What Makes a Rembrandt a Rembrandt?

On Sunday, Feb. 19, the Cleveland Museum of Art opens the first major exhibition to explore in depth the collecting of Rembrandt paintings in America. Organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the exhibition takes a look at the artist’s contributions and more importantly, what makes a Rembrandt truly a Rembrandt.

Famous painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, born July 15, 1606, is generally considered one of the greatest painters in European history. Though his life was marked with personal tragedy and financial hardships, his paintings were incredibly popular throughout his time, and to this day Rembrandt is easily recognized for his contributions during the Dutch Golden Age.

Consisting of approximately 50 works, the exhibition brings together autographed paintings by Rembrandt as well as others thought to be by the artist when they entered American collections, but whose attributions can no longer be maintained. The exhibition presents a survey of the long career of Rembrandt as a painter, including his studio and a broader network of adapters, followers and copyists. Rembrandt in America offers the public the rare opportunity to examine the evolving opinions and methods of scholars and collectors regarding what constitutes an autograph Rembrandt painting.

Rembrandt in America begins Feb. 19 and runs through May 28, 2012 in the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Exhibition Hall at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $7 for children 6-17 and free for children five and under. Discounted admission is available for groups of ten or more. Email groupsales@cleveland.org for more information or to buy your group’s tickets.

- Corinne Allie

 

What Are You Afraid Of?

Why do our hearts race, our knees shake and our bodies sweat when we are scared? Find out in Great Lakes Science Center’s  new exhibition, Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, open now through April 29.

More than 20 engaging activities in Goose Bumps! allow visitors to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment, rate their response, understand the science behind the emotion and reflect upon its personal meaning.

For more information, visit http://www.greatscience.com.

What are you afraid of? Spiders? Deep water? Clowns? All of the above? Tell us in the comments.

- Freddie Coffey, Web Manager

The 2012 Great Big Home & Garden Expo

Get inspired at The Great Big Home & Garden Expo at Cleveland’s I-X Center February 4-12. Find fresh ideas and smart advice for gardening, home improvement, decorating and more and do it at a discount price with promo code POSITIVE.

This year’s event brings more than 650 exhibitors, new home improvement features, appearances by home and garden celebrities and returning favorites that are sure to excite and surprise visitors. Shop for home improvement contractors, lawn and garden equipment, home décor and numerous products and services to transform any home or garden.

New this year is The Home Builders Association Pavilion showcasing a 53-foot interactive mobile display with new exterior siding, metal roofing and accessories from various manufacturers. Homeowners can bring their digital home exterior photos and watch their house undergo a complete digital makeover. Experience the Dream Home Theater featuring 16 recliner home theater seats with automated one-touch lighting and theater control and a state-of-the-art multi-functional laundry room incorporating innovative, high-performance fabric care products and appliances within a convenient space for family members to do more than just laundry, such as crafts, homework and a variety of projects. Also new are two luxurious getaway log homes built by Timeless Timbers.

The popular Garden Showcase, featuring classic television show-themed gardens returns this year along with The Club Cambria Café where visitors can relax and enjoy a beverage and light snack in the martini bar among the beauty of the gardens. The beautifully crafted, 2,800-square-foot Idea Home offers affordable renovation ideas inspiring extraordinary living within ordinary budgets. The home features current housing trends with energy conservation and green products in mind.

Visitors will also enjoy Celebrity Designer Rooms, the Loretta Paganini Cooking Stage where they’ll have the opportunity to taste culinary delights in a state-of-the-art kitchen, The Belgard Landscapers’ Challenge and much more.

For more information about The Great Big Home & Garden Expo click here.

