Creative Voices - An Evening With Ruby Dee, Susan Stamberg & Michael York

The Actress Ruby Dee

All Images Copyright 2009 Stuart Pearl Photography

"You have very warm hands." These were Ruby Dee's comments to me when I recently met her at a local PBS function. I had just shaken hands with this grand lady of Broadway, and was thanking her for being such a cooperative photographic subject at this cultural arts event.

On May 27, 2009 WCPN/WVIZ Ideastream hosted a reception in the Idea Center for the 2009 Creative Voices Summit.

Special NPR correspondent Susan Stamberg, actors Michael York and Ruby Dee attended the reception prior to Thursday’s discussion. The panel was charged with discussing how the cultural aspect of a community can be reflected in it's arts.

As a volunteer photographer for Ideastream this was one of my more challenging events. It was like shooting three separate wedding receptions in the brief span of two hours.

Each of these people is fascinating in his or her own way. And each was different in the way they presented themselves to my camera.

Ruby Dee is originally from Cleveland having been born here in 1924. She is a gracious woman with a genuinely warm and friendly smile. Open to easy conversation, I can imagine chatting with Ruby about her early days in the city. She was a pleasure to photograph and very accommodating to my informal poses.

Part of Ruby Dee’s early history includes the Karamu Theater. Karamu House Inc. is the nation’s oldest multi-cultural arts institution. That organization helped launch an acting career which spans over 50 years.

Karamu’s Executive Directory Gregory J. Ashe conversing with Ruby in the Smith Theatre.

Art Falco, President and CEO PlayhouseSquare (left) Michael & Pat York, and Colleen Porter, Head of PHS Education.

Other than the fact that Michael has more hair, better looks, nicer suits, worldwide success and impressive acting talent, he and I are quite similar. Amazing – he’s nine years older than me and yet looks younger. I need to work out more.

Born in 1942 he got his start in theater and now has over 60 screen credits.

Michael York chatting with Susan Stamberg, Smith Studio (Idea Center).

Just a few of his films include Logan’s Run, Cabaret, Murder on the Orient Express and The Three Musketeers. He has also appeared on TV in episodes of Law and Order and The Simpsons as well as other productions.

Former Karamu board member Bracy Lewis (left) and current Artistic Director Terrence Spivey chat with Ruby during the reception.

"Your flash didn't go off." This was my first encounter with Susan Stamberg as she entered the Smith Studio at Ideastream. Sharon Herene of Ideastream (left) during Susan Stamberg’s introduction.

The flash DID go off for my first shot as she walked in with the staff. But I wanted to get a second, closeup image as she began talking with the guests. Unfortunately the strobe hadn't recharged yet.

It was clear by the tone of her comment that she would wait for that second shot, but only if I was quick about it. At least that was my impression of this embarrassing moment.

Susan Stamberg is an impressive and imposing individual. When she enters a room people seem to naturally move in her direction. The want to hear what she has to say. According to the official NPR bio “Stamberg is the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program, and has won every major award in broadcasting.”

Susan was a challenge to photograph in this setting. Anybody she chatted with received her full and focused attention and it was obvious the guests appreciated this consideration. This almost made me the intruder then when trying to have her face my camera. She was friendly and cordial and gave me my shots. But the attendees were her first consideration – as it should be.

Michael York and wife Pat in the WVIZ/WCPN Idea Center May 27, 2009

I can imagine sitting in a coffee shop reading the afternoon paper with Michael York. He just seems like a relaxed comfortable guy. With a quiet and laid back manner he and his wife Pat easily moved about the Smith studio chatting with local supporters of the arts.

Mark Filippell an Ideastream board member, introduced York and joked that even though the actor and wife Patricia live in Hollywood, they've been married for 40 years which is unusual for actors in that city.

Pat York is a very accomplished photographer and writer in her field. She has published several books and her work as been exhibited in museums around the world.

Pat York, photographer/writer with husband Michael York.

Additionally she has worked as a writer and photographer for Vogue, Time, Newsweek and Life just to name a few. Photography credits include portraits of Bobby Kennedy, Timothy Leary, Jack Nicholson, Andy Warhol and many others.

Michael was keynote speaker the following day at The 2009 Creative Voices Summit & Arts Education Day Luncheon in the Allen Theatre. Sponsored by Cleveland State University, the talk further discussed the state of the arts today.

Jesse Rosen, arts panel member and President of the American League of Orchestras.

Preceding the luncheon, WVIZ/WCPN was hosted the Creative Voices at the Idea Center summit in Westfield Insurance studio. Moderated by Susan Stamberg, the panel included Ruby Dee, Jesse Rosen, Tomothy Rub and Sari Feldman. Responding to questions from the audience, the group gave their views on the current state of the arts.

Ruby Dee, Dr. Joanne Schwartz, Dr. Michael Schwartz President of CSU, and Sari Feldman, Executive Director – Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Architect Philip Wasserstrom And Timothy Rub, Director of the CMA

Kit Jensen, COO of WVIZ/WCPN Ideastream with Buffy Filippell President of Teamwork Consulting.

Jonathan Forman and Susan Stamberg.

Smoky Mountain Fall

All Images © 2008 Stuart Pearl

The clouds are beneath your feet. But you can easily change chairs for a different view. Every morning showcased a unique sunrise. Sometimes it was a mass of cotton candy filling the bowl in front of the deck.

