Fri 2/14 @ 6pm
For 68 years, Cleveland Institute of Art’s annual Student Independent Exhibition has showcased the finest work by its students. The show offers viewers a glimpse at the future of Contemporary Art, as students explore the “Who, What, Where, When, Why and How” of themselves, their society and their time.
“CIA’s Student Independent Exhibition is always a great show because it’s a celebration of student art that is organized by students,” says CIA President Grafton Nunes. “So it’s unpredictable, never stale, often quirky, and some of the work asks very challenging questions about our culture and our priorities. I’m really looking forward to this year’s SIE.”
While this exhibition is entirely organized by CIA’s current students, it’s almost an injustice to call it a “student” exhibition. Overall, these students handle their media and present their work like professionals. The quality is further enhanced through the vision and guidance of a three-juror panel. This year’s jurors are Megan Biddle, Brittany Campbell and TR Ericsson. They have selected this year’s show from over a hundred entries.
Megan Biddle is currently an adjunct professor in Philadelphia in Tyler School of Art’s glass program. She received her BFA in glass from Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts. Her work has been featured in commercial galleries both nationally and internationally. She recently did a residency in Scotland.
Brittany Campbell graduated from CIA in 2009 with a BFA in Fiber+Material Studies, and went on to receive her MFA in Fiber from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Her current work involves performance-based installations. She’s been actively working, teaching and exhibiting in Ohio and Michigan since graduation.
TR Ericsson lives and works in both Brooklyn, NY, and Concord Township. He started his education at CIA in 1990, before transferring to The Art Students League of New York. His resume is quite impressive, but most recently his work has been featured in exhibitions at SHAHEEN Modern and Contemporary Art and the Transformer Station.
Although the faces constantly change, there’s a creative energy – a spirit – that always seems to carry on each year. It’s as difficult to describe as it is palpable and contagious. This energy is amplified by the students’ excitement. They’ve worked very hard, and for many, this is their first major exhibition. This is a very special night for them, so come show your support.
Friday’s opening is a celebration of CIA’s remarkable students. So be sure to stop by to see their talented, skillful work, and stick around for the great party. After all, no one knows how to throw a party like art students.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.