BockrathGallery.com

"Dashboard's Intermission "

"From The Driver's Seat"

"Curtain Call "	"Blaze Of Night"
"Diminishing Returns "

"The World Is Not Flat"

"Hurry Up And Wait"

"Hidden in Ochre Grasses" 36"x42" Oil on Photograph	"Acid Rain" 36"x42" Oil on Photograph
"Beacons of Strength" 36"x42" Oil on Photograph

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In appreciation for the friendships formed, support and incredible times we have shared in the gallery, I will be having a closing party November 19 from 6-10pm. Not only will this be a celebration but there will also be works available that will be pulled from my archives. It will be with mixed emotions that we will celebrate nine wonderful years of business during which I have met some of the most amazing people (including my husband). The conversations, shared memories and wonderful friendships that have developed will not be forgotten. In my appreciation I will be offering all of you 10%-75% discounts on the remaining available works. (This discount will not be available until November 19th).

While it is difficult to say good-bye to this chapter of my life, I am looking forward to what the future brings. It won't be long before you will be able to view my work again at future shows (just at a different locale). I look forward to seeing you at the farewell party! And most importantly - thanks to all of you.

With warm regards,
Lissa Bockrath

I attended the Closing Ceremony for the Bockrath Gallery with some friends who were avid collectors. They bought several pieces that evening to add to their growing collection of art and sculpture. I had come to help my parents move into a retirement home and visit friends I hadn't seen since I moved to New York City. I also ended up doing some early Christmas shopping at the Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center's Annual Craft and Food Bazaar I stayed through Thanksgiving. When I returned to my apartment on the lower east side of Manhattan, I was greeted with a lovely mess in the living room. A chagrined dog sitter explained that my dog had digested some chocolate. Maxie had the classic signs of chocolate poisoning: vomiting and diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, and excessive urination- in the house. The sitter had rushed Maxie to the Animal Medical Center where the vets were able to stabilize him by administering medications to induce more vomiting and the administration of activated charcoal to block absorption of the obromine into the body. Maxie was fine, but they wanted him back for a follow up the next week. Meanwhile I had a stained and smelly carpet to deal with. Short story, everything turned out ok after some initial stress. My friends sent me one of the pictures they had bought the night of the Bockrath Gallery Closing Ceremony. It was one that I had admired. That was really more than generous of them. They had included a note with the artwork, saying that they were planning to come to NYC for New Years. I immediately insisted they stay with me. When I discovered that the domain was available for the Bockrath Gallery I bought it with the intent of creating one page from the site's archived pages and taking the domain once again live as a homage to this gallery and my friends from Cleveland.

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Bockrath Gallery was founded in January of 1995 in order to provide a forum for contemporary art in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Upon graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Art the gallery's director, Lissa Bockrath, searched for a representative space to show her own emerging work. Once faced with the realization that there was a dearth of contemporary galleries in Cleveland, Bockrath took it upon herself to create a space that she deemed conducive to more modern styles of work.

The resulting gallery, now in its sixth year of operation, has emerged as a showcase for artists, both national and international, working in various mediums and styles. While many styles are reflected in the work shown, the gallery places a strong emphasis on painting and mixed mediums. Works exhibited in the past consist of varying formats such as computer generated images, prints, video, and other forms of non-traditional media. Bockrath remains committed to providing the Cleveland art scene with a cutting edge vision of the worlds emerging and established contemporary art.

The gallery, located in Little Italy, lies in the cultural hub of the city. Within one square mile sit the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Center for Contemporary Art, Severance Hall and the remainder of the city's prominent museums. Little Italy has emerged as the pre-eminent neighborhood for the gallery scene in the city. Containing over thiry five studios and galleries, the neighborhood provides an eclectic setting for a great variety of art. Within the brick streets and historic buildings, lies the former Murray Hill School House, which is home to fifteen studios and galleries. (Directions) The art community in Little Italy is home to the largest and longest running art walks in the city, held three times a year, the first weekends in June, October, and December.

Bockrath Gallery sits in the boiler room of the old school house in a fresh, remodeled space. Visitors are ushered down a thirty-foot ramp and into a multi-level space. Throughout this sleek, modern space are remnants of the space's history such as the old boiler doors and obsolete steam valves. The gallery has as many as six shows a year and is open Wednesday-Saturday 12-5, Sunday 1-5 (November-December only) and by appointment (216-721-5990). For upcoming and current exhibitions please see the "current exhibition" link.

 

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More Background On The Bockrath Gallery

 

The Bockrath Gallery, located in the vibrant cultural hub of Cleveland's Little Italy, was a distinguished space dedicated to contemporary art, operational from 1995 until its closure in 2014. The gallery's foundation and direction were the vision of Lissa Bockrath, a Cleveland Institute of Art graduate who sought to fill the void of contemporary art spaces in Cleveland. Her initiative led to the creation of a venue that not only showcased her work but also featured a range of national and international artists, specializing in painting and mixed media.

Lissa Bockrath, whose work as an artist has continued to evolve and gain recognition even after the gallery's closing, has explored themes of natural phenomena and their beauty, as well as their destructive power, through her paintings. Her art reflects on the coexistence of chaos and harmony in nature, employing a dynamic mix of dark and light elements to evoke feelings of hope and rebirth. Bockrath's career has been marked by numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally, highlighting her as a significant figure in contemporary art with a focus on expressionist and abstract painting​.

