CLEVELAND - Deep connections underscore Worlds Apart, an upcoming art show that runs May 2 through July 27 2022, in the 2nd floor atrium of 200 Public (Public Square) in downtown Cleveland. Worlds Apart brings together the worlds and work of Robert (Bob) Tubbesing, Andy Tubbesing, and Luanne Bole-Becker--three artists who are both family and friends. These lifelong Clevelanders create and reflect some of the fondest memories of the city.
In the case of Bob Tubbesing, it’s a homecoming of sorts. Bob worked for decades on Public Square as a display designer for Higbee’s and The May Company. If you shopped downtown in the sixties or seventies, you probably experienced his department and window displays. In addition, Bob was an interior designer, editorial cartoonist (Newspaper Enterprise Association), art teacher (Tri-C), art director, and muralist. (His fanciful murals still grace Malley’s candy stores across greater Cleveland.). Several of his pen-and-ink drawings that are on display reference iconic local landmarks. Worlds Apart is the first extensive, posthumous, public exhibition of Bob’s work.
Luanne Bole-Becker captured our memories in her career as part of an Emmy-winning, husband-and-wife team (with Bob Becker) producing documentaries and Applause segments for PBS station WVIZ/ Ideastream. It was while producing The Way We Shopped in 2000 that Luanne met Bob Tubbesing, who figures prominently in that beloved local documentary, still popular more than 20 years after its debut. When Luanne retired in 2014, she began channeling her love of local history and storytelling into creating photographs and art assemblages that celebrate whimsy, vintage objects, and unusual perspectives.
Andy Tubbesing is one of Bob Tubbesing’s sons. Often accompanying his dad on painting jobs as a youth, Andy built his career in the visual arts through prepress, graphic design, and teaching (Tri-C). He now works in painting, assemblage, animation, and digital photography, combining influences from art history, science fiction, horror, and pop culture. In 2019, Andy and Luanne became creative partners. Their individual works show at many regional venues, such as the Gallery at Lakeland (Kirtland), Stella’s Art Gallery (Willoughby), Summit Artspace (Akron), and Waterloo Arts (Cleveland).
The artist reception for Worlds Apart will take place Thursday, May 5, noon – 2:00 pm. In addition to the works included throughout the exhibition, the reception will include additional artwork for sale (e.g., 3-D assemblages, smaller gift items, 200 of Bob Tubbesing’s pen-and-ink drawings).
Artwork can be purchased online throughout the run of the show. For more information, email bbvideo@sbcglobal.net
For several years, 200 Public has been showcasing local artists in its 2nd floor art gallery. From photography to watercolors, acrylics to pop art, tenants and visitors alike have been treated to the best local artists Cleveland has to offer. The building is currently booking for 2023. If you are interested in exhibiting at 200 Public, contact Catherine Webb at catherine.webb@cbre.com.