Artist-In-Residence Sylvia Munodawafa - University Circle New Community Room - Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel

Enlarge Image

On Friday, March 7, 2025, I was in University Circle attending the Stand Up for Science 2025 Rally at Case Western Reserve University. While there, I made a point of visiting University Circle Artist-In-Residence Sylvia Munodawafa's exhibition, and then, since it was right across the street, I rode the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel.

I met artist Sylvia Munodawafa at the end of the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) opening of their "2025 Student Independent Exhibition,” and she let me know that her artwork is being featured in the University Circle headquarters building. Read about the CIA opening in my blog post:

• Blog Date: March 2, 2025 - February 2025: Eight Cleveland Area Galleries
  See the section of the blog: "Friday, February 28, 2025 - Opening Night of the 2025 Student Independent Exhibition - Cleveland Institute of Art"

Also, back in November, at the "Illuminate the Circle” event (see my blog post about four Holiday Lighting Ceremonies in 2024), I met University Circle Engagement and Outreach Manager Debbi Abela and Chief Engagement and Collaboration Officer Sheffia Randall-Nickerson. They told me about a new University Circle Community Room, which I also made a point of visiting. I learned that artist Sylvia Munodawafa and others are providing community programing in this new space.

Here are my photos and information from my afternoon in the circle:

 

 

Sylvia Munodawafa Exhibition: Kumeso

Enlarge Image to
Read Biography and Artist Statement

Artist Bio:
My name is Sylvia Munodawafa and my last name is from Zimbabwe in Africa. I was born there and partially raised there. I am an abstract painter, a designer, photographer and a sculptor. I mostlv use acrylic paint on canvas but I am always very willing to experiment with different paints, techniques and surfaces. Over the years my style has evolved with experience. From simple drawings years ago to sculptures inspired by my African heritage. Growing up in both Zimbabwe and Cleveland Ohio I have spent more than half my life in this awesome city. I started at Cleveland Institute of Art which most certainly increased my love for art and positively influenced my work. I love each layer of my artistic life. Every country I've been to, the people I have met and experiences I've had add a new flavour to it. There are more mediums I would love to explore and experiment with to make new exciting work. I'm cannot wait to see where I take my art and where my art takes me.

I highly recommend that you contact University Circle and arrange a tour of Artist-In-Residence Sylvia Munodawafa's exhibition. Learn more about her at: https://dot.cards/vakomaart

I want to take this opportunity to thank Administrative Coordinator Jimmy Garmback for taking me on a tour of the University Circle headquarters and new Community Room, so that I could enjoy all of Sylvia Munodawafa's artwork. He let me know that as pieces of her work are sold, she brings in additional pieces to be displayed. Thus, it might be worthwhile to make a return visit to see what new artwork has been brought in.

I recommend viewing videos in full screen mode.
Please feel free to pause the video to look more closely at the artwork in the slides!!

 

 

University Circle Community Room

University Circle Inc. (UCI) is proud to announce . . . the opening of its new Community Room.

The newly transformed Community Room, housed in the former carriage house, offers 2,000 square feet of welcoming space for community gatherings. The room will host events such as community dinners, safety talks, arts and culture programs and more, further solidifying UCI’s role as a hub for connection in Cleveland.

“I see the Community Room as a safe, warm, welcoming space and a critical first step to enhancing a sense of belonging in University Circle; a center of arts and culture for ALL of Cleveland and beyond,” said Chief Engagement and Collaboration Officer, Sheffia Randall-Nickerson. “We look forward to curating programming with other Circle organizations and also co-creating programs with residents and neighbors.”

As I mentioned above, I had learned about the new University Circle Community Room back on November 23, 2024, so I was interested to visit now that it was open and providing special programming to the community.

Some of the current community programs include (read details on the University Circle website):

• Arts and Culture Series:
  Mask-Making Class, Sacred Tapestries Writing Club, Game Night, Yoga.

• PNC Financial Education Series:
  Financial Wellness Workshops, PNC Financial Fridays, “Small Bites After Work" (happy hour-style food and nutrition workshop).

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Series:
  Middle-School Students NASA STEM Adventures (computers and robotics).

