Four Cultures Showcased by Beachwood Arts Council

The Beachwood Arts Council is showcasing four cultures at the throughout the month in its first-ever

Weekly performances, informational talks and free food will complement the visual art on display from Hispanic, Jewish, black and Chinese artists throughout March.

This Sunday Rabbi Richard A. Block from the Temple-Tifereth Israel will present “Ten Commandments or Ten Suggestions?” Art displaying commandments from both congregants and professionals will be on display, Dance Israeli’s Stuart Meyer will lead traditional Israeli dances and latkes will be provided.

Beachwood Arts Council Vice President Ileen Kelner said that the council had planned to feature visual art from different cultures throughout the year.

“We decided that we wanted to do more than just visual art. We wanted to acquaint Cleveland and other communities with other cultures,” she added. “Let’s zero in on each one of them each Sunday for the month.”

“I think it make us all richer for the experience,” said Arts Council board member Tobi Mattes.

Yesterday’s event – the festival’s kick-off – featured black culture, with the Rev. Marvin McMickle from Antioch Baptist Church discussing diversity in America, a performance by the church’s Male Choir and singer Amonica Davis, art provided by Sankofa Fine Arts Plus and Tim Myrick and soul food.

“We all live in Cleveland and the area but too many of us are not familiar with the various beliefs or arts of the various communities,” Kelner said. “This is a learning experience for everyone.”

All events are at the Beachwood Community Center Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Light refreshments sampling foods from the featured culture are also free.

Sunday, March 13: Rabbi Richard A. Block, “Ten Commandments or Ten Suggestions?” featuring Israeli dance and latkes.

Sunday, March 20: Rose Wong, “Chinese New Year Traditions and Superstitions” featuring 13-year-old world champion piano player Alsion Jin and adult Larry Lin on traditional Chinese instruments and potstickers from Pearl of the Orient.

Sunday, March 27: Andres Gonzalez, “Hispanic/Latino: A Wonderful Asset in the Community” featuring dancing, singing and drumming from the Julia DeBurgos Cultural Art Center, art from two Hispanic artists and food from Paladar.