Cold steel, warm craft

Machines might seem to be merely cold steel, cut gears, flowing grease and winding pulleys. But in the hands of a craftsman like local elf Shadi Ayoub, a machine can seemingly also possess a soul.

The O’Hare family was looking for a family gift that could be local, one of a kind, and passed around world wide. And although the end product could be delivered by a drone, it would instead head out on planes, trains, automobiles and UPS trucks to be delivered to London, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Shadi is The 961 Collective’s founder, artist, craftsman, entrepreneur and citizen of the world. Here’s a quick look at just part of the process leading to one of a kind printing and embossing of thick paper stock. Stationary design by Act 3’s dynamic Ron Hill. Take a look.

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Farewell, Alex

Farewell, Alex

When Act 3 producer Alex Vicarel called a meeting for the following morning, we were mentally prepared. Her announcement? She would leave Act 3 to join her boyfriend (also Alex!) in Seattle as they begin a new life chapter. A position at Microsoft for one talented Alex, a host of new geographic and career opportunities for Act 3 Alum Alex. Since Covid restrictions caused “our” Alex to miss out on her 2020 college graduation from John Carroll University, we figured a joint graduation ceremony was called for. Presti’s in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood provided the stage, Act 3’s creative director Ron Hill provided the illustrated bon voyage card and the graduation mortar board.
To follow is a sweet note from a talented, sweet lady who taught us much with her poise, grace, and wry humor.

Does AI + AR = Au?

Does AI + AR = Au?

What might look like a word problem on a high school Chem exam is really a business technology question for all of us.

Wheels of Justice turn at Act 3

Wheels of Justice turn at Act 3

The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but thanks to the work of Ohio’s Justice Bus, those wheels are turning positively for more Ohioans than ever.