• University Circle Police Department Safety Series:
  Building Bridges: UCPD Community Policing & Youth Engagement, Community Policing K-9 (meet K-9 Grace, a dedicated and loving dog who’s here to foster positive connections and spread some joy).

Here is your opportunity to learn more about Sylvia Munodawafa's artwork by joining her to create:

MASK MAKING WITH SYLVIA: UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY!

Join us for a hands-on Mask Making Class, with UCI Artist in Residence, Sylvia Munodawafa. Sylvia will share her knowledge and experience in creating African-inspired masks, but you will be able to design and create your own. Whether you're interested in theater, or cultural traditions, or just want to explore your artistic side, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Come with ideas or let inspiration guide you—either way, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind creation!

Date & Time: Saturdays, 11:00 am-12:15 pm, March 15 - May 3
Location: UCI Magnolia House Art Studio
Ages: Adults 18+

Administrative Coordinator Jimmy Garmback did a great job of explaining to me how the vision for this space is evolving, so please stay in touch with University Circle for future opportunities for community use and new programming.

Here are my photos of this great new space that was created from the former carriage house! It is very impressive, with a nice kitchen area, video projector, and a nice airy, uplifting atmosphere. Also note in my photos the program flyers and Sylvia Munodawafa's artwork that is displayed:

I recommend viewing videos in full screen mode.
Please feel free to pause the video to look at the artwork and the University Circle Community Room features in the slides!!

 

 

Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel - Cleveland History Center

The colorful, hand-carved wooden horses, once at Euclid Beach Park on Cleveland’s lakefront, welcome riders once again in the Carousel Pavilion at the Cleveland History Center.

When you visit the University Circle headquarters, I highly recommend crossing the street to go take a ride on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel at the Cleveland History Center!!

After my tour of the University Circle headquarters, I visited the Cleveland History Center, where my wife and co-blogger, Julie Smith, volunteers at the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel. Riding the carousel was a fun way to end my day.

In addition to working at the museum, my wife and our son, Kevin Smith, are on the board of Euclid Beach Park Now, of which Kevin was recently elected vice president. This month, he has built a new "Kevin's Northeast Ohio Amusement Memories" website with his brother, Michael Smith, that is scheduled to officially go live at the end of this week. (March 22, 2025, UPDATE) that is now live at: KevinNEOmemories.com

The last photo shows Julie ringing the bell at the end of the ride:

I recommend viewing videos in full screen mode.
Please feel free to pause the video to look more closely at the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel!

 

 

Related Blog Posts

I always like to include in my blog posts a list of related posts that may be of interest to the readers of this blog post.

• Blog Date: March 2, 2025 - February 2025: Eight Cleveland Area Galleries
  I met Sylvia Munodawafa as we were both attending the opening of the Cleveland Institute of Art 2025 Student Independent Exhibition on Friday, February 28, 2025.

• Blog Date: December 29, 2024 - 2024 Holiday Lighting Ceremonies - University Circle, Lock 3 Akron, Downtown Cleveland, GE Nela Park

  I also met some of the holiday lighting event organizers: Engagement and Outreach Manager Debbi Abela and Chief Engagement and Collaboration Officer Sheffia Randall-Nickerson. They told me how they want to engage the community more in University Circle events, and about a new University Circle Community Room that is opening soon.

• Regarding the Stand Up for Science 2025 Rally: I wrote about attending the March For Science Cleveland in 2017, and can't believe we are still needing these rallies. I had hoped that we would be better off in 2025, but instead I feel we have lost ground!!
  Blog Date: May 1, 2017 - March For Science Cleveland on Earth Day 2017

  The March for Science Cleveland organizers anticipated about 3,000 people participating in the march. . . . 3,000 - Yes to ~10,000!!!! . . . ~10,000 marchers! The good people of Northeast Ohio came out in force! Congratulations to the March for Science Cleveland for this grand success!

 

You can find more related past blog posts under the following categories:

• Art (100 blog posts)

• University Circle (80 blog posts)

• Cleveland History Center (12 blog posts)

• Euclid Beach Park (9 blog posts)

 

I hope reading this blog post encourages you to contact University Circle to visit their headquarters, and to ride the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel. Have fun!!!