Museum PR Announcements News and Information

Maltz Museum Presents About the Right of Being Different

Explore your own feelings and emotions through About The Right of Being Different: The Art of Diversity and Inclusion at Progressive, opening April 1, 2011 for an exclusive three-month engagement at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Be the first to see this provocative show of contemporary art from the art collection of The Progressive Corporation, curated exclusively for the Maltz Museum.

Presented by Baker & Hostetler LLP, this stunning collection explores themes of diversity and tolerance, asking tough questions about our personal viewpoints and prejudices. Artworks range from traditional mediums such as painting and sculpture to the up-to-date technology of video installation. Works from well-established artists with international recognition share space with works from emerging artists, including local talent. All 39 of the artworks will challenge and enlighten visitors.

The Progressive Art Collection, conceived and nurtured by former CEO Peter Lewis, began in 1974 as a works-on-paper collection intended to beautify and stimulate the company’s Cleveland headquarters. In 1985, under the direction of Toby Devan Lewis, Progressive’s art acquisition philosophy evolved to include emerging artists working in a variety of media whose creativity and innovation reflected these same qualities in the company’s business vision. In that same year, Progressive established the Corporate Art Department, a full-time staff dedicated to the growth, management, and interpretation of the art collection. Today, the collection includes more than 7,500 artworks displayed in Progressive offices countrywide. For over 35 years, art at Progressive has continued to provoke and foster passionate discussion among its people.

“We approached Progressive two years ago,” says Judi Feniger, Maltz Museum’s Executive Director. “It was our dream that they’d partner with us to show a part of their phenomenal collection. People instantly recognize Progressive as an auto insurance giant and now by their ad icon, “Flo”, but even in their home town few realize that they are a major patron of the arts with a cutting-edge art program they use to spark dialogue and interaction.”

“Our art is intended to challenge and inspire people while serving as a visual reminder of the importance and necessity of risk-taking and innovation at Progressive,” notes Progressive’s Curator, H. Scott Westover. “It reflects respect for all people. Art at Progressive is provocative, and has fostered discussion and sometimes passionate controversy over the years.”

“A team of Progressive people wanting to learn more about the values of diversity and inclusion visited the Maltz Museum two years ago,” he continues, “and we immediately felt a strong connection between their work in diversity and tolerance and how the art collection works within Progressive’s culture. We had curated About the Right of Being Different for our people, hosting the exhibition at a variety of our corporate facilities around the country, and its diversity and inclusion theme seemed just perfect for the mission and beautiful exhibition space of the Maltz Museum. With the luxury of more space, we expanded the original exhibition to more than 25 works of art for this exhibition. Visitors to the Maltz are in for a truly memorable experience.”

This exhibition is presented through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Baker Hostetler with support from The Alvin, Lottie, Rachel and Azzizi Gray Fund, Toby Devan Lewis and Stewart and Donna Kohl. The Museum is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. Additional support from the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund the Museum with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

About the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage: The Museum of Diversity and Tolerance
Opened in 2005, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage introduces visitors to the beauty and diversity of that heritage in the context of the American experience, promotes an understanding of Jewish history, religion and culture and builds bridges of tolerance and understanding with people of all religions, races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. It includes An American Story, tracing Ohio’s immigrant history and heritage, and The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, an internationally-recognized collection of Judaica. One admission fee includes unlimited access, and all levels of membership include unlimited admission. The Museum was created as a partnership of The Maltz Family Foundation, the Jewish Community Federation’s Centennial Initiative and The Temple-Tifereth Israel, with research support from the Western Reserve Historical Society.

Learn more at maltzmuseum.org or 216-593-0575.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *