Cleveland is fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Stephen Bivens. A beloved figure, larger than life both literally and figuratively, Bivens was a prolific photographer whose work served as the historical memory for inner-city families, arts organizations, and neighborhoods.

Stephen’s invaluable contributions to Cleveland’s artistic landscape had just begun to gain citywide attention and recognition. Sadly, we’ll never know where that attention would have taken him as Stephen passed away on June 1, 2020.

Stephen loved Cleveland. He lovingly documented the city’s rise—especially in Collinwood—over the last few years. Nikki Delamotte, another friend the arts community has lost, once wrote, “His gritty work, often shot in black and white, reflects the ups and downs of a city through the eyes of someone with a fresh perspective, who is often discovering corners of it for the first time.”

In our first exhibition since late 2019, we’re very proud to present a retrospective of Steven Bivens’ work. This exhibition will mark the kick-off of an effort not only to preserve Bivens’ legacy, but to raise funds for a scholarship in his name at the Cleveland Print Room. artBIV will showcase Stephen’s work all around the city. The exhibition will be presented at the new Maria Neil Art Project gallery and at Six Shooter Coffee, both on Waterloo Road.

 

STEPHEN BIVENS: A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE PEOPLE | TWO LOCATIONS

SIX SHOOTER COFFEE | JUNE 4–AUGUST 15

OPENING RECEPTION 5-9PM FRIDAY, JUNE 4

15613 WATERLOO ROAD, OPEN DAILY FROM 7AM-7PM

MARIA NEIL ART PROJECT | HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

MARIA NEIL ART PROJECT
15517 Waterloo Road, Suite 1B
info@marianeilartproject.org