Lego creations put on display

Unimaginable Lego designs were on display at BrickUniverse in Cleveland. The two-day event was held at the Huntington Convention Center on Sept. 30.

Thousands of Lego enthusiasts, young and young at heart, attended the fan convention.

Gage Matter, a 10-yearold from Mantua, Ohio, said it was really fun.

Gage built a tall tower using architecture Legos at one of the interactive stations.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Anthony Wilson from Maple Heights, was fascinated by the custom products that were available for sale and the original artwork that was on display.

“I think this is a great event for Cleveland,” Wilson said.

This was the first time the traveling convention came to Northeast Ohio.

Greyson Beights, who is the organizer, said it started in 2015.

Beights said he has always had an interest in Legos and the goal of the event was to inspire attendees.

In addition to being a great hobby, he said Legos also has many educational benefits including improving science, technology, engineering and mathematical skills.

He said history can even be taught through Lego building.

In his book ”Medieval LEGO”, he discussed English history in the middle ages and every event is illustrated through a Lego scene.

BrickUniverse was a great opportunity for guests of all ages to learn and explore.

There were numerous artists present to answer questions and discuss their exhibits.

Jonathan Lopes from San Diego, California said he is a visual artist and has no formal engineering or architectural training.

He started building Legos 15 years ago as an adult.

“First I sketch on paper,” he said. “Then I build. It all starts with imagination that enables me to be creative.”

Some projects are so complex that takes months to complete.

Lopes plans to do a series all about love and said the idea was inspired by Barack Obama’s fight for equality.

“We need more love in this world,” he said.

The medium was Legos, but the subjects varied. There was a 27-foot-long USS Missouri, a Paul Hethrington model gallery and Brickmania model gallery.

There were even some local artists at the convention.

Ken Cefaratti from Canal Fulton said he also enjoys building Legos and displaying them at shows.

Cefaratti, who co-owns Sir Troy’s Toy Kingdom in North Canton, sells unique Lego sets, minifigures, individual parts and other accessories. He also has instore Lego displays.

Cefaratti showcased one of his intricate castles at BrickUniverse. The completely fenced-in castle featured numerous rooms filled with furniture, landscaping and realistic figures.

“It took about 300 to 400 hours to complete, since it has an interior,” he said. “I just wanted to create something different.”

The event will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 1. Tickets are not available at the door and must be purchased online. For more information visit brickuniverse.com/cleveland.