CLEVELAND — Believe it or not, June is only a day away. And with summer’s arrival is Parade the Circle – University Heights' annual celebration of art and culture.
Presented by the Cleveland Museum of Art, the event is a collaboration of talent and time from all over the community.
Having no artistic ability whatsoever myself, I have always admired those who do. As with most pursuits, I believe one’s capacity is determined by a combination of factors. Environment and training are important aspects of course, but nothing outweighs innate ability. And in that I am decidedly lacking.
I’m simply not genetically programmed for artistic success. I come from a long line of untalented people. My ancestors were primarily laborers, layabouts and charlatans, all vocations that require little by way of graphic design skill.
My mother can’t draw a snake. My father is a left-handed dyslexic whose personal signature is so legendarily inscrutable that one might assume he’s in the practice of signing all of his checks while falling down a flight of stairs.
I have two sisters, neither of whom could successfully trace their own hand, and I have no doubt that were I ever to sire a child it’s very likely that they too will have to endure an entire lifetime of never being able to draw a horse that looks even remotely like it’s supposed to be a horse. Such is our cross to bear.
But fortunately, we are living in a thriving cultural mecca filled with more talented Bohemians than you could shake a paintbrush at, so there’s no shortage of artistic competence around here.
And it’s never more apparent than when the annual Parade The Circle event descends upon University Circle. It's truly one of Cleveland’s most beloved traditions, right up there with Dyngus Day and the Great Lakes Christmas Ale keg tapping.
I had the opportunity to speak with acclaimed artist Héctor Castellanos Lara, the parade’s artistic director. We spoke about this year’s parade theme, "Visions of Harmony" and inspiration and get a sneak preview of what’s to come.
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s 32nd annual Parade the Circle returns to University Circle on Saturday, June 8. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m.
Unable to attend Parade The Circle? You can watch me cover it live, streaming on WKYC.com and the WKYC Youtube page.