As the fall semester begins to wind down for local college students, the faculty, students and alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Art are busy on campus and around town. The weekend starts with the Lunch on Fridays lecture featuring CIA grad Amber Esner and filmmaker Michael Polk.
Later on Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m. stop by The Wine Spot (2271 Lee Rd.) in Cleveland Heights for the 100 Show and Sale, a student-organized fundraiser for their annual trip to New York City. Works donated by CIA faculty, students and friends will be sold for just $100 each. Be sure to get there early for the best selection. All proceeds go towards CIA’s annual student trip to NYC galleries and museums.
Saturday is sure to be a special evening on Waterloo. