John Ewing (curator) explained

John Ewing
Birth Name:John Cameron Ewing
Birth Date:March 20, 1951
Birth Place:Canton, OH
Alma Mater:Denison University (BA)
Occupation:Curator, Cinematheque Director
Years Active:1973-2024
Organization:Cleveland Cinematheque
Cleveland Museum of Art
Children:2
Known For:co-founding Cleveland Cinematheque
Honors:Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

French: Chevalier[1] [2]

John Ewing (born March 20, 1951) is an American art museum curator[3] and co-founder of the Cleveland Cinematheque.[4]

Early life and education

Ewing grew-up in Canton, Ohio.[5] He studied English, film, and theatre at Denison University, graduating with a bachelor of arts in 1973.[6] While still at Denison, he began programming films for fellow students in his final semester.

He developed a further interest in the moving image as an intern at The Museum of Modern Art, staying late to privately screen films from their vast archives.[5] Upon returning to his native Ohio he began to work as a film critic for local publications the Geauga Times Leader and Northern Ohio Live magazine.[7]

Career

Finding work as a film critic to be too negative, Ewing began instead to exhibit films for free at the Stark County library in 1975[5] as director of the Canton Film Society, a position he held from 1975 to 1983.[8]

In 1984, he co-founded the Cleveland Cinematheque with Ron Holloway and George Gund III.[4] Ewing began programming and screening films under the Cleveland Cinematheque banner at Case Western Reserve University in 1985. The Cinematheque would move to its permanent home at the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1986..[9] He has served as director of the Cinematheque since its founding.

Ewing became curator of film at the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1986 and held that position until retiring in 2020.[10]

In 2011, he was welcomed into the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres as Chevalier by the French Ministry of Culture for "significantly contributing to the enrichment of the French cultural inheritance".[1] [2]

Ewing retired from the Cinematheque and film programming on June 30, 2024.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: They love him in France: Cinematheque's John Ewing is latest Chevalier in Order of Arts and Letters. The Plain Dealer. Clint O'Connor. February 4, 2011. cleveland.com.
  2. Web site: Vive le Cinéma! | Cleveland Museum of Art. www.clevelandart.org.
  3. Web site: Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque director John Ewing announces retirement. cleveland com. Joey Morona. August 18, 2023. cleveland.com.
  4. Web site: John Ewing to wrap 40 years at Cleveland Cinematheque. August 18, 2023. Ideastream Public Media.
  5. Web site: John Ewing. clevelandartsprize.org.
  6. Web site: Attendees | Denison 50th Reunion 2023. Denison. University. Denison University Alumni.
  7. "Giving Clevelanders films the big movie houses shun" by Clint O'Connor, The Plain Dealer Sunday, July 30, 2006
  8. Web site: John Ewing, co-founder of Cinematheque, will retire in 2024 | Crain's Cleveland Business.. cleveland.com
  9. Web site: John Ewing, Cinematheque Co-Founder, Will Retire Next June After Four Decades. Mark. Oprea. Cleveland Scene.
  10. Web site: Ewing reflects on career highlights in leading CIA's Cinematheque. January 12, 2024. currentsneo.com.