Celebrating MLK Day 2012

A number of Cleveland arts and cultural institutions offer free admission and special programming in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Recital at The Music Settlement
Sun., Jan. 15; 3pm

The Music Settlement in University Circle features works by Hale Smith, Leslie Adams, George Walker, Duke Ellington, the Cleveland Boys Choir and more. The recital will be held in the Glick Recital Hall and is free and open to the public.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Mon., Jan. 16; 10am-5:30pm

Each year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum not only opens its doors to the public for free, but also puts on a day-long celebration to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Maltz Museum
Mon., Jan. 16; 11am-5pm

Participate in a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. with free admission to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage along with guided tours of An American Story, a musical performance Unchained: From Slavery to Civil Rights and HATE (Malt Museum’s award-winning short film).

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Great Lakes Science Center
Mon., Jan. 16; 10am-6pm

Enjoy a free day of exploration at the Great Lakes Science Center. Explore your fears in the special exhibition, Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear!, enjoy “electrifying” Big Science Shows at 11:30am and 3:30pm, tour the NASA Glenn Visitors Center and BioMedTech Gallery and experience hundreds of hands-on, interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.

MLK Day at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Mon., Jan. 16; 10am-5pm

The Cleveland Botanical Garden will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free admission and special craft making to celebrate African American heritage from 1-4pm.

Cleveland Orchestra Open House
Mon., Jan. 16; noon-5pm

Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra, joins the city-wide celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life with a Community Open House offering free instrumental, vocal and spoken-word performances throughout the afternoon.  Admission is free and no tickets are required.  Spend the day at Severance Hall or stop by to see community music ensembles and performances including presentations by the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Western Reserve Historical Society
Mon., Jan. 16; 10am-5pm

The Western Reserve Historical society offers free admission and the opportunity for children and their families to explore museum exhibits including Do You Know Your Lincoln, Rally ‘Round the Flag, Through the Lens of Allen E. Cole and Meet Clio the WRHS Digital Curator. Guests to the WRHS History Center can make a card or flower with an inspirational greeting to be distributed to families who have meals delivered to them by the Golden Age Centers of Cleveland.

Winter Discovery Day at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Mon., Jan. 16; 10am-4pm

In cooperation with Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland’s museums and cultural institutions, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers free admission all day in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Explore the Smead Discovery Center, watch a mini-planetarium show for only $1, make a craft project to take home, examine nature’s material with scientists and students from Case Western Reserve University and much more.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Children’s Museum
Mon., Jan. 16; 10am-4:45pm

Help create a community quilt in honor of Dr. King’s message of peace for all. Decorate a square of fabric and then attach it to our quilt. Explore three permanent exhibits; Big Red Barn, Bridges to our Community, and Splish! Splash! Then explore artifacts from centuries past as you set sail on the ship in Galapagos Sands. Admission is half-price all day.

Reflection of the Dream at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Mon., Jan. 16; 11am-5pm

Bring family, friends and neighbors to this special event and enjoy FREE activities for all ages. Celebrate the day with gallery talks presented by CMA curators; docent-led tours; hands-on art projects; art and twister games designed and presented by Museum Ambassadors; and band, choir, quartet and jazz music performances. Attend a free screening at 11am or 2pm of the soul-stirring film Rejoice and Shout, an uplifting new documentary that traces the history of African-American gospel music.

MLK: Honoring His Legacy in a New Era at Case Western Reserve University
Mon., Jan. 16-22

Each year, Case Western Reserve University honors Martin Luther King, Jr.—the holiday, the man and the legacy—with a week-long celebration that includes workshops, films, panel discussions and speakers.

27th Annual Martin L. King, Jr. Commemorative Day Program at Cleveland Public Library
Mon., Jan. 16; 1pm

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy was a legacy of servant leadership – of giving back. Cleveland Public Library honors the legacy with a panel discussion about the many issues surrounding the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, from concept to construction. A reception follows the event. - Corinne Allie, Social Networking Specialist

Brite Winter Festival 2012

Cold temps, falling snow and blustery winds? Bring it. It’s winter in Cleveland and there’s no better way to celebrate than at the Brite Winter Festival.

On Saturday, February 18, Brite Winter Festival lights up the city again. Live music rules the stage; bonfires burn bright against the dark winter sky and nearby restaurants and bars invite festival-goers in for a warm beverage or two.  A lighting design competition sponsored by GE and art installations centered on light, fire and ice brighten things up while a giant skeeball game, fire performers and homemade instruments keep you moving all night long.

