Refugee-Inspired Art Exhibit Coming To Shaker Heights

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Columbus Crossing Borders Project will come to Shaker Heights on Feb. 26-27. The project sheds light on the refugee experience through the work of artists and a documentary filmmaker.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Columbus Crossing Borders Project to Shaker Heights,” said 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.”

The exhibit will be hosted by the Shaker Heights Main Library, 16500 Van Aken Boulevard. Guests can expect to see the work of 34 artists and a documentary by Ohioan Doug Swift. The Shaker Heights Schools and the city of Shaker Heights will also help host the event. All event associated with the Columbus Crossing Borders Project are open to the public.

The artists participating in the exhibit took inspiration from stories shared by refugees (including refugees living in Ohio) to create original works. Each piece tries to capture the feeling of crossing a border, according to project director and artist Laurie VanBalen.

“Each painting contains an element that reaches into the painting beside it,” she said. “What emerges is a bigger, more beautiful outcome resulting from a community of artists working together.”

Swift's documentary is 50 minutes and called "Breath Free." The film introduces guests to some of the artists taking part in the exhibit.

Here's a schedule of events coming to the Shaker Heights Main Library:

Feb. 26

• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Columbus Crossing Borders art exhibit
• 7:30 p.m. — Screening of "Breathe Free"

Feb. 27

• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Columbus Crossing Borders art exhibit
• 7 p.m. — Public reception, then a screening of "Breathe Free"

For more information on the exhibit, visit the Columbus Crossing Borders exhibit page.