To say that SPACES Gallery is taking a "detour" implies a number of things, including a shift from object-oriented programming to conceptual, process- and idea-oriented shows. It could also refer to SPACES' past, which eschewed solo shows, versus a future in which executive director Christopher Lynn has not ruled them out. But solo shows have their own challenges. When one planned for next month ran into scheduling conflicts, the staff had to scramble to fill the schedule slot: another detour.
Not so coincidentally, Detours is the name of the substitute exhibit, which pairs regional artists with writers who document the twists and turns of the artists' ideas in words. Artists confirmed so far include TR Ericsson, Arzu Ozkal, and Ben Kinsley. Detour opens with a reception from 6-9 p.m. May 14 and continues through July 16 at Spaces Gallery (2200 Superior Viaduct, (216.621.2314, spacesgallery.org).
Dana Oldfather's We Are Mountains will be the last show in William Rupnik's space on East 40th. Rupnik isn't moving far, though. He's not even leaving the building. The new space is still on the first floor at the Loftworks building (1667 E. 40th St., 216.533.5575, wrgcleveland.com), but it's not a storefront. On the plus side, Rupnik says it has more wall space. He plans an opening event for the new venue in mid-July.
The Oberlin College Conservatory of Music celebrates the opening of a new, dedicated building for its Jazz Studies department Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1. Steve Wonder, Bill Cosby, and others will be on hand for the opening of the Bertram and Judith Kohl Building, which includes performances, tours, panel discussions, and more. The lead gift of $5 million from the Kohls is believed to be the largest ever given specifically for jazz education at a U.S. college. Go to oberlin.edu/kohl for more information.
If you missed MorrisonDance's performances in Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks series, you can catch an "Egg," an excerpt from that program, at a benefit event for the Lakewood Earth and Food Community. The 2nd annual Rutabaga Nights also features food, drinks, music by Xela and the Uncanny, the straight-ahead jazz of Mobius, and jammy sounds from Hobo Monk. It's at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Lake Erie Screw Factory (13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, 216.226.4401, leafcommunity.org). Tickets: $25.
