CLEVELAND, Ohio — Myron Dixon of Cleveland loves to draw, but he never dreamed his sketches would be prominently displayed in a respected art gallery.
Yet several drawings by Dixon and other clients at Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center, including some who are homeless, now hang in Euclid Avenue’s The Bonfoey Gallery, a staple in the regional arts community since 1893. Bonfoey showcases works by some of the area’s most prominent artists.
“I’ve been drawing all my life,” said Dixon, 34. “It’s great to have my work being seen in a gallery.”
Dixon’s abstract sketches and others’ oil paintings, watercolors and mixed media works are part of the “Art Heals” exhibit at Bonfoey, which is under way and continues through Monday. All of the approximate 60 artworks are for sale, with proceeds benefiting the HeARt of the Street program that offers art classes to Cosgrove Center clients.
The center is part of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland and provides breakfast and lunch, an emergency pantry, homeless legal assistance, clothing distribution and more for people who have experienced hardships in their lives. Dixon is also a Cosgrove Center volunteer.
ART HEALS
What: Exhibit featuring works by novice artists from Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center
When: The free exhibit is under way through Monday, Feb. 13
Hours: Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Where: The Bonfoey Gallery, 1710 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.
Fundraiser: On Friday, Feb. 10 is a show, sale and fundraiser featuring artwork by Cosgrove clients from 5 to 8 p.m. Suggested donation is $25, which includes valet parking.
Proceeds: To benefit Cosgrove Center’s HeARt of the Street program More information: Bonfoey Gallery and Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center
A formal showing/sale will be Friday, Feb. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bonfoey Gallery, 1710 Euclid Ave. There is a suggested donation of $25. Valet parking is available.
The HeArt program started last March at Cosgrove Center. Clients can drop in on art classes which take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes are taught by professional contemporary artist Guy-Vincent and generally are filled with 15 to 20 people, said Cosgrove Center Program Director Nicole Evans.
“It’s only been about a year since HeArt of the Street began and there has been a phenomenal output of work by individuals at Cosgrove Center,” Guy-Vincent said as he puts the final touches on the exhibit. “I’m very impressed and proud of the students. I’ve witnessed a tremendous amount of empowerment and individual growth within the classroom participants.”
Said Evans, “Bonfoey has welcomed us to have our first art exhibition. The students are very excited about this. Art can be very healing, physically and emotionally, and we wanted to demonstrate that.”
HeArt of the Street relies on grants and sponsorships, and the community has pitched in.
“We’ve had a lot of support,” Evans said. “We’ve even had people purchase canvases and other supplies right out of their own pockets.”
The “Art Heals” exhibit is sponsored by The Bonfoey Gallery, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation and Jakprints, a custom print and apparel products company on Chester Avenue in Cleveland.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
