Category: Fine Arts and Literature

The KOKOON ARTS CLUB was one of Cleveland's most active artists' organizations between 1911-40, largely known for its unconventional activities and espousal of "new art." Founded in 1911 by CARL MOELLMAN and WM.

The KOSSUTH MONUMENT was erected on the northeast corner of East Blvd. and EUCLID AVE. in 1902 (dedicated 27 Sept.) by the Magyar American Citizens to commemorate Hungarian patriot Lajos (Louis) Kossuth's visit to the U.S. in 1851-52. Kossuth had arrived in Cleveland on 31 Jan. 1852 and remained for 2 days, delivering speeches and raising over $1,500 in relief funds for Hungarians.

KULHANEK, JAMES CHARLES (23 April 1908-1 April 1990) a noted regional artist, was born in Cleveland the son of Anna (Veleba) and Vaclav Kulhanek who settled in Cleveland in the early 1900’s from their native Bohemia. 

KURTH, HENRY J. (2 Dec. 1917 - 30 May 1999) was a professor at CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY who was internationally known for designing sets and lighting for theater and dance productions. He was born in Columbus, WI to Elsie (Bingham) and Henry Kurth, a Brew Master and President of The Kurth Co.

LAKE ERIE OPERA THEATER offered Cleveland opera-goers 6 short seasons of adventurous programming from 1964-70.

The LAKEWOOD LITTLE THEATRE/BECK CENTER, 17801 Detroit Ave., began as "The Guild of the Masques" under the leadership of Richard Kay (1929). In 1933 the group incorporated as the Lakewood Little Theatre. It was not until 1938 that they found a home in the vacant Lucier movie theater at 17823 Detroit Ave., which was remodeled for live performances (capacity 466) and purchased outright in 1943.

LITERARY SOCIETIES (BLACK) were a much-favored form for social gatherings among the black middle class during the 19th century. Beginning with the Colored Young Men's Lyceum, organized ca. 1838 to discuss slavery and social justice, the city has hosted a large number of additional private and church-sponsored societies.

LITERATURE. Until the 1880s, Cleveland's literary life was wholly dominated by its literary societies and bookstores. The earliest bookstore on record appears in the 1820s; 4 more emerged in the 1830s, as Cleveland began to generate commercial and population growth. These stores carried the standard books of the day, mainly the older classics.

The LUMIR-HLAHOL-TYL SINGING SOCIETY was a Czech organization begun in 1867 in the Sawtell-Croton area of Cleveland as the Lumir Singing Society, which later merged with the Hlahol Singing Society and the Tyl Dramatic Society. Lumir was named after a famous Czech chorus in Prague. Founders of the Cleveland society, open only to men until 1880, included A. J. Roch and Vaclav Rychlik.

The LYCEUM THEATER opened on 22 Oct. 1883 as the Park Theater in the Wick Block on the northwest side of PUBLIC SQUARE next to the Old Stone Church. It was a large theater with an orchestra circle, a balcony, and a 3rd-floor gallery. The stage was 38' x 78' with a proscenium opening of 36'.

LYRIC OPERA CLEVELAND was founded by Anthony Addison, head of the Opera Dept. at the CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MUSIC, in 1974. By the time of its 20th season in 1993, it was Cleveland's oldest ongoing opera company.

MASTERPIECES FROM THE BERLIN MUSEUMS was the title of a traveling exhibition that came to Cleveland in 1948 and proved to be the most popular exhibition ever held at the CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART. Advancing into Germany in Apr. 1945, the 347th Infantry of Gen. Geo.

The MATHER GALLERY, formally known as the Flora Stone Mather Gallery, is a student- and faculty-coordinated art gallery located on the 1st floor of Thwing Ctr., the student union building of CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV., on EUCLID AVE.

The MAY SHOW is an annual juried exhibition of the works of northeast Ohio artists sponsored every spring by the CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART. The first Annual Exposition of Cleveland Artists & Craftsmen, as the show was called before it earned the popular nickname "May Show," took place in 1919.