News

In celebration of our 130th anniversary year, CIA presents Creative Continuum, three presentations highlighting CIA alumni who shaped Cleveland’s identity and America’s culture. Historian Mark Bassett, Liberal Arts scholar-in-residence, will lead the following events, which are free and open to the public:


A Rich Tapestry: CIA’s Diverse African-American Alumni
February 28
7:30pm, Ohio Bell Auditorium, Gund Building

In commemoration of African American History month, historian Mark Bassett, scholar in residence in CIA’s Liberal Arts Environment, presents an illustrated lecture based on his research into the accomplishments of some of CIA’s most noted African-American alumni. Learn about the trail-blazing portrait artist and interior decorator Charles Sallée and nationally known painter Hughie Lee-Smith (both class of 1938), and the legacy these pioneers left to recent graduates like interior designer Carlita Alexander ’03 and automotive designer Brian Peterson ’09.

CIA’s Most Valuable Gift: Twelve Designing Women from the School’s Early Years
March 27
7:30pm, Ohio Bell Auditorium, Gund Building

Mark Bassett will share the stories of CIA’s most notable female alumni and how they defied expectations, shattered glass ceilings, and won international recognition for their creative work. This presentation will focus on 12 CIA alumnae from the school’s first 50 years (1882-1932), including Tiffany lamp designer Clara Wolcott Driscoll, sculptor Luella Varney Serrao, enamellist and teacher Mildred Watkins, painter Clara Deike, and ceramic and glass sculptor Edris Eckhardt.

Becoming our Future: Making Art Work at CIA
April 10
7:30pm, Aitken Auditorium, Gund Building

In observation of the school’s first 130 years, this panel discussion looks toward CIA’s future while also considering the evolution of the present-day Cleveland Institute of Art. Panelists: Grafton Nunes, President; Franny Taft, Liberal Arts; Petra Soesemann, Foundation; Matthew Hollern, Jewelry and Metals; and Dan Cuffaro, Industrial Design. Moderator: Mark Bassett.