Welcome to Bay Ventures Gallery! 

This website is dedicated to the memory of Cleveland J. Bellow, a Bay Area born photographer, printmaker, and fine artist who began his career over 40 years ago.

Born July 30, 1946 in San Francisco, California, Cleveland completed a vass number of artworks over a very brief lifetime.  He began his career during the "Black Arts Movement", a time when African American playrights, writers, poets, and visual artists believed that their creative works would change negative cultural strereotypes that permeated American racism. 

It was a time of great change--a time of great activism and reform.  Being black became more beautiful, and the messages from the African American artists fueled the idea of "self-determination" and "self reliance. 

Cleveland Bellow was a nationally and internationally renowned artist, producing over 22 Limited Editions and two portfolios: the Nimba Series and the Contemporary Folk Heros.  His  Africian American and Creole heritage, his love for his community, the love for the African American woman and her power reflected prominently in his work.  Though much of his work was produced in the 1960s and 1970s, he continued to produce work through 2008. Most recently, his work was displayed at the Woodmere Museum in Philadelphia, PA as part of the Lewis Tanner Moore Collection of African American Art.

There is no doubt that much of his life was also strongly dedicated to supporting politically progressive candidates and leaders in his community.  Many sought his expertise to help with their elections and professional aspirations.  It was in this role that he worked tirelessly to promote the contribution of art to humanity, and to bring attention, recognition and respect to African-American artists and their contributions to American history 

Always available to mentor a student, teach a aspiring artist, listen to a friend, and encourage a colleague, Cleveland Bellow was not only an artist, an activist, a humanitiarian, and a community contributor, but a "culture carrier".  

"Art gives me a view into the past and allows me an avenue to reflect on what was. Art provides me with vision to see beyond ourselves and affords a view of what can be in a world of possibilities". 

Cleveland Bellow passed away March 11, 2009 in Hayward, California.

It is Cleveland's work that is highlighted on this website, with the hope that by doing so, appreciation of his work and the celebration of his legacy, will continue forever.

Please enjoy the gallery and should you like additional information of any artwork shown, please contact us.

Barbara J. Bellow