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Contact: 
Director of PR and Media: Casey Burry, cburry@cia.edu, 216.421.7404 
Student Contact: Jessica Howard, jhoward@student.cia.edu, 330.347.9223 
Images: See select works on CIA's Flickr account.

Spring is the time for showcasing emerging art and design from the talented students of the Cleveland Institute of Art. This year marks CIA’s 65th annual Student Independent Exhibition (SIE), a juried show that is entirely organized and curated by students. Meet the creative leaders of tomorrow and purchase extraordinary works of art at the opening reception on Friday, February 18, from 6 to 9pm at CIA’s Reinberger Galleries. The show is free and runs through March 26.

Each year SIE offers the opportunity for students from all majors to present their concepts and passion in all mediums ranging from animation to painting. The exhibition also offers art appreciators and supporters an opportunity to acquire unique pieces for their own collections.

This year’s jury comprises three nationally recognized artists. Yuko Shimizu is a New York-based illustrator whose drawings have been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time, and The Atlantic. Ben Kinsley, a 2005 CIA graduate, is a multidisciplinary performance artist who teaches at Carnegie Mellon University and was named a ‘Hot Pick’ by Smack Mellon’s Artist Studio program in New York for 2010. Kristen Cliffel, a 1990 graduate of the Institute, is a ceramic sculptor based in Cleveland whose work is displayed in many public and private galleries throughout the country.

The jurors will lead a discussion on Friday, February 11, from 12:15 to 1:15pm in the Institute’s Aitken Auditorium, offering insight for students of all ages who are about the enter the professional world of art and design.

WHAT: The Cleveland Institute of Art Student Independent Exhibition and weekly Gallery Tours 
WHEN: February 18 to March 26, 2011 
HOURS: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Fri 10am–9pm; Sun closed 
GALLERY TOURS: Every Wednesday during the show (except March 9), 12:30–1:15pm 
WHERE: CIA’s Reinberger Galleries: 11141 East Blvd, Cleveland 
HOW MUCH: Free and open to the public 
WHY: The Cleveland Institute of Art transforms art students into professional artists by facilitating their involvement in real-world art opportunities.
Images left to right: art work for SIE 2011; image from SIE 2010 includes a range of work from a multimedia installation and a video documented performance to an eclectic mixture of sculptural and design objects.


The Cleveland Institute of Art is a premier college of art and design committed to leadership and vision in all forms of visual arts education. The Institute makes enduring contributions to education and extends its programs to the public through gallery exhibits, lectures, a continuing education program and The Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, an art and independent film program.