Cleveland Institute of Art student’s solo exhibition explores relationship between sacred, secular

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2025

CLEVELAND—Sacred Inner-play, a solo exhibition by Cleveland Institute of Art student Theadis Reagins, explores the relationship between the sacred and secular using sport references, religious iconography and ambiguous narratives. Through painting, installation and sculpture, this show is concerned with the way in which we process spectacle and the properties that link human experience with divinity.

Sacred Inner-play is an extension and refinement of work that begun as early as Reagins' sophomore year. Exhibiting mostly paintings, the show bursts with color, provides depth and shifts scale to offer a series of aesthetic experiences. With the spirit of triumph, the work imbues sacred blackness in a champion attitude. It is also critical of personal vanity and the spirit of idolatry in a world ruled over by material things.

“This show gives shape to what I’ve been thinking about lately, also providing evidence of growth and a sense of direction. This work is also important to me because it is my first time showing a body of work as a painter,” says Reagins, who’s studying Painting and Printmaking at CIA. “For me, making this work was a way to process the idea of being remembered and passing through that eye of a needle. I hope the show sparks something for visitors in their subconscious—a story or feeling that they can share with friends, family and others.”

Sacred Inner-play will be on view from September 19 to October 19 at 1300 Gallery inside 78th Street Studios (1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland). An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9pm Friday, September 19. In addition, an artist talk and book release will be scheduled at a later date to be determined.

Sacred Inner-play is curated by artist and independent curator Bobbi Reagins, who also is Community Arts Coordinator at the Cleveland Museum of Art. As part of the exhibition, Theadis Reagins will work with CMA’s Education Art Collection on programming that adds more historical dialogue to his contemporary practice. Details will be shared at a later date.

For Sacred Inner-play, Reagins partnered with the Museum of Creative Human Art (MOCHA), which uses a character-based approach to bridge creative expression with education and personal development. This partnership meant building on a previous relationship and working with an organization that inspires the youth from firsthand experience. Reagins felt the collaboration necessary to show transparency of his artistic journey.

“Theadis Reagins represents the next generation of creative brilliance, balancing his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Art with a powerful artistic vision that speaks to both identity and community,” says Antwoine Washington, MOCHA founder, executive director and artistic director. “The Museum of Creative Human Art is proud to stand alongside him as a creative partner, offering a platform that uplifts his work and ensures his voice is seen, heard and celebrated. Supporting Theadis is not just about investing in one artist—it’s about affirming the importance of nurturing young talent who will shape the cultural landscape of tomorrow.”

To learn more about Reagins and his artwork, follow @blvckthesis on Instagram.

Sacred Inner-play was organized 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.

Contacts

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

Theadis Reagins, artist
theadisreagins1@gmail.com

Museum of Creative Human Art
Antwoine Washington, executive director and artistic director
antwoine@creativehumanart.com

Bobbi Reagins, independent curator
breagins861@gmail.com

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. 

Museum of Creative Human Art

Founded by Antwoine Washington, the Museum of Creative Human Art received its 501(c)3 status in April 2020 with key and deep commitments to the community as follows: MOCHA uses a character-based approach to bridge creative expression with education and personal development; provides a space for underserved youth to learn, connect, create, and share; encourages young artists to produce independently but also reinforces shared imaginative exploration to spark fresh ideas and works of art. MOCHA aims to equip young, underserved artists with the tools to express their thoughts, emotions, and views through various art forms. MOCHA focuses on cultivating conscientiousness, moral agency, core values, and the social attitudes necessary for individuals to make meaningful contributions to society will be at the heart of MOCHA’s work.

About the curator

Bobbi Reagins is an artist and independent curator based in Cleveland. Her curatorial interests are collaborating with artists creating charged works centered around culture and satire. Reagins is the Founder of the Blaack Arts Showcase, an annual nontraditional art fair and platform dedicated to celebrating and investing in artists across disciplines, generations and diasporas. Reagins has collaborated alongside artists to produce public programming and rich experiences for the Northeast Ohio community for six years. She's worked with organizations such as Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Worthington Yards, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Ingenuity Cleveland. She currently works as the Community Arts Coordinator at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where she’s used her time and resources to inspire change in her community.