Mix It Up a Little

A Celebration of Diversity lives up to its name by exhibiting black art in the heart of predominantly white Chagrin Falls. “We’re taking baby steps -- as far as opening the concepts of art to people that we might not normally touch,” says Dana Davis, the Valley Art Center’s new director. Celebration of Diversity marks Davis’ first major exhibit since she stepped into the position four months ago, and she says it serves a purpose: “We don’t want to be known as traditional.”

The 10-piece show will stay up through February 23 in honor of Black History Month. Artwork includes an African American quilt series by South Euclid school-bus driver Myrya Johnson and photographs by Cleveland Heights High School art teacher Jerome T. White. Paintings by East Cleveland artist and motivational speaker Araaman Alvin Fudge round out the display. “Araaman’s work is very spiritual,” says Davis. “His mission in life is to unite people -- regardless of who you are and what your standing in life is.”
Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Starts: Jan. 18. Continues through Feb. 23