Fri 4/11 @ 6pm
Some of the biggest contributors to the strength of our community are Northeast Ohio’s nonprofit organizations. We’re lucky to have so many passionate, dedicated citizens. However, the important work they do is not cheap, and despite support from grants and other sources, most need the support of the general public to survive. With so many annual benefits and fundraisers around the region, these nonprofits are constantly seeking new, interesting ways to generate income.
“Visual and culinary artists have always co-mingled so nicely in our Cleveland neighborhoods that Zygote wanted to create a party that celebrates these synergies,” explains Zygote Press’ co-founder Liz Maugans. “Thus, the double bill of The Big Show and Iron Printmaker were born. Zygote also wanted to create a new precedent benefit model that didn’t always ask artists for their donations – not helping or supporting the bottom-line for artists.”
Perhaps too often artists are asked to donate their artwork. The nonprofits typically receive 100% of the sales, and the artists get free tickets to an (often overpriced) event and “great exposure” …whatever that means. So what happens when those same artists are the ones organizing the benefit? You can find out in person this weekend at Zygote Press for their new spring fundraiser – The Big Show and Iron Printmaker.
In Zygote Press’ gallery, The Big Show will feature work curated by Cleveland Museum of Art conservator and curator Per Knutas. Participating local artists include Bruce Chechefsky, Jeff Chiplis, Gianna Committo, Andy Curlowe, TR Ericsson, Andrea Joki, Lori Kella, Dante Rodriguez, Achala Wali and many more. All works are priced under $250. All sales benefit the artists – with Zygote benefiting through their standard gallery commission.
Simultaneously, the Iron Printmaker will take place in Zygote’s printshop starting at 7pm. Two teams of foodies and artists will compete in an Iron Chef format – using mystery ingredients to create four prints each. Guest judges include Michael Heaton (Minister of Culture, The Plain Dealer), Grafton Nunes (President, Cleveland Institute of Art) and Jill Snyder (Executive Director, MOCA Cleveland). Bribes are shamelessly accepted (and benefit Zygote).
The Edible CLEVELAND team is sponsored by Noelle Celeste (editor/publisher of Edible Cleveland), and includes Jonathan Bennett (Red and Moxie), Ben Bebenroth (Spice Kitchen and Bar) and Maggie Denk & Karen Beckwith from the Cleveland Institute of Art.
The Process Creative team is sponsored by John Williams (founder of Processs Creative Studios) and features Sean Watterson (Happy Dog), Tim Bando (The Standard), as well as Kent State alum/faculty Michael Loderstedt and Zygote’s own Liz Maugans.
During the 40-minute competition, guest emcees, Zygote co-founder (and Board President) Bellamy Printz and Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman will be doing live “play-by-play.” Following the competition, the teams will defend their work in front of the judges. The winners will receive the soon-to-be-coveted Iron Printmaker trophy.
Zygote Press was founded by four artists (Liz Maugans, Kelly Novak, Bellamy Printz and Joe Sroka) in 1995. Zygote is a resource for Cleveland’s fine art community. Their downtown facility is a resource for the visual arts community. Zygote provides exhibition space, equipment, studio space and technical assistance to both resident artists and artist-members. Zygote also hosts a number of workshops for all skill levels. Later this year they will open a new satellite location in Collinwood’s Historic Waterloo Arts District.
Zygote Press supports its community. This Friday, it’s time for the community to show its support for them. Stop by Friday evening for a fun night in an energetic, creative environment – all for a good cause.