Cleveland museum hosts "The Art of Diversity and Inclusion"

From skin color to gender; body type to physical abilities; political views to religious views; sexual orientation to cultural beliefs; there are countless things that make people unique. And yet, often these differences are not embraced for the diversity they create. The newest exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage aims to change this notion and harbor a discussion on the importance of accepting differences. The exhibit, About the Right of Being Different: The Art of Diversity and Inclusion at Progressive, opens today and is on display through June 26, 2011.

A table full of colorful but similar block-like houses, a film animating thousands of photographs to tell the story of a woman’s life, a delicate lace pattern burned into a rusty wheelbarrow, a portrait of Oscar Wilde made up of children’s toys and candy, a photograph of Arabic women in traditional outfits; it only seems fitting that the types of artwork are as diverse as the messages they represent.

The exhibition includes seemingly everything, from mixed media pieces incorporating barrettes, fake finger nails and eyelashes to stunning photographs and paintings. The exhibition has expanded beyond the original collection to include 25 new pieces, some of which have never been seen before. Each piece discusses aspects of persecution, perseverance, reflection and more. Accompanying each artist description is a thought-provoking question to focus and direct the viewer’s interpretation of the piece.

The stunning and, at times, shocking pieces on display explore themes of diversity and tolerance by making the viewer consider his or her own personal views and prejudices. The collection features pieces for the local corporation, Progressive Insurance. For more than 35 years the Progressive Art Collection, created by former CEO Peter Lewis, has grown to incorporate more than 7,500 artworks that are displayed in Progressive offices nationwide. What was originally created to beautify and stimulate the company’s headquarters has become a well-known art collection that provokes thought and discussion among viewers.

The gallery space at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is a beautiful area for the previously curated About the Right of Being Different exhibition. While currently on exhibition at various Progressive corporate facilities around the country, the fit within the Maltz space and mission made for a logical partnership. The themes of diversity, tolerance and acceptance that resonate in the mission statement of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage are the core of this exhibition.