The Observation Deck

Happy Friday!

It is one day before the wonderful Spring Art Walk and I wanted to share a little bit of information about some of the films we will be showing at this year's Art Walk. As you have seen, we will be showing short films from about 3 PM to 7 PM at Omega Cut, 11833 Franklin.

3:00-4:00 The Works of the Grant Elementary Local History Project: Come see three amazing works from our young local talent. Grant Elementary School kids, in partnership with the Lakewood Historical Socieity, tell richly researched stories about Bird Town, Templar Motors and Cowan Pottery. See these award winning films about Lakewood's past.

4:00-5:00 Liberation Brew: The Views of Sam Phillips Sam Phillips is a local treasure as a documentary filmmaker who tackles issues from the difficult to the bizarre. He hosts a Cable Access television show called "Liberation Brew" and is sharing some of his work with the Art Walk. Topics to include the "blight" discussions from the start of this century, the Chief Wahoo controversy as well as a surprising sighting of a UFO over downtown Cleveland.

5:00-7:00 Highlighting Local Talent: Did you know Lakewood and greater Cleveland are homes to some amazingly talented filmmakers? Today we will highlight three (and hopefully four) homegrown talents by sharing some of their short films, trailers, music videos and comedy sketches. Luke Campbell got his start doing some horror movies and moved on to 70's style noir and recently screened at the Akron Film Festival his newest movie "Cordoba Nights." Kevin Jackson runs his own Multimedia Production Company and has been seen all around town filming many local artist events, including the nationally known Verbs Ballet as well as many comedians and musicians. Joe Ostrica filmed his Film Fest favorite "Guys" at McGinty's on Madison Ave. This short film has made the rounds all across the country to great acclaim. This movie will only show after 6 PM as it has more adult themes, akin to a Kevin Smith style film.

Omega's proprietor Christina Ermidis's son Andy Blubaugh grew up in the region and moved out to Portland to pursue his love of filmmaking. His early film, "Scaredycat," will hopefully be shown prior to the 7PM end time.

7:00-? Come for the movies, stay for the belly dancers. The dancers called the Sirens Hararidance will dance the night away.

Drop in and stay for a bit or stay longer to see a wide variety of local talent. We look forward to seeing you.

See you at the movies!


Phil Florian

I saw lots of old friends, made lots of new friends my thanks to ALL organizers, sponsers, artists, participants and business owners you showed me and the rest of the community the greatness of a city I have lived in and took for granted !

Thanks Again , Looking forward to Sept 28 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just got back from the LIA / MAMA Art Walk. It was good fun and is growing nicely.

I want to thank everyone at Lakewood Is Art, including; Ruthie Koenigsmark, Barb Michel, Savannah Farris, DL Meckes, Phil Florian and others for their efforts.

Justine Cooper and MAMA, what can I say.

Glenn Palmer, thanks for having what we needed all day long at Lakewood Hardware.

Yes, the September 28 Art Walk, will be something very special for sure.

Thanks to all that support these grass root efforts to make Lakewood more enjoyable.


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Thanks Phil for all your hard work in getting the films and acting as coordinator for our FilmFest--couldn't have done it with out you.

Additionally, thanks to Scott and Erik Plumer who brought in AV equipment and acted as projectionists for the day.

You all were a great team!