Artist Welcomes "Homecoming" Exhibit In Lakewood At The Root Cafe
Lakewood will always feel like home to me.
In June, I will have the pleasure of presenting a collection of photographs and assemblages entitled “Far and Near” at the Root Café, 15118 Detroit Ave. The exhibition runs from June 1–30 with an opening reception on Sunday, June 1, from 6-8pm. The reception is free and open to the public, and all artwork is available for purchase.
I lived with my late husband Bob Becker (a well-known local radio and TV personality) and worked in Lakewood for 30 years. We were Emmy-winning video producers who specialized in creating documen- taries and “Applause” segments for WVIZ/PBS ideastream. Together, we raised our family in Lakewood and were active in the community.
When my husband died in 2021 after a 9-year bout with Alzheimer’s, I moved away from Lakewood and focused my creative energies on build- ing a solo career in the visual arts. My artwork is a lot like me: quirky, whimsical, a bit disjointed, and full of vintage pieces and parts!
My favorite art form is assemblage making, which I consider a natural extension of the documentary work about the art and history of Cleveland that I did with my husband. These objects already hint at the stories of their craftsmanship and original usage. Not only are they beautiful in their own right, but I assemble them in new ways and add to their stories.
“Far and Near” also features a series of photographs from my travels outside the state and around greater Cleveland. I’m thrilled to share my work at the Root Cafe. I often gathered there with friends when I lived there, so it’s fitting that my first exhibit in Lakewood would be there. Plus I’m excited to see friends again at the opening! The exhibit can be seen seven days a week, 8am–8pm through June 30th.
NOTE: An article about the Beckers’ home and life in Lakewood appeared in the Lakewood Observer in 2006, written by Bob Becker. Read it here: https://lakewoodobserver.com/ read/2006/03/08/living-in-luellas- house-br-discovering
A native Clevelander, Luanne Bole-Becker has merged a variety of careers, including 20 years creating video documentaries, primarily for PBS. She is an Emmy-winning producer whose work focused on Northeast Ohio history, art, and culture. She especially enjoys discovering quirky details, behind-the-scenes stories, and unexpected perspectives. She is both writer and visual storyteller. In 2019, Luanne set down the video camera to create collections of still images, often exhibiting them upon discarded or recycled materials. Her award-winning 3-D assemblages combine vintage objects and illustrations, short poems, paintings, and photographs.
Luanne Bole-Becker
A native Clevelander, Luanne Bole-Becker has merged a variety of careers, including 20 years creating video documentaries, primarily for PBS. She is an Emmy-winning producer whose work focused on Northeast Ohio history, art, and culture. She especially enjoys discovering quirky details, behind-the-scenes stories, and unexpected perspectives. She is both writer and visual storyteller.
In 2019, Luanne set down the video camera to create collections of still images, often exhibiting them upon discarded or recycled materials. Her award-winning 3-D assemblages combine vintage objects and illustrations, short poems, paintings, and photographs.