Brite moves to a new location this year in Ohio City. Located just five minutes from downtown, on Cleveland’s near west side, Ohio City has become incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. Named one of the best places to bar hop in the world, Ohio City offers a warm neighborhood feel with lots of energy making the perfect setting for outdoor winter fun.

This year’s festival promises to inspire us all to embrace winter in Cleveland. For more information visit www.britewintercleveland.com and for up-to-the-minute additions to the festival follow @britewinter on twitter. See you there!

- Corinne Allie, Social Networking Specialist

Dive In! Beach Season Never Ends in Cleveland Plus

You can make a big splash whatever the weather in Northeast Ohio at one of the region’s great waterparks.

Grab your flip flops and head to the Caribbean-themed Castaway Bay (www.castawaybay.com), a tropical indoor waterpark in Sandusky packed with 38,000 square feet of slides and rides. And after the tropical adventure of wave pools and whirlpools, you can relax at a full-service spa offering aromatherapy, facials and massages.

Also in Sandusky, Great Wolf Lodge (www.greatwolfsandusky.com) is a 200,000-gallon waterpark that features an assortment of kiddie slides and pools designed to accommodate the “54 inch and under” set. Whether you’re floating down a lazy river or headed out on a Wolf Walk, there’s no “roughing it” required here.

Just down the road, Kalahari Resort (www.kalahariresorts.com/oh/) includes both an indoor and outdoor waterpark with two boogie board/standup surf Flowriders, water roller coasters and a swimup bar, there’s something for everyone. And, the African-themed resort is in the process of adding on to its already spacious convention center. This $22 million expansion will bring Kalahari’s convention center total square footage to 215,000 so it can accommodate even more faith-based retreats, family reunions, tradeshows, special events and corporate outings.

Just half an hour southeast of Cleveland, Geauga Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom (wildwaterfun.com) is an outdoor cabana-lined watery playground boasting, among many soak-tacular attractions, a 60-foot tall, 253-foot-long funnel slide and a 30,000 square foot wave pool. Groups of 15 or more qualify for discount admission.

- Jeff Niesel 

Cleveland New Year’s Eve Packages, Parties and Events

PARTIES + PACKAGES for the ADULTS

Landerhaven: Dancin’ On The Red Carpet  
Head to the luxurious Landerhaven Party Center for a New Year’s Eve event featuring live music, a DJ and dancing all night long. Enjoy top-shelf open bar, a midnight champagne toast, unique appetizers, decadent food stations, indulgent sweets tables and a 1am breakfast buffet. Valet parking is complimentary and reservations are required at 440.449.0700. $135/person + tax or $125/person + tax for groups of eight or more. Special room rates are available at the adjacent Staybridge Suites.
440.449.0700, www.executivecaterers.com

Sushi Rock: “Masquerade in NYC”
Ring in the New Year at Sushi Rock on W. 6^th Street in Cleveland’s Warehouse District. “The Metropolitan” package features open bar from 8pm-midnight with unlimited hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast for $50. “The Big Apple” package offers a three-course dinner including one signature appetizer, one main entrée and one signature dessert bar, open bar from 8pm-midnight and a champagne toast for $75. Sushi Rock’s regular menu will be served until midnight and the party goes until 2am. Masks will be provided and VIP bottle service is available.
Downtown 216.623.1212, Beachwood 216.378.9595, www.sushirockohio.com

Wonder Bar NYE  
Join the party at Wonder Bar where the cover charge is free and optional party packages are available for purchase. “Pants on Fire” performs 9pm-12am. The Silver Package is $50 person/$90 couple and includes mixed drinks, domestic bottles and sparkling wine. The Gold Package is $60 person/$110 couple and includes mixed drinks, domestic bottles, house shots, sparkling wine, house Caberbet and Chardonnay and preferred seating for the performance. The Platinum package is $80 person/$150 couple and includes premium mixed drinks, domestic and draft beer, house shots, wines by the glass, sparkling wine, one entrée and premium seating for the performance. For advance tickets, email Andrea at kayakandrea8@gmail.com.
216.298.4050, www.wonderbarcleveland.com

