Crossing Over

Main Street in 1915 (not when I was in college)

Greater Clevelanders are well aware of the East Side-West Side divide. We tend to stay on our own side of town. I’m no exception, although I silently praise myself when I do visit the East Side.

I don’t think either side is better than the other. Each has its own merits and I think we benefit by crossing the Cuyahoga River now and then. In recent months I’ve visited University Circle and Cleveland Heights twice each and, for the first time, the Waterloo neighborhood.

One East Side community I haven’t been to in years is Chagrin Falls. But that might change this weekend during Art by the Falls. Besides art for sale, the free two-day festival will offer live music, food trucks, art demonstrations and an opportunity for kids to be part of a community art project.

The setting alone is a work of art. I went there to take pictures for my black-and-white photography class portfolio when I was attending Kent State University. Even in black and white, the small-town scenery was picturesque.     

Art by the Falls will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Riverside Park. Off-street parking is available next to the park.