The heART of Cleveland book, volume one, was published in 2018, in response to Cleveland’s incredible artistic legacy and the staggering number of great artists that live and work in the city. Contributions for the book included about 70 painters, illustrators, sculptors, printmakers, cartoonists, photographers and poets, as well as a chef and punk rock musician. The book, described as a “visual and literary feast” was well received and since its conception, I’ve always known a second book was on the horizon.

The second volume is an attempt to feature more diversity; a cross-section of artists that is a truer and more accurate representation of Cleveland’s cultural and ethnic make-up, many of which are sorely underrepresented in Cleveland. In order to link the two volumes, some of the artists featured in the first book are creating portraits of other Cleveland artists that they admire. When readers open heART of Cleveland volume 2, they will be greeted by extraordinary portraits of Cleveland artists, showcasing Cleveland's artistic community and how art inspires art.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of artwork from as many of the artists in volume 2 as possible; a salon style show that invites viewers to become more familiar with Cleveland’s incredible artistic community through painting, printmaking, photography, ceramic and sculptural works.