Cleveland, OH – For over three decades, Laurence Channing has transformed Cleveland's streets, bridges, and industrial architecture into compelling works of art. This fall, the Bonfoey Gallery presents Laurence Channing: Then and Now, a retrospective exhibition of artworks dating from the 1990s through the present. Alongside his earlier works, the exhibition will debut an entirely new series of charcoal drawings created exclusively for this exhibition.
Laurence Channing’s renowned drawings capture the heart of Cleveland with technical precision and an unmistakable artistic voice. Drawing inspiration from the architecture and infrastructure that define Northeast Ohio, his work has earned widespread recognition for revealing the beauty, character, and enduring presence of the places that shape the city. His subjects are seldom the places found on postcards; instead, turning his attention to the roads we travel every day, the storefronts that have weathered decades of change, and the overlooked corners that define Cleveland as much as its celebrated landmarks.
There is a dreamlike atmosphere to Channing's drawings. His distinctive handling of charcoal allows forms to emerge with remarkable clarity before fading into softened passages, creating images that seem suspended between reality and memory. For many viewers, his drawings evoke the feeling of a place remembered, recalling the experience of growing up here, traveling its streets, and carrying those places with us long after we've left them behind.
On view from November 6 through January 8, Laurence Channing: Then and Now brings together works spanning more than thirty years of Channing's career, offering visitors the opportunity to experience many of the drawings that have established his reputation, alongside an entirely new body of work presented to the public for the first time. Together, these works reflect an artist whose dedication to his craft and enduring fascination with Cleveland's architectural character have remained at the heart of his practice.
Laurence Channing received both his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Yale University. Throughout his distinguished career, he held positions at several prominent museums before serving as Director of Publications at the Cleveland Museum of Art from 1985 to 2009. His work has been exhibited extensively throughout Ohio and beyond and is represented in numerous public and private collections. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Channing received the Cleveland Arts Prize in 2000, multiple Ohio Arts Council Fellowships, and a Creative Workforce Fellowship from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
Join us in celebrating Laurence Channing’s remarkable career and dedication to the arts at our opening reception, Friday, November 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view through January 8, 2027. Admission is free and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Exhibition Details:
November 6, 2026 - January 8, 2027
Opening Reception: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Bonfoey Gallery
1710 Euclid Ave Cleveland, OH 44115
About Bonfoey Gallery:
Founded in 1893, the Bonfoey Gallery has been at the forefront of Cleveland's art scene, dedicated to presenting innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions. With a focus on contemporary art, the gallery represents a wide array of artists and mediums, hosting several major exhibitions each year. Bonfoey Gallery is committed to making art accessible to all, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for arts within the community.
