Zipping from Loren Naji Studio Gallery to 78TH Street to Spaceships and Satellites

Cleveland gallery directors and new graduates of the Cleveland Institute of Art gathered September 5 at Loren Naji Studio Gallery in an unprecedented meet-and-greet session, organized by CIA alumni relations director Michael Kinsella. CIA alumnus Loren Naji (yours truly) hosted the gathering to encourage new relationships in the Cleveland art world, on the even of a CIA alumni show, which opens at the gallery Friday, September 6.

The following month I am proud to have my sister, Jamilla Naji curate a show. The Director Never Yelled Cut opens October 4, and features works of Nancy Cintron, Tim Herron, Douglas Manry and Jamilla, depicting the human condition in narrative vignettes. The scenes, personalities and circumstances lead to unceasing interpretations.

by Douglas Manry

Additionally, Jamilla will auction the original paintings that served as illustrations for her book, Musical Storyland, which was inspired by music of David Bowie and includes lyrics and a CD of his music. A portion of proceeds will benefit Girls with Sole, a wellness program supporting girls who have experienced abuse.

Friday, November 4 brings Skulls, curated by the talented Mary Urbas. Don’t miss this scary event that extends Halloween!

Friday, December 6 brings a holiday show. I am extremely proud to have my 10 year old daughter, Alana-Brielle Naji curate Cleveland Kids Create, featuring work by children between the ages of 5 and 13. Have your kids create a piece they can sell at this exciting event. A portion of the gallery’s proceeds will go to a charity for children.

All our shows are complemented by music, and so I would like to thank The EXO 4 Band–Jim Curtis, Gregg Garlock, E.C. Mars and TWK–who continue to mesmerize our guests with their psychedelic jazz fusion and surround art videos.

The big news this fall is that I’m reaching beyond the walls of my gallery on West 25th Street, and reaching farther into Cleveland’s neighborhoods than ever before. First, I’ve joined Dawn Tekler and my sister, Jamilla, to create Room 113 at The 78th Street Studios. I will present smaller-scale, individual shows in this space, which is simply named Naji, Naji & Tekler. The first artist featured will be Josh Usmani with his show titled “Funny Money”.

Finally, I have begun the transformation of a dilapidated, vacant house in Collinwood into a most unusual art venue. Known as Satellite, it will feature art on its façade, to be called Outer Space.The interior space will be called Inner Worlds, and will house site-specific installations. And the basement, which will be known as Deep Space, will house still more shows.

 

CIA Alumni Show

September 6

 

The Director Never Yelled Cut

October 4

 

Skulls

November 4

 

Cleveland Kids Create

December 6

 

Loren Naji Studio Gallery

2138 West 25th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44113

lorennaji.com

216.621.6644