  JEROME’S HOME: A Show of Brotherly Love This is a new exhibition on display at the Greater Cleveland LGBT Community Center. It’s a potent sequel to last year's exhibition (JEROME’S HOME: A Show of Motherly Love) and is more forthright in its sex-positive themes. Most of this artwork comes from the private collections of Jerome’s ten brothers, along with other collectors who knew Jerome well. It has never been displayed in Cleveland until now. The goal is to inspire heartfelt conversations around full acceptance (not just tolerance) of LGBTQ+ and HIV+ people. Jewel-Box Exhibition This collection of paintings, photos and reliquaries have rarely been seen since Jerome Caja’s death in 1995 from complications related to HIV/AIDS. These “Little Lovelies” (a term coined by Jerome himself) are exquisite miniatures painted with everything you would find in a drag queen's handbag (nail polish, lipstick, eye liner, glitter). His canvases include pistachio shells, lockets, bottle caps, and small scraps of paper. Hidden in these elaborate works are locks of hair, teeth, blood and even the ashes of loved ones. Within This Collection "Brotherly Love" refers to a deep, affectionate, and selfless bond of friendship, kindness, and compassion toward others, that is, treating non-relatives with the same care and loyalty as one would a sibling. The phrase is rooted in the Greek word philadelphia (philos = love, adelphos = brother), which signifies this close-knit, familial, or fraternal affection. Backyard Birdie BBQ Takes Center Stage This family portrait captures Jerome’s terrible beauty. It’s a layered snapshot of an American summer-time tradition gone horribly wrong. Neighboring sunflowers line up along a white picket fence and peer into the backyard of a wholesome family of cannibalistic birds as they hungrily gather around a picnic table. Jerome had a wry sense of humor, especially when it comes to the tiniest of details. Look closely to see what’s served up as a tasty appetizer before the main course. One can only imagine what the two youngest siblings at the table are squawking about. Getting to the Heart of the Matter This exhibition is dedicated to all the LGBTQ+ people who have suffered some form of family alienation and/or outright exclusion from their families; all the families struggling with supporting and loving their LGBTQ+ family member; and most importantly, to Jerome, who devoted his entire life’s work to making a profound body of art.
Please Note: This show is free to the general public. Parking is limited in the lot behind the building, which has two disabled parking spots. There is also plenty of street parking on Detroit Avenue right in front of the center. Feel free to call the center if you have further questions. — Stay Tuned for Upcoming Special Events —  by Anthony Cianciolo |
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June 2026
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