with interpretive signs that indicate the plant type, potential uses, and the cultural context to the neighborhood and its residents.

Contact Josh: jamaxwelldesigns@gmail.com

Block Party: Saturday, May 20th, 2023 from 1pm to 5pm.

Meet Stephanie Wahome-Lassiter

After graduating from Miami University Stephanie lead AmeriCorps teams while working for City Year Detroit and City Year Seattle/King County. Upon graduating with her Executive Masters in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University she became one of the founding staffers of E.L. Haynes Elementary School in Washington D.C., while earning a Masters in Teaching from American University. Stephanie elevated her work with youth onto a national platform as the National Director of Education for Scenarios USA, a NYC based nonprofit, in which she implemented the national education program and Cleveland regional programs for nine years. Stephanie’s education and film based programming supported, engaged, and inspired youth to realize their full potential through the power of education, media, and storytelling. Over 15,000 Cleveland youth were served 1,100 educators trained in 5 curricula, 10 winning stories written by youth were made into films and screened at film festivals, schools and The Showtime Channel. When the national organization ceased all operations in 2017 Clevelanders requested to continue to address the need. A funders group was formed and Stephanie is now the Executive Director for Art of Me in which she is expanding the work by deepening the impact in Cleveland. As the executive producer of Art of Me she produced 2 feature and 5 short films in Cleveland and NYC. Stephanie is also the co-founder of All About Your Health. A 100% volunteer-based organization that has connected over 11,000 youth, families, and volunteers to over 200 programs, services, and organizations in Northeast, Ohio since 2011.

Creative Impact Fund Project: The Girl

The creative vision for the project is to highlight the beauty, intelligence and priceless nature of black girls and their moms. Stephanie will do this by creating a film piece of a girl searching for her beauty but realizing it has been right in front of her all along. I will conduct interviews with girls in the community about what beauty means to them and how they would like to see themselves portrayed. After creating a script, we will have a casting call for the community members to be a part of the production. My audience is middle and high school aged girls. I will plan for middle and high school aged girls and their moms to participate in the film piece. I would like for this experience to encourage them to create their own sister and community circles of black women supporting each other through a facebook group, attending each others events and supporting their businesses. I would like for this project to bring women and their daughters together to celebrate our beauty and diversity as black women. This project is important to me because black girls aren’t always highlighted as being beautiful as their authentic selves. There is so much self hate and mother and daughter hate that it is affecting so many of us. I hope this project brings together fun, joy and we see the need to support each other.

Meet Robin Robinson:

Robin Robinson is the Executive Director of Sankofa Fine Art Plus. She is a painter, sculptor, photographer, and educator who facilitate art therapy related programs for youth and senior citizens in the Glenville community. Robin Robinson has a BFA from Temple University and Tyler School of Art. She is a certified art therapist and community activist. Her personal artworks have received numerous accolades and awards. Robin seeks to educate and expose the community to African American and ethnic art which give the community a visual representation of their own voices through transformative, inspirational, monumental murals that they help create, giving them pride of place and ownership. Robin insists that all public art starts with community engaged conversation to establish mutual trust and understanding. In 2015, Robin convinced of the healing power of art created the “Urban Renaissance with heART” program for Sankofa Fine Art Plus. Robin translates the unheard voices of the underrepresented neighborhood residents through community engagement onto the walls of public spaces. Robin as Executive Director of Sankofa Fine Art Plus is dedicated to bringing fine art outside of the traditional/restrictive art venues into the urban community in the form of co-creative, collaborative, public art projects and experiences. “As a Black artist it is my responsibility to translate the otherwise ignored voices of my community into artworks that are engaging aesthetically while being intrinsically thought provoking and socially relevant.”

Creative Impact Fund Project: Recapture The Spirit of Our Community Park

In 2020, the City of Cleveland rezoned Glenville Ward 9 into two distinct areas, creating a sub-district known as Forests Hill that connected it to Ward 10. As a resident of the community, Robin Robinson noticed the need to establish new relationships with City Councilman Anthony Hairston due to the rezoning, as previous connections had been with Councilman Kevin Conwell.

During this time, the residents of Forests Hill faced difficulties caused by the demolition of an elementary school and the YMCA Community Center. These demolitions resulted in the creation of Glenview Park, which had become an important space for community gatherings and youth activities. However, the park was considered outdated and underutilized by the city’s planning department and architects.

In 2021, Forests Hill residents received notifications through newsletters and mailings that their park would undergo renovations. The existing playground, basketball courts, and pool were scheduled for demolition and intended to be used by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). The plans for the renovated Glenview Park included a state-of-the-art playground, basketball court, and baseball diamond for the community.

However, when the residents eagerly anticipated the completion of the park, they found themselves confronted with the construction of the NEORSD tunnel project. This project involved the installation of an enormous institutional gray vinyl covered barrier around the entire area, which was foreboding and intrusive. The structure became an eyesore to the residents, evoking images of a prison or concentration camp.

As an advocate and engagement specialist in the Glenville/Forests Hill community, Robin Robinson has been an active participant in community development for over a decade. Recognized for their public art and murals, Robin understands the psychological impact of the intrusive wall on the community. Consequently, they desire to transform the gray tarp surrounding the facility into a vibrant community mural that recaptures a sense of ownership and self-reliance, reminiscent of the pride the community once held for Glenview Park.

In an effort to raise awareness and peacefully protest the presence of the gray vinyl covered barrier, Robin plans to organize three “Paint Party in the Park” sessions over the course of weekends. Their intention is to invite members of the community to participate in painting large canvas drop cloths that will be hung over the existing tarps on the fences. By replacing the drab scenery with a colorful and vibrant environment, the hope is to turn the region into a lively space once again. Robin intends to hire two resident artists from the Glenville area for each workshop and will ensure that all necessary supplies, snacks, and music are provided for the participants.