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Contact:
Susan Iler
siler@cia.edu T: 216.421.7417

Brooklyn vs. Cleveland: The Cleveland Institute of Art Explores Geography’s Impact on Creativity

CLEVELAND – August 1, 2012 – Does geography influence creativity? In the exhibition “A Tale in Two Cities,” the Cleveland Institute of Art attempts to answer that question by displaying the work of 18 artists and CIA alumni, who’ve settled in one of two cities: Cleveland and Brooklyn, N.Y., both of which are diverse urban-based art colonies. This unique exhibition opens in CIA’s Reinberger Galleries on Nov. 2, 2012 at 6 p.m.

Not surprisingly, these artists define a particular generation, a straightforward critique, and are genuine and deeply committed to works that traffic meaning between sound, text and image.

“This diverse and talented group of former students serves to highlight the perception and interpretation of ‘place’ as it relates to how these artists create their work,” said Reinberger Galleries Director Bruce Checefsky. “The exhibition’s central theme intertwines stories, personal iconography, decoded metaphors, and current events that enrich the viewer’s experience of contemporary art.”

Checefsky also states, “These artists are driven by a sense of common connection by a selection of images and objects that are down to earth, spirited and masterful.”

Artists chosen for the exhibition are successful gallery artists under the age of 40, and were influential in the CIA community as students. The Cleveland artists are: Christi Birchfield, Jerry Birchfield, Amy Casey, Harris Johnson, Michelle Murphy, Jenn Omaitz, Barbara Polster, Paul Sobota and Lauren Yeager. Representing Brooklyn are: Charlotte Becket, Ben Grasso, Branden Koch, Jess Laskosky, Rit Premnath, Dana Schutz, Leah Tacha, Joe Tomcho and Thu Tran.

The show runs from November 2 through December 15. Reinberger Galleries is located 11141 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, and is open on Mondays through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

About CIA

The Cleveland Institute of Art is a premier college of art and design. For 130 years the College has been a national leader in arts education. It currently offers 18 majors in studio arts and design along with a highly acclaimed continuing education program, and an annual series of public programming. For more information visit www.cia.edu.

CIA receives public support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to preserve and enrich our region’s artistic and cultural heritage.

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