78th Street Studios

Well, Google, since you asked... I wasn't planning on sharing my thoughts but your question of How was 78th Street Studios compels me to answer. This is a tremendous Cleveland event that for many, many years has given artists a chance to show their work. Every month on a third Friday the complex is open to the public. Other than that day, it is primarily the home for artists of great skill to maintain their private working Studios. To that end, 78th Street continues to be a leader and model for the nation. But today I saw, amongst the invited artists and craftsmen, a meager display. I'm not speaking of the artists who lease space for their studios but of the invited artists to share their work. One in particular caught my eye, someone who apparently decided to appropriate the images of prominent 19th and 20th century artists, reprint and amend their work and, in framed displays not much greater than 8 x 10s, ask $1,000 apiece. This is shameful. In 2018 I was invited to showcase my art, when I arrived the person in charge accused me of misrepresenting my work. It was all original but some varied from what was initially submitted. I held my ground though simultaneously humiliated. But I sold about have of my displayed work, probably 8 pieces out of 15 or 16. I made less than $2,000 but it was a worthwhile experience. This person selling bizarre recreations for $1k apiece makes no sense. The quality of work being shown on 3rd Friday has declined precipitously. Something should be done about this. Thank you. I'll shut up now.