Sat 4/26 @ 6 – 10pm
Nearly a dozen local organizations and over 25 local arts groups and individuals are joining forces to celebrate the rich, historical legacy of Ohio City’s St. John’s Episcopal Church – the oldest consecrated structure in Cuyahoga County.
Station Hope: A Block Party With a Purpose, An Arts Event for the People, A Celebration of Hope is a one-night-only, family-friendly celebration of St. John’s legacy as the last stop on the Underground Railroad before freed slaves crossed Lake Erie to freedom. The event’s title refers to St. John’s nickname on the Underground Railroad.
“This day, this performance, this event, is a connection to people who are more our brothers and sisters than we know,” says Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman. “The people of the past, the people of the present, and the people of the future who are all journeying together will be celebrated by this event. There is liberation that must be done in this city, in this country, in this world. And on a personal level, I look forward to my own transformation.”
For this special evening, St. John’s will be transformed into a labyrinth of art. Audiences will wander through its parish hall, sanctuary and complex basements to view an array of visual and performance art, as well as short performances of theatre, dance, storytelling and music. Special performances by area choirs will take place in the church and around the grounds.
As we move forward as a community, it is important to remember our past. Saturday’s event is an opportunity to reflect on our past, celebrate our present and look to our future. It’s moments like these that form the glue that bonds a community over time. Bring the whole family to St. John’s this Saturday evening and celebrate a special aspect of our city’s rich cultural legacy.
For this large-scale event, Cleveland Public Theatre is teaming up with The City of Cleveland, Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ohio City Incorporated, St, John’s Church and The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, Friends of St. John’s Church, North Water Partners, Restore ClevelandHope and the Cozad Bates House, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and Cleveland State University.
Participating artists and art organizations include African American Quilt and Doll Guild, Cleveland Association on Black Storytellers, Cleveland Dance Movement, Creative Fusion Artist-in-Residence Huda Lutfi (sponsored by Cleveland Foundation and Art House, Inc.), Hector Vega, Inlet Dance Theatre, Kulture Kids, Lake Erie Ink, RA Washington/Guide to Kulchur and many, many more.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.