A Cool Cleveland Place
Checking out the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation

I've just visited a fascinating place. At 1754 East 47th Street, you'll find something which exemplifies the best of Cleveland's spirit. Set in an old factory building, with lots of atmosphere, it is a modern paper-making and printing organization. Artists make their own paper, from pulp to finished product.

The very dated (but efficiently operating) equipment used for pulp-making, paper-making, printing, and the creation of books and other art works is on display to the public. It is currently hosting an international show, which will close next Wednesday, April 29. The organization's mission is "serving the greater community locally, nationally, and internationally with sustainable practices, in an innovative green environment."

It was founded in 2006 by Tom Balbo, an enterprising Cleveland artist who is now its Executive Director. It was his vision to create a state-of-the-art hand-papermaking and book arts center in Cleveland. In 2007 he purchased and renovated an old machine shop on East 47th Street to house the Center, which is named the "Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation".

Currently the Morgan offers a full spectrum of classes for people interested in hand papermaking and book arts. Many of these classes are taught by nationally known artists who are experts in their field.

In 2012 the Morgan will host the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists Congress, which will bring over a hundred of the world's most renowned paper artists from 40 countries to Cleveland.

The Morgan is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from Noon to 4 pm. Group classes can be scheduled for organizations, and the staff are always happy to take people on a tour of the facility. It's a thrill to visit. Check them out online at http://www.MorganConservatory.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Sarah Taylor sarahATwindustrious.org
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