Christopher Johnston, Author at The Land

Christopher Johnston

Christopher Johnston has published more than 3,000 articles in publications including American Theatre, Christian Science Monitor, History Magazine and Scientific American. His book, Shattering Silences: Strategies to Prevent Sexual Assault, Heal Survivors, and Bring Assailants to Justice (Skyhorse) was published in May 2018.

Sculpture Center show by Black artists helps Cleveland remember ‘forgotten’ neighborhoods

By Christopher Johnston ● Arts & Culture ● July 5, 2021

Artist Shani Richards is part of a movement to revitalize the Sidaway Bridge. With her work in “Crossroads: Still We Rise,” a new exhibition at The Sculpture Center in Cleveland, she hopes to draw new attention to the structure. “Crossroads,” the first in a series of related exhibitions, features 11 other artists, each of whom also hopes to unveil a forgotten corner of Cleveland and push for its revival.

Praxis Natural Dye Project grows community during Covid-19 pandemic

By Christopher Johnston ● Arts & Culture ● April 22, 2021

After the success of last year’s volunteer effort to grow indigo plants to obtain their natural deep blue dye, Praxis Fiber Arts in the Waterloo Arts District of Collinwood has expanded its “Adopt Indigo” Program.

CRCC drop-in center offers trafficking survivors safe, quiet place

By Christopher Johnston ● Development ● April 12, 2021

After more than a year of planning and overseeing the build-out of a former KeyBank branch at 10450 Superior Ave. on the southwest corner of East 105th Street in Glenville, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) opened the Human Trafficking Drop-in Center on April 1, the first day of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Digital loom weaves new opportunities for Praxis Fiber artists

By Christopher Johnston ● Arts & Culture ● April 5, 2021

With the opening of the Digital Weaving Lab at Praxis Fiber Workshop last month, the Waterloo Arts District in Collinwood added another jewel to its already glittering crown. It is the only such training center with a digital loom that offers professional residencies on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cleveland’s Salvation Army faces the challenges of rescuing sex trafficking survivors

By Christopher Johnston ● Health ● October 13, 2020

Since 2018, the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland has run a facility downtown dedicated to helping human trafficking victims. Yet now, although the residence remains full and there is an increase in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the unit is fighting to find funding to remain open for the long-term.

Covid-19 and crime accelerate economic struggles in Mt. Pleasant neighborhood

By Christopher Johnston ● Development ● September 8, 2020

Bullet holes peppering the aluminum entrance to the Southern Café East hint at the sobering story of distress tormenting the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Owner and Executive Chef Tony Fortner, who has invested in the community only to find his opportunity for success stymied by Covid-19, currently finds himself living a nightmare that’s far from finished.

“Theater is essential”: Cleveland venues wrestle with Covid-19 shutdown

By Christopher Johnston ● Arts & Culture ● June 3, 2020

By Christopher Johnston

Most Cleveland theaters are not expecting to produce another show until 2021 at the earliest, and the shutdown and loss of ticket sales have led to layoffs and budget cuts. Despite these challenges, they plan to reopen. Right now, they’re taking time to complete renovations and upgrades and plan for reopening safely while trying out new approaches with virtual programming.