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The Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Exhibition Space, inside the Cleveland Foundation headquarters, is curated and informed by community members. The space is connective and thought-provoking, a place where foundation guests and the community can appreciate the work of local artists and experience the incredible diversity and beauty of the Greater Cleveland community.
The exhibition space can be viewed during Cleveland Foundation business hours, weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
About Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell
Avid art collectors and patrons, Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell have a passion for creating and nurturing community-centered spaces that showcase Cleveland artistic talent. The couple finds inspiration in helping artists and creatives pursue careers and nurture relationships within the local and global arts communities.
Tale of Two Taínos: A Journey Through Culture, Home and History
By Gabriel Gonzalez & Marisol Ramos
The current foundation exhibit unites the compelling work of two Cleveland-based Puerto Rican artists, featuring the striking photographs of Gabriel Gonzalez alongside evocative poems by Marisol Ramos.
Together, they illuminate their shared experiences growing up in the vibrant Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Rooted in themes of community, family, identity and spirituality, "Tale of Two Taínos" offers a profound glimpse into the lives, relationships and cultural love that define their artistic journeys.
The Cleveland Foundation thanks Future Ink Graphics (F.I.G.), Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center, and Young Latino Network for their partnership in the development of this exhibit.
About the Artists
Gabriel Gonzalez
Gabriel, orginally from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, found his voice through photography at age 15. His lens captures the quintessence of his community, documenting 30 years of intimate moments in black and white. His photographs from Puerto Rico and Clark-Fulton serve as a personal diary, revealing the beauty and complexity of everyday life.
Marisol Ramos
Marisol, born and raised in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, began her poetic exploration at 16. Her words reflect the rich interplay between Cleveland and Puerto Rican culture, offering insight into her identity. Her poems transcend personal narrative, delving into the intricate, chaotic and beautiful tapestry of shared human experiences.
Past Exhibit
Complex Structures: Indelible Stories of Coming Home
"Complex Structures," the opening exhibition on display from summer 2023 through the end of 2024 at the Cleveland Foundation’s headquarters, was a collaborative effort between:
- Amber N. Ford, photography
- Shelli Reeves, storytelling
- and Leila Khoury, exhibition and book design
It featured 11 neighbors of the Cleveland Foundation, through portraits and storytelling via individual zines. There was also a poem framing the collective portraits and serving as a description of home by interviewees and other neighbors involved in the development of the project.
