On Saturday June 13, Parade the Circle will once again step out from the Cleveland Museum of Art as brightly costumed characters, puppets, musicians, banners and hand-pulled floats make their way around Wade Oval to the delight of packed crowds. The parade’s participants are family, neighborhood and community groups, scout troops, church members, and informal friend groups: anyone who has an idea and wants to bring it to life. It’s strictly noncommercial and non-political: no signs promoting anything are allowed.
Led once again by Cleveland artist Héctor Castellanos Lara, this year’s theme is “Momentum,” inspired by the museum’s exhibition Printed Silks: 1927-1947.
“Our stories—some of sacrifice and resilience—are momentous and unyielding,” says Castellanos Lara. “Breathless and energized, our own momentum pushes us to innovate. Let’s harness the power of this creative energy together, express ourselves, and keep celebrating. Creativity in motion stays in motion.”
While some groups meet and create on their own, CMA provides a space for artists to work. Typically it’s been in a giant tent located across East Boulevard from the museum itself. But this year instead for the first time, it will be located at CMA’s Community Arts Center at the Pivot Center for Art, dance and Expression in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood on the near west side. Workshops will take place Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm May 1 through June 7, while the tent will be open on May 29 as the final assembly area and staging area on the day of the parade. It’s free to participate; go here for information on how to take part. All groups who want to participate must be registered by the end of the day May 10.