The Cleveland Improv: New Year’s Eve with Loni Love and the Lovers
Spend New Year’s Eve with “Loni Love and the Lovers” at the Improv. Loni Love and The Lovers is a hilarious live stand up show hosted by Loni Love (of the “Chelsea Lately Show”) and features several of Loni’s closest comedian friends. Various New Year’s Eve packages are available.
216.696.4677, www.clevelandimprov.com

Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
The evening begins at 6:30pm with light appetizers followed by a large buffet dinner featuring entrees including beef, chicken and seafood. Dancing begins at 8:30pm with the Four Kings and a Queen. Enjoy late night desert, snacks all night long and a bottle of wine per couple. A light breakfast will be served at 12:30pm. Reservations are required. The cost is $67.95/person + tax.
440.298.9838, www.grandrivercellars.com

Pickwick & Frolic
A variety of NYE packages at Pickwick & Frolic makes it easy to plan the perfect night. Catch a show before the ball drops from comedy star John Caponera. Pair the show with dinner or arrive later for dancing and drinks. Click here for all your options.
216.241.7425, www.pickwickandfrolic.com

Windows On The River
Ring in the New Year on the banks of the Cuyahoga River with stunning views of Cleveland’s unique bridges and gorgeous skyline. From 8pm-1am, guests enjoy an open bar, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, two rooms of entertainement, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, free parking and entertainment provided by Jerry Bruno Productions. The cost is $80/person + tax.
216. 861.1445, www.windowsontheriver.com

CLE Presents that Rock

It might be goodbye for now, but Cleveland will always be in your heart. So don’t forget a souvenir to help you relive your experiences and all the rockin’ good times you had here. If you’re searching for quirky and eclectic doodads, independent art, delectable chocolate or uniquely Cleveland postcards, t-shirts and giftware, Cleveland Plus offers incredible shopping for every taste and budget.

Cleveland Sweets
Visitors can dive into a chocolate drizzle pecan almond crunch gift box from Olympia Candies (www.olympiacandy.com) or some of Baker’s Candies (www.bakercandies.com) famous whipped eggs, a fluffy combination of marshmallow and whipped cream covered in chocolate. Or, they can find the perfect wine or craft beer pairing with chocolate confections at Lilly’s Handmade Chocolates (www.lillytremont.com). Lilly’s creations are unique with both sweet and savory flavors such as “Sweet Cheeks,” a dark chocolate piece filled with burned salty caramel and “That Bacon One,” a milk chocolate piece filled with bacon and organic maple butter. For those who like the saltier side of sweets, try one of the 18 different flavors of popcorn or chocolate covered jalapeños at Campbell’s Popcorn Shop (www.campbellssweets.com) at the West Side Market.

Cleveland Plus Pass
This multi-attraction pass saves at least 30 percent off access to ten of Cleveland’s big attractions. For visitors who missed some of the great museums Cleveland Plus has to offer during this visit, the two-, three- or five-day Plus Pass (www.positivelycleveland.com/pluspass) will help them see it all during the next time in town. The pass includes admission to ten area attractions including the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Lake Metroparks Farmpark, the Cleveland Botanical Garden and other top destinations, as well as value-added offers from restaurants, retail establishments and more. The Plus Pass doesn’t activate until the user visits the first location, so travelers can plan a return anytime in the future.

Cleveland T-Shirts
Clevelanders wear their hearts on their sleeves, literally. Visitors can be a part of this trend with quirky shirts with as much style as Cleveland pride from C.L.E. Clothing Co. (www.cleclothingco.com) or GV Artwork and Designs (www.gvetchedintime.com). For an extensive collection of Cleveland gear beyond just t-shirts, holiday travelers should shop at The Only Cleveland Store (www.theonlyclevelandstore.com) located in the heart of downtown at Tower City Center.

