Exhibitions
Current Exhibits
Shaker Sells — March 7 - August 10, 2025
In the 19th century, the Shaker name signified quality through the brooms, furniture, seeds, and medicinal herbs that sustained their communities. After the decline of Cleveland’s North Union Village, the Van Sweringen brothers repurposed Shaker imagery to market Shaker Heights as an idyllic escape from industrial Cleveland. Their exclusive suburb contradicted Shaker values, yet the romanticized image of a “peaceful Shaker village” fueled the city’s growth and remains a lasting brand to today.
Shaker Sells is co-curated by Cleveland State University student Elliot Rendall and is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
History is Messy — March 7 - June 1, 2025
Between 1883 and 1929, Andrew Carnegie funded 2,500 “Carnegie Libraries,” 1,700 in the United States. He required local support for the libraries but not much else. It amounted to over a billion dollars in today’s funds. Carnegie was an emblem of the Gilded Age and a ruthless businessman. Here we are roughly a century later and, arguably, are in yet a second gilded age. Most of these libraries are still in use - in cities and very small towns. Although a great deal has changed, when you go into these places, a great deal is the same. Children still listen to stories. It is a safe and comfortable place. There are still books, though there are computers, the Internet, audiobooks, and a full spectrum of contemporary media. Librarians are there to recommend and to assist in research. The public value of these places is palpable. You can feel it.
The project includes 125 libraries in 12 states and one province. In each image, there is a librarian with a favorite book. The upcoming viewing of History is Messy highlights selections from this body of work, including photographs of Cleveland-area Carnegie libraries. This exhibit is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
About the Artist: Charles “Chuck” Mintz studied photography at Maine Photographic Workshop, Parsons School of Design, International Center for Photography, Lakeland Community College, and Cuyahoga Community College. He has a BSEE from Purdue University and an MSEE from Cleveland State University. He is the former board chair of ICA–Art Conservation in Cleveland, OH and board member of the Cleveland Museum of Art – Friends of Photography. Chuck is a Life Director at Jewish Family Services of Cleveland. His work is found in museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and private and corporate collections in North America, Europe, and Asia. Chuck was awarded an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award for 2017 and 2015.
Exhibitions at the Shaker Historical Society are made possible with current or previous support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.
Upcoming Exhibits
The Lissauer Gallery features art from Northeast Ohio artists. Founded by Jack and Linda Lissauer, Shaker Heights residents and longtime supporters of the arts, this intimate gallery is designed to encourage emerging artists, promote an appreciation of art, and support local artists. We also acknowledge partnerships with leading galleries such as Bonfoey Gallery, The Maria Neil Art Project, and the former Tregoning & Co.
Please note the Lissauer Gallery is on the second floor and is not ADA accessible. Navigation of stairs is required to view the Lissauer Gallery.
CURRENT LISSAUER EXHIBIT: History is Messy by Charles Mintz | March 7-June 1, 2025
Artists Previously Exhibited
Jen Adams
African American Quilt and Doll Guild
Bonnie Dolan
William Gould, AIA
Don Hisaka, AIA
Elisabeth Cain Pressler
Jim Ptacek
J. Noel Reifel
Viktor Schreckengost