The artistic tradition in Cleveland at the beginning of the twentieth century was one of traditionalism. Art schools and clubs focused on academic training. However, Cleveland's working industrial and commercial artists, by day laboring lithographers and engravers creating posters for motion pictures and sensational magic productions, had trained under modernist European artists. Cleveland artists Carl Moellman and William Sommer decided to start a club where modern energy and free spirit reigned. The new club, the Kokoon Arts Club, had not only a sense of modernism, but also a theatrical flair provoked by new media. Club activities included evening lectures, art instruction, and two annual exhibitions. An art auction to support the club's artist members took place each December. The annual Kokoon Bal Masque began in 1919. Risqué and wild, the balls became the cause celeb for the Kokoon Club. Kokoon artists contributed to Cleveland's national reputation in the arts. Many were long time May Show artists at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Great Depression and war created a new economic reality for artists, many of whom moved to New York and other larger cities in order to make a living at their craft. With dwindling membership, the Kokoon Arts Club disbanded in 1956.