Cleveland Institute of Art alum’s exhibition honors young Cleveland artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2026

CLEVELAND—Cherished Impressions is a group exhibition presented by Cleveland Institute of Art graduate Yasmeen Kwan that elevates Cleveland's young artists and celebrates the impact they have on their city.

Organized in collaboration with Cleveland School of the Arts when Kwan was still a CIA student, Cherished Impressions features 30 ceramic self-portrait medals created by CSA visual- and performing-arts students during process-based workshops led by Kwan. The CSA students' pieces—neoclassical relief portraits—employ an artform used throughout history on coins, plaques and other memorials to commemorate important figures. Kwan believes the CSA artists' portrait medals will serve to honor their young but growing—and significant—legacies.

"Many prominent artists have come from Cleveland, but some were overlooked or under-appreciated and branched out elsewhere to receive recognition. I want artists of Cleveland to be met with success here because it rebuilds the value this city has always had," says Kwan, a graduate of CSA who earned a BFA in Painting from CIA in May. "Those who are creating here are contributing to Cleveland's art history now. They are important, and as a native Clevelander, I was passionate about this exhibition highlighting their talent and presence."

Cherished Impressions was installed March 27 and will remain on view through March 30, 2029, at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The public is invited to view the work near the Welcome Center on the airport's Baggage Claim level.

For many of the participating CSA students, Cherished Impressions marks the first time they worked in ceramics. Kwan appreciates the tangible, physical presence of the medium—particularly for the exhibition's portrait medals—and valued helping students expand their creative practice beyond their comfort zones.

"As travelers arrive in Cleveland, their first impressions should reflect the spirit, creativity, and diversity that define our city. The work of our Cleveland School of the Arts students at Hopkins offers exactly that—a vibrant welcome that speaks without words," says Ricardo Franklin Sr., Cleveland School of the Arts high school principal. "Through our collaboration with CSA and CIA alum Yasmeen Kwan, our students have gained invaluable exposure to professional standards, mentorship and the discipline required to thrive as working artists. This experience has not only elevated their craft but also strengthened their confidence in pursuing careers in the arts. For many visitors, this exhibit will be their very first glimpse of Cleveland’s artistic heartbeat, and I can't think of a better introduction to our community."

Kwan is excited that Cherished Impressions is exhibited at Hopkins. The airport will showcase the CSA students' work to national and international audiences, and the volume of foot traffic around the Welcome Center and Baggage Claim will offer their work greater visibility than they might otherwise enjoy.

"Public art has the power to shape a visitor's very first impression of a city," says Megan O’Connell, Assistant Director of Marketing, Communications and Guest Experience at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. "At the airport, this artwork will serve as both a welcome and a reflection of Cleveland's creativity, culture and spirit. By creating a memorable visual experience for travelers, the pieces will help build a stronger sense of place and give visitors an immediate connection to the community."

To learn more about Kwan's work and artistic practice, visit her website or follow her on Instagram at @theartofkwan.

Cherished Impressions was created through CIA's Creativity Works program, which is made possible by the generous support of the Fenn Educational Fund and the G.R. Lincoln Family Foundation. Creativity Works is a self-initiated internship program with the goal of supporting a student's professional development. Participating students create proposals that align with their long-term professional goals.

Contact

Cleveland Institute of Art
Michael C. Butz, Director of College Communications + External Relations
mcbutz@cia.edu / 216.421.7404

Cleveland Institute of Art

The Cleveland Institute of Art is a private, nonprofit college of art and design that has been the training ground for countless students who have gone on to make important contributions to the fields of creativity and innovation since it opened in 1882 as the Western Reserve School of Design for Women. Its students have designed internationally recognized products, their artwork has been exhibited in major museums and private collections around the world, and their entertainment media has been enjoyed by audiences and game players for generations. It enrolls about 550 students nationally and internationally and has a faculty of about 100 full-time and adjunct members, all of whom are practicing artists, designers and scholars.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is Northeast Ohio’s global gateway, and Ohio’s busiest airport, serving more than 10 million passengers annually with 10 passenger airlines, four all-cargo airlines, more than 130 daily departures, and nonstop service to more than 40 destinations. Through CLEvolution, CLE is investing in a modernized airport experience that will better serve passengers, support future growth and strengthen Northeast Ohio’s connection to the world.