Steps inside of the downtown Cleveland library main lobby, half a million dried flowers, pinecones and other botanical items are suspended from the ceiling.
The collection is the latest in Cleveland Public Library’s (CPL) “See Also” exhibit — a rotating program that highlights an innovative modern art experience every summer. The name of the program is a pun on a library cataloging term.
The exhibit took visitor Denise Harding’s breath away.
���Bringing nature indoors like this is really cool,” Harding said. “I love it.”
Harding and Donnie Oleksy, of Sagamore Hills, came downtown just to see the exhibit after hearing about it online. The 30-minute drive was definitely worth it, she said.
“We travel for good art,” she added with a smile.
The 2023 exhibit “The Archive” by UK-based installation artist Rebecca Louise Law was slated to run from June 2023 to spring 2024. Due to the overwhelming support of the program, CPL extended The Archive’s stay until Aug. 3.
The popularity of the installation stems from the uniqueness of the experience. Patrons literally wander through the suspended blooms, taking in the beauty of the delicately dried roses and perfectly preserved palm fronds. A steady stream of visitors took the walk last week whispering to each other and pointing to particular stems along the way. A pathway was purposefully left in the center of the installation so viewers can be surrounded by the botanicals.
The installation was created to be a true immersion, and while the sheer number of hanging flowers — more than 500,000 — is an overwhelming sight, there is also an unmistakable scent in the air.
An all-encompassing floral odor connects admirers to the vastness of the project.
Take in the scents, sights and almost otherworldly silence of the installation in Cleveland library Main Branch’s Brett Hall, 325 Superior Ave., first floor. Viewers are welcome to visit for free during regular library hours from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday from June 2-28. The exhibit will be open for special Sunday viewings this month from 12-4 p.m.
“You are welcome to come in here free of charge, take pictures, and smell the flowers, but please don’t touch,” Cleveland librarian Terry Metter asked Signal Cleveland to remind visitors. Professional photography equipment such as tripods and lights are also prohibited.
Get involved with ‘The Archive’
To celebrate the success of the installation, CPL is also hosting two events this summer so art lovers and admirers can meet the artist.
On Tuesday, July 9, a hands-on workshop led by Law will encourage Clevelanders ages 14 and up to create art with natural items, just like “The Archive.” The event will be held from 4-8 pm. at the ArtBox in AsiaTown, 3236 Payne Ave.
On Wednesday, July 10, Law will be back at the Main Branch for a viewing of a short film documenting the creation of “The Archive.” The public is invited to attend the viewing and a reception in the lower-level auditorium from 6-8 p.m.
We’re adding these once-in-a-Cleveland-lifetime items to our Cleveland summer bucket list.