Anything from Big Fun
There’s no better place for affordable, kitsch gifts ranging from whoopee cushions to GI Joe thermoses than Big Fun (www.bigfunbigfun.com). This eclectic vintage toy store with two Cleveland locations is bursting with little novelty items and big ticket, hard-to-find pop culture collectibles.

Cleveland is a Holiday Wonderland

Suit up your winter gear, grab some hot chocolate and prepare to have some fun with these winter adventures filled with bright lights and crisp entertainment. Cleveland’s a holiday wonderland that has something for the young and the young at heart. Whether you are a local or a visitor, create new memories with our colorful assortment of  event offerings.

Burning River Brass Performs at Severance Hall: Dec. 15

• As part of the Cleveland Orchestra’s 2011 Holiday Festival, Burning River Brass, the acclaimed 12-member Cleveland brass ensemble founded in 1996, will perform a concert of Christmas music at Severance Hall on Thursday, December 15, at 8 p.m. Burning River Brass made its Severance Hall debut in June 2003 and has performed as part of The Cleveland Orchestra’s Holiday Festival annually since December of that year.
• 216.231.1111 www.clevelandorchestra.com

Neil Zaza’s “One Silent Night”: Dec. 17

• Neil Zaza is world renowned for his holiday mash-ups featuring traditional melodies intertwined with classic rock standards. This season, in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of his show “One Silent Night,” Zaza is bringing his audience together in a high-tech way. Along with the performance at PlayhouseSquare, fans can participate and communicate by sharing messages and holiday pictures throughout the show. As an added holiday bonus all attendees will get a free EP with Holiday classics and previously unreleased tracks.
• 216.241.6000, www.playhousesquare.org

Christmas on the Farm: Dec. 17-18, 23

• The entire family can spend an evening with Rudolph’s long-lost cousins feeding the elk herd at Bonnie Brae’s Farm in Wellington, about 50 miles southwest of Cleveland. A farm wagon, decked out in jingle bells, takes visitors out to the fields where the elk herd roam. Then, families can visit the barn with a decorated Christmas tree to receive a free hand made ornament.  The spicy scented gingerbread village entertains guests who are munching free cookies and sipping hot chocolate.  Reservations are suggested for this event.
• 440.647.3232, www.theelkfarm.com

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Quicken Loans Arena: Dec. 30

• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s distinct twist on holiday classics are right at home here in the city of rock and roll. The powerful musical group puts a magical edge on Christmas tunes that are both unique and easily identifiable.
• 888.894.9424, www.trans-siberian.com

ONGOING EVENTS

“The Santaland Diaries” at the 14^th Street Theater: Now-Dec. 17

• Based on the story by David Sedaris and produced by Cleveland Public Theatre, this show is sure to bring a smile to any Grinch’s face. The show is a hilarious recount of the trials and tribulations told by a Crumpet, now in his mid fifties, about the time he was an out-of-work actor and forced to work as a Macy’s Christmas Elf in 1989.
• 216.771.8403, www.playhousesquare.org

Technicolor Dreamcoat at Beck Center

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has returned to the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood.  This is a great show for the entire family, as a cast of 44 actors, including 16 school-age children in the Youth Chorus, brings this magical story to life with bright lights, vibrant colors, and joyful song.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the Biblical story of Joseph of Canaan, found in the Book of Genesis.  As the show opens, the Narrator introduces us to Jacob and his 12 sons.  Joseph’s brothers become jealous of their father’s favorite son after Jacob gives him a beautiful “coat of many colors.”  In retaliation, they sell Joseph into slavery, and he is taken to Egypt.

Joseph lives several years as a slave, but after interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, he is promoted to the second most powerful man in Egypt.  Eventually, a happy ending comes about as Joseph reconciles with his family, and they join him in Egypt.  The show incorporates a lot of humor and parody, especially in its menagerie of musical styles, including French ballads, the Charleston, country-western, reggae, disco, and even Elvis-inspired rock and roll.