Cleveland Institute of Art exhibition explores video games as powerful media for critical inquiry, creative exploration

Image: “She Dreams Elsewhere,” presented by Studio Zevere, is a surreal adventure RPG (role-playing game) about subconscious imagery and the extent to which that imagery mirrors reality with its deeply personal narrative that deals with themes such as mental health and self-identity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025

CLEVELAND—The Cleveland Institute of Art proudly presents FREE PLAY: Innovative Ohio Game Design, an interactive exhibition that explores video games as powerful media for critical inquiry, immersive therapy, experimental learning and creative exploration.

FREE PLAY will feature immersive XR, VR and simulation games—all of which can be played by gallery visitors. The exhibition highlights exciting emerging strategies in video games from seven relatively small creative teams with Ohio ties—including one that recently earned a Peabody Award.

"Visitors to FREE PLAY will walk away with a more expansive view of what video games have to offer, where the industry is heading, and how artists and designers are at the center of innovation," says Nikki Woods, CIA's Director of Exhibitions + Galleries. "I think games can do a lot to help people—from supportive physical therapy tools to telling powerful human stories. Advancements in technology have made it more possible for teams of artists and designers to create games independent of large corporate entities. This kind of accessibility creates fertile ground for creative invention from smaller teams with big ideas."

An opening reception for FREE PLAY will be held from 5 to 8pm Friday, November 7 in CIA’s Reinberger Gallery. Remarks begin at 6pm. The exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, February 8, 2026.

FREE PLAY will feature the following games and designers:

• ARWell PRO + ARWell presented by Augment Therapy
• The Bridge presented by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild: Ty Taylor
• Discharged presented by warGames Tactical Media Collective: Kerry Richardson, Eric J. Garcia, and Steven Ciampaglia
• Little Nemo and the Nightmare Fiends presented by Team Nemo, Inc.: Chris Totten, Ben Cole, Adrian Sandoval and Max Kunze
• She Dreams Elsewhere presented by Studio Zevere: Davionne Gooden
• Stimulation Driven Rowing Games presented by XRtistry: Anthony Calabro, Matthew Beckwith, Steven Gutierrez, Robert Lauer
• We Are OFK presented by Team OFK: Jarryd Huntley (2024 Peabody Award winner)

In conjunction with the reception opening, there will be additional CIA programming related to FREE PLAY:

• The Power of Play: Ohio Game Developers Panel Discussion will feature representatives from the developer teams presenting games in FREE PLAY. The panel discussion takes place from 12:15 to 1:30pm Friday, November 7 in CIA’s Peter B. Lewis Theater as part of Reinberger Gallery’s Lunch on Fridays lecture series.
• Westworld, a film set in a futuristic amusement park, will screen at 9pm Friday, November 7 in the Cinematheque. The 1973 film starring James Brolin and Yul Brynner sets the stage for questioning how “games” are also interplays of desire, fear and identity, particularly when the boundaries between human and machine break down.

To learn more about Reinberger Gallery programming, visit cia.edu/reinberger or follow @reinbergergallery on Instagram.

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 600 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. 

Reinberger Gallery

Reinberger Gallery, led by Director of Exhibitions + Galleries Nikki Woods, serves artists at all stages of their careers by supporting the creative work of professional artists and serving as an educational resource for Cleveland Institute of Art students, faculty and community members. It provides quality exhibition opportunities in its 3,000-square-foot space located on the first floor of CIA’s George Gund Building and encourages artistic growth and experimentation through well-presented exhibitions, events and lectures.