The City of Shaker Heights, together with the Shaker Schools and the Shaker Heights Public Library, will host the Columbus Crossing Borders Project on February 26 and 27 at Main Library (16500 Van Aken Boulevard). This project explores the refugee experience through the work of 34 artists and a documentary by Ohio filmmaker Doug Swift.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Columbus Crossing Borders Project to Shaker Heights,” says Sean Malone, a member of Shaker Heights City Council and chair of the Human Relations Task Force. “This powerful exhibit highlights the resilience of refugees from around the world, who endure extraordinary hardships to start new lives in the United States, including here in Ohio. It also reminds us how interconnected we all are.”
Participating artists took inspiration from stories shared by refugees (including several residing in central Ohio) to create original works that also “cross borders,” explains project director and artist Laurie VanBalen. “Each painting contains an element that reaches into the painting beside it,” she says. “What emerges is a bigger, more beautiful outcome resulting from a community of artists working together.”
A 50-minute documentary, “Breathe Free,” by Ohio filmmaker Doug Swift introduces viewers to some of the artists participating in the exhibit and the refugees who inspired them.
All events in the Columbus Crossing Borders Project are open to the public. Learn more about the project at Columbus Crossing Borders Project.
Schedule of Events at Shaker Heights Main Library
Wednesday, February 26
9 am-9 pm — Columbus Crossing Borders Art Exhibit
6:30 pm & 7:30 pm — Screening of “Breathe Free”
Thursday, February 27
9 am-9 pm — Columbus Crossing Borders Art Exhibit
7 pm — Public reception, followed by screening of “Breathe Free”