Other mornings you could see blue gray peaks just breaking through the gauze. Certainly no two sunrises were alike, and each new canvas was special in its pallet of colors.

For years Jeanne and I had talked about visiting the Smoky Mountains. We finally made good on that plan in early October, shortly before my unexpected surgery. Planning such a trip starts out simple and Jeanne is an expert in the task.

We find a “green spot” on the map and then google for cabin rentals in the vicinity. Now the planning gets complex. She has tremendous patience as she reviews at least a hundred different venues. But she always makes excellent choices.

Switchback road to Sky Cove cabin

The particular rental was at 3500 feet. It was also at the end of a narrow, single lane, winding road with frequent hairpin turns. Second gear was recommended for the ascent…as well as the descent.

Our "Rental"

It’s not often I see the temperature gauge change in front of my eyes. But once we arrived at our “Sky Cove” cabin, the view was worth it.

This cabin was actually nicer than our home. We wanted our kids and their guys to join us so we rented something with multiple bedrooms. Unfortunately work and school didn’t give them the necessary free time.

Jeanne relaxing with a book after dinner

Our deck looked out upon the southern part of the Smoky Mountains. It gave great views while reading or enjoying dinner. There was a different sunrise or sunset to photograph everyday, and it was difficult to select the best images.

Livingroom and spiral staircase to the loft bedroom.

Our rental was just outside of Bryson, NC which is nearby the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Bryson is small and the main industry is now tourism.

"Downtown" Bryson, NC and Smoky Mtn. Scenic Railway

The Recession has hit this area hard. Evinrude Motor, numerous furniture manufacturers and other businesses have moved out over the past few years. If not for the gift shops, lodging rentals and new Indian Casino, income would be difficult for the area. Some still do survive on agriculture though.

One enjoyable day was spent riding the Smoky Mountain Scenic Railway.

It leaves Bryson on a 44 mile round trip traversing both the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, with stunning views of Lake Fontaine and their tributaries.

Approaching the Nantahala Gorge

We met a number of interesting folks from all over the United States. The train has conventional seating was well as an “open air car”.

This allows photographers an unobstructed view of the landscape.

Lake Fontaine with houseboats (below)

We also indulged our passion for hiking. Over the course of our five day Smoky stay we went on three hikes of varying difficulty. The easiest was the trip to Clingman’s Dome.

The walk to Clingman's Dome

On a clear day you can see a number of mountain tops across various states. Unfortunately fog hit the observation point the moment we arrived.

Jeanne at creek crossing on Alum Cave trail

Our most enjoyable trek was the hike up to Alum Cave Bluff. This was a 1,400 foot ascent over a one way distance of two miles.

Stu taking a break on Alum Cave hike

Anytime we do a hike of this duration and difficulty we pack lunch and plenty of water. At this time in our lives we’d quickly run out of energy without the additiona calories.

We stopped halfway up the trail at the “cave” and enjoyed our PB&J’s. Further up there is a permanent overnight camp with hot meals and showers, but that’s for hardcore backpackers. After chatting with some fellow hikers we began our 90 minute descent.

Jeanne and Stu at Alum Cave Bluff

The Smoky’s are really a beautiful place. Hopefully we can entice our extended family to join us the next time we return.

Sunset on southern range of the Smoky's

Like to see high resolution images of these views? Check out my Smoky Mountain Gallery on the web.

An Evening With Kai Ryssdal

All Images © 2008 Stuart Pearl

Special access can provide a photographer with some interesting subjects and opportunities. It may be a new vantage point in the Cleveland Flats. Or it can mean an introduction to media personalities.

This is how I got to chat with Kai Ryssdal back on September 25. He is the host of Marketplace on American Public Media. It was also the last photo shoot I did prior to my current injury and subsequent disability.

Jane Temple of Ideastream watches Ryssdal from the Ideacenter control room.

Kai is a charming and gracious individual with a terrific radio presence, whose unique name has Norwegian origins. Although he has hosted Marketplace since August, 2005. journalism was not always his background.

Prior to this he was a carrier based Navy pilot for eight years, a Pentagon staff officer, and a member of the United States Foreign Service .

Relaxed and wearing colorful suspenders with a theater motif, Kai and I talked as he prepared for his 6:30 PM Marketplace broadcast from WCPN’s studios.

He actually did most of the talking while I snapped candid portraits. Kai was in Cleveland to speak about the current financial crisis. That morning he responded to callers on The Sound of Ideas with Dan Moulthrop.

Later that evening Ryssdal spoke before a sell out crowd of over 200 people in the Westfield Auditorium at the Ideacenter. The Glenmede Corporation and Alpha Group Agency were sponsors of the evening.

Ryssdal traced origins of the current financial crisis, pointing out similarities and differences between 1929 and the present. He then followed up with questions from the audience. Some of the audience interaction took on a debate aspect.

I photograph a variety of subjects - it’s not all weddings or the Flats. In addition to my event and fine art photography, I donate time to the Cleveland NPR and PBS affiliate, WVIZ/WCPN Ideastream.

Several times during the year I will be contacted by the staff regarding station events.

Not only is this a fascinating community organization, but I’ve been able to meet film makers, on-air talent like Gwen Ifil and Dick Feagler, and also a number of interesting station personalities.

Ryssdal speaking to audience members on September 25, 2008.