By Vince Robinson
Art of Me, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people through filmmaking, hosted a grand movie premiere at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History this past weekend, showcasing two compelling films.
One of the featured films, “Life on Track,” follows the journey of a young man coping with the loss of his closest friend and music collaborator, compounded by the theft of his cherished lyrics. As his stolen music gains viral fame, he embarks on a quest for justice, ultimately finding solace and creative inspiration within the legendary confines of a Cleveland music studio.
The second film, “Sa’Kyra’s Dance,” chronicles the aspirations of a young woman striving to join a prestigious dance company despite facing a debilitating illness that threatens to thwart her dreams.
Stephanie Wahome Lassiter, executive director of Art of Me, emphasized the organization’s commitment to storytelling as a means of addressing societal challenges, stating, “At Art of Me, we collaborate with both young people and adults to craft narratives that tackle pressing issues. We believe in taking proactive steps to bring these stories to life on screen.”
Director Kevin Taylor, whose work includes “Life on Track,” underscored the significance of the film in shedding light on the historic Boddie Recording Company, a pivotal institution in Cleveland’s musical heritage. Taylor expressed hope that the film’s portrayal of the studio’s legacy would contribute to efforts to preserve it as a museum, highlighting its role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
Elijah Payne, the lead actor in “Life on Track,” shared his mission of spreading joy drawing parallels between his character’s journey and his own aspirations. Payne, a recent graduate of Olentangy Orange High School, expressed his desire to inspire viewers through his performance, both on screen and in real life.
Art of Me engages in storytelling initiatives that involve contests designed to solicit narratives from young participants. Through collaborative efforts with industry professionals, these stories are transformed into cinematic works that offer messages of resilience and empowerment.
As Art of Me continues to foster the creative talents of young minds, it remains dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of film to inspire positive change within the community.
Actor Elijah Payne, protagonist of Life on Track
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Vince RobinsonVince Robinson
Bio
Vince Robinson is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Cleveland, Ohio. He took up photography as a student at Kent State University in the 70’s while studying Telecommunications with a minor in Pan African Studies. His career path took him through stints as a radio news reporter, television and radio producer/host, voiceover artist, entertainment journalist and photographer. He is the current host of Open Door, a television show he directed prior to assuming duties of host and Executive Producer.
He’s also the host of a radio version of Open Door on 95.9 FM WOVU - Cleveland, in addition to co-hosting and co-producing 360 Info Network, an African-centered radio talk show on AM1490 WERE - Cleveland.
He was the co-host and producer of Down To Business, a minority-oriented business show on WOIO-CBS 19 in Cleveland. Reflections: A Moment in Music History is a syndicated radio show that he produced, which aired on stations in Ohio’s urban markets.
His filmmaking projects have included documentaries shot in Ghana, West Africa, Israel, Egypt and Sudan in Northeast Africa. In addition to documentary films, he is a content creator of videos and podcasts via YouTube. Is current project, E(Race)Sure,
Is a documentary on the life of Winston E. Willis, a Cleveland millionaire who lost his business empire as a result of local corruption and a cover-up.
His photography has been featured in solo exhibitions at Kent State University and two exibitions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
His book, Got Words? (Parablist Publishing) was published in 2015. Other books in which his writing and poetry are include The Kent Quarterly (Kent State University Press, 1977), Cleveland Poetry Scenes: A Panorama and Anthology (Bottom Dog Press, 2008) and The Journal of Traditions and Beliefs (RASHAD, 2023).
As a journalist and photojournalist, Robinson has written for several publications, Including CAN Journal, Real Deal Press, East Side Daily News, Freshwater Cleveland, Crusader Arts & Entertainment, Eschelon Magazine and African American Golfers Digest.
Robinson is the editor and primary photographer for Black Local Artists of Cleveland Kuumba, a directory of artists of different genres, funded by the Cleveland Foundation and placed in all 27 Cleveland Public Library branches.
As a musician, he leads his own group, Vince Robinson & The Jazz Poets and has performed in several local and regional venues, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, Kent State University and the Cleveland area’s legendary jazz club, Nighttown.
As a performance poet, he has competed on stages of the National Poetry Slam as a member of the Cleveland Slam Team in national competitions in Chicago and St. Louis.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, he spent 27 years at State Farm Insurance in Claims and Corporate Risk & Compliance.
As an art advocate, he serves on the Board of the Assembly for the Arts, a local arts and culture advocacy and research agency tasked with creating opportunity for creatives and creative businesses.
He’s a member of the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.
Robinson is also a board member for Little Lumpy’s Center for Educational Initiatives. He participates in their Great Lakes African American Writer’s Conference as a co-host for nationally-televised events featuring prominently known writers. He is a former board member for Heights Arts, a Cleveland Heights non-profit arts organization.
He currently serves on an advisory committee on arts and culture for Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and the City Planning Department.
Robinson is the owner of Larchmere Arts, an art gallery, photography studio and performance venue in Cleveland.