Thu 2/1 @ 5:30-7:30PM
Clevelander Richie Piiparinen is widely known for his expertise in urban studies. He’s now the Director of Urban Theory and Analytics at the School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University where he received his masters degree in urban planning, design and development. His specialty is the changes occurring in Rust Belt. He is also undergoing treatment for the aggressive brain cancer known as glioblastoma.
Both of those things fuel his new book Octopus Hunting, which features 14 essays about Rust Belt struggles past and present, blended with his personal story. The books’ blurb says. “The two seemingly disparate themes are so expertly knitted together that his personal experiences deepen the economic discussion, and we never forget that when we talk about the rise and fall and rise again of cities and regions we are really talking about the people who live in them.”
The book is illustrated with artwork by mixed-media/collage/print artist Liz Maugans, whose current show, Life Is Brutiful, at 78th Street Studios’ HEDGE Gallery, explores the mixture of joys and sorrows she’s experienced. Those twined themes in her work make her the perfect artist to visually express what Piiparinen writes about.
And it’s appropriate that the book launch for Octopus Hunting will take place at HEDGE Gallery surrounded by Maugans’ work. Sean Watterson, Jim Russell and Bellamy Printz will host a discussion about the book. It’s free and all are welcome.