My Collinwood/Your Art

Courtney Kardashian adds a lock to the thousands of locks as seen on the "Arts Bridge" in Paris, France.

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There’s a new stop on next month’s “Walk All Over Waterloo” first Friday’s art crawl.

Join your neighbors at Mac’s Lock Shop - the oldest business on the street -  at 15702 Waterloo Road for “LOCKS of Love, from Waterloo.” The FREE event will be held from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, March 7th, 2014 and is open to all.

Why would you go to a locksmith on a Friday evening? Assuming you’re not locked out of your house, the answer may not be obvious.

Thanks to generous support from the Collinwood Rising Vibrancy Grant made possible by North East Shores Development Corporation and the Kresge Foundation, Mac’s will be hosting one of many FREE grant-funded events popping up along Waterloo during the massive streetscape renovation.

Myself and one of Mac’s employees, Perry Prine, have been brainstorming this event since I needed to make use of Mac’s wonderful locksmith service back in December. Perry and I got to talking over a can of WD-40 and the partnership was born.

Our event will be unique because one art installation will be built that night by ANY and ALL guests of the event. That’s right, you too can be a “Waterloo Artist.” No advanced registration required – just show up!

Turns out, if you ask a group of kindergarteners which of them are artists, the whole class will proudly wave their hands in the air. By the time those same kids hit their teenage and, especially, adult years, only those academically or professionally pursuing art will boldly make the same assertion. This is a sad fact - We are all creative beings!

So, do YOU want to make art?

Come on down to Mac’s for a chance to make your mark on the Waterloo art scene.

Post 9-11, TSA security standards evolved so that they no longer permit the use of certain luggage locks. Mac’s has a ton of these very locks, and what better way to make use of an otherwise useless lock than through art?!

On March 7th, all guests will be invited to stamp their name or other short message onto the body of one of these locks and attach it to a chain link fence-like sculpture. The sculpture hopes to find a permanent home on Waterloo Rd where it can continue to grow as more community members participate over time.

This idea mimics an art project started in Paris where lovers come to place locks on the Arts Bridge, symbolizing a permanent connection. It has been replicated around the world, but never in Cleveland.

In addition, from 5-8pm Mac’s will provide expert demonstrations including explaining about the inner workings of a cam lock, how to crack a safe’s dead bolt, and how a key is cut. Valuable giveaways and incentive coupons featuring service discounts from Mac’s Locks will be passed out throughout the evening alongside complimentary heavy refreshments.

Last but not least, admire my own creative stamp on the street - a permanent mobile titled “Key to the Street” and made of upcycled scrap locks, knobs, and keys. It will be installed in Mac’s front window and be visible from the street day and night; because while Mac’s closes at 5pm daily, Waterloo stays open late into the night.

Don’t miss the opportunity to support your neighbors, grab a bite to eat, and MAKE ART.

Be sure to bring your mobile devices and tag your creation on Instagram or Twitter using the tag #lockslovewaterloo and post to our Facebook page, “LOCKS of love, from Waterloo.”

Allison is a new North Collinwood resident, artist, and neighborhood cheerleader looking to spread Lake Erie lovin' all over Cleveland. Allison has been active in many Waterloo Road-based arts projects including the Phone Gallery, last winter's Vacant Storefront competition, and an alleyway project underway next to Waterloo Arts.