CIA faculty, Tranberg shows open August 31

Two fall exhibitions will open in galleries at the Cleveland Institute of Art on Aug. 31, providing viewers with an inspiring and bittersweet look at the designers and artists who influence the next generation.

About 50 works will be on view in CIA’s annual Faculty Exhibition in Reinberger Gallery. Running concurrently in the Ann and Norman Roulet Alumni + Student Gallery will be Dan Tranberg: So vivid. So luminous. So fluorescent., a selection of work by the late artist and CIA faculty member, who died May 29.

A reception for both shows takes place from 6 to 8pm August 31. A 6pm artist talk will feature faculty members who will speak about their work. Tickets for a chance to win a piece of Tranberg's art, donated by his family, will be on sale at the event; proceeds will go to a scholarship in his name. Tickets are also available on the website.

The faculty show runs through October 8. The Tranberg exhibition will close October 13. The college is at 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106. Gallery hours are 10am to 5pm Monday through Thursday; 10 am to 9pm Friday; and noon to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

The Faculty Exhibition typically inaugurates the new academic year in Reinberger Gallery. It features work by ranked and adjunct faculty teaching in 15 majors and the college’s first-year Foundation Department.

The show underscores one of the strengths of the CIA faculty, who maintain studio and design careers outside the classroom, says Chris Whittey, senior vice president of faculty affairs.

“You see a breadth and depth of work not usually associated with a small institution like ours," Whittey says. "This rigor and experimentation are profoundly inspirational for our students, and validate our deeply held conviction that a creative life is not only possible but, in fact, supremely admirable.”

The Tranberg exhibition is one of several events that have been organized to memorialize his passion for the arts. Nikki Woods, Reinberger Gallery acting director, helped organize the show.

‘This exhibition — meticulously curated by CIA faculty member Amber Kempthorn— speaks to the innovative and experimental artistic practices of our beloved professor and friend. The title,So Vivid. So Luminous. So Fluorescent., was inspired by Bono’s words describing the late David Bowie,” Woods says. “It presents the audience with an allusion that is as appropriate as it is necessary — an artist who is effortlessly cool, an inspiration to many, and who created persistently.”

Tranberg taught painting, drawing and writing courses at CIA, where he was a beloved teacher and colleague.

Bonfoey Gallery, which represents his work in Cleveland, will present an auction of art donated by a Tranberg’s friends and former students from 6 to 9pm September 30; proceeds will go to the Dan Tranberg Memorial Scholarship fund at CIA.

Bonfoey also will present an exhibition of his work from October 14 through November 11.