Another notable artist who exhibited at Bockrath Gallery is Megan Lightell, known for her landscape paintings that capture the serene and mystical aspects of nature. Like Bockrath, Lightell has had a successful career with exhibitions across various venues, demonstrating the quality of artists associated with the Bockrath Gallery. Her work, too, has been featured in solo and group exhibitions, showcasing a dedication to exploring the nuances of landscapes and the emotional depth they can convey​.

The Bockrath Gallery was more than just a space for art; it was a part of the broader artistic community in Little Italy, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of Cleveland. Its presence in the historical Murray Hill School House added a unique charm, offering visitors an eclectic experience amidst the neighborhood's brick streets and historic buildings. The gallery's engagement in the area's vibrant art scene, including participation in the largest and longest-running art walks in the city, underscored its role in promoting contemporary art and providing a platform for artists to connect with the community.

Although the Bockrath Gallery has closed its doors, the legacy of its contribution to Cleveland's art scene and its role in nurturing talent like Lissa Bockrath and Megan Lightell continues to inspire. The gallery's emphasis on contemporary art and its impact on the local and national art landscapes have left an indelible mark, celebrating creativity, innovation, and the enduring power of artistic expression.

 

Popularity

The Bockrath Gallery in Cleveland, which operated until its closure in 2014, enjoyed a degree of popularity, especially within the local arts community and among those interested in contemporary art. The gallery, founded by Lissa Bockrath, was known for showcasing a mix of young, emerging artists, including works by Ohio artists who might not have had the opportunity to exhibit elsewhere in the area. Bockrath's own shows, particularly those focusing on landscapes influenced by Cleveland's industrial backdrop, revealed a side of the city that was both raw and poignant. These exhibitions often featured a hopeful human presence amidst urban and industrial decay, resonating with viewers for their depth and authenticity​.

Lissa Bockrath, who received her BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1995, quickly established the gallery and became known for her commitment to presenting art that reflected her personal experiences and the broader Cleveland landscape. Her dedication to art and the local community was evident in her efforts to provide a platform for artists in a city she believed had incredible talent. She noted the advantage of Cleveland's affordability and the lack of saturation in the arts, which made it a nurturing environment for galleries and performance spaces.

Although there are no detailed reviews available from the period immediately preceding its closure, the gallery's approach to art, focusing on contemporary and emerging talent, suggests it was a valued part of Cleveland's art scene. Its location in the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy further underscores its significance as part of a broader community of art lovers and creators. The fact that Bockrath Gallery is remembered and discussed in the context of Cleveland's artistic heritage indicates its impact and the fondness with which it was regarded by those who experienced it​.

 

Press & Media Coverage

The Bockrath Gallery and its founder, Lissa Bockrath, have received positive press and media coverage, highlighting the gallery's exhibitions and Bockrath's work as an artist. Reviews and articles over the years have praised the artistic contributions of the gallery and Bockrath, reflecting on the quality and impact of the exhibitions hosted. These pieces of coverage underscore the gallery's role in the Cleveland art scene and its efforts to present thought-provoking contemporary art​.

 

Audience

The audience for the Bockrath Gallery primarily consisted of art enthusiasts, collectors, and members of the Cleveland art community interested in contemporary and emerging art. The gallery was a significant player in Cleveland's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, contributing to its cultural and artistic landscape. Through its exhibitions, Bockrath Gallery attracted visitors who appreciated innovative art and supported local and emerging artists. This included people from various backgrounds, from local residents to art critics and buyers looking for unique and compelling pieces.

 

Known For

The Bockrath Gallery was renowned for showcasing contemporary art, focusing on painting and mixed media. It supported emerging artists, particularly those from the Ohio region, and played a vital role in Cleveland's art scene. Founded by artist Lissa Bockrath, the gallery highlighted the local landscape through innovative exhibitions, blending industrial and natural themes. Its significance was rooted in its commitment to artistic exploration and the promotion of new talent within the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy.

 

Location

The Bockrath Gallery was located at 2026 Murray Hill Road in Cleveland, Ohio, within the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy. This area is known for its artistic community, including a variety of studios and galleries, making it a vibrant part of the city's cultural landscape.

 

Proximity To

The Bockrath Gallery was situated in Cleveland's Little Italy, close to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Center for Contemporary Art, Severance Hall, and other prominent cultural institutions. This area serves as a hub for the city's artistic and cultural activities, offering an eclectic mix of art experiences within a compact, historically rich neighborhood.

 

History

The Bockrath Gallery, founded by artist Lissa Bockrath after her graduation from the Cleveland Institute of Art, opened its doors in 1995 to provide a space for contemporary art in Cleveland, Ohio. Located in the cultural neighborhood of Little Italy, the gallery emerged as a significant venue for showcasing both national and international artists across various mediums and styles. It emphasized painting and mixed media, hosting numerous exhibitions over its years of operation. The gallery closed at the end of 2014, marking the end of a significant chapter in Cleveland's art scene.

 

Cultural & Social Significance

The Bockrath Gallery played a crucial role in Cleveland's cultural and social landscape by fostering contemporary art and emerging artists. Located in Little Italy, it not only contributed to the neighborhood's vibrant artistic scene but also provided a platform for dialogue and expression through visual arts. By showcasing a diverse range of styles and mediums, the gallery enriched the community's cultural experience and supported the career development of artists, thereby leaving a lasting impact on the local art ecosystem and its audience.

 

 

 

BockrathGallery.com