PETER MAX RETURNS TO BEACHWOOD FOR THE CITY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Last month, the City of Beachwood continued its centennial celebration with a return visit from legendary American artist Peter Max. Max first visited in 2006 for the opening of the Community Center and helped celebrate another milestone with a gift of a commemorative beech tree painting. During the final week of his art exhibition, Max was present to mingle with visitors and dedicate paintings that were purchased. In preparation for the legendary artist's return, dozens of students yarn-wrapped 100 trees lining Fairmount Blvd. from City Hall to the freeway. Hilltop Elementary Visual Arts Teacher, Ali Loeb-Munson, also engaged her students in a creative project to honor Peter Max. The students studied his work, identified images and themes and painted pennants. “American Flag,” a gift presented to the city by Max in 2006, is on display in the Beachwood Community Center and the city's new “Beech Tree” painting is now on display in the lobby of City Hall. Pictured: Peter Max (with Lesley Smith) dedicates Beech Tree painting to Councilpersons James Pasch, Alec Isaacson, Martin Horwitz, Fred Goodman, Melvin Jacobs and Mayor Merle S. Gorden; Phyllis Kalk, Joe Kalk and Eileen Kelner enjoy the show; Peter Max creates “Homage to Monet: Sunflowers” for Beachwood Buzz’s October cover; Mayor Merle S. Gorden, Harriet Gorden and Carey Gorden admire Max’s rendition of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Suean Choi displays her banner. Beachwood City of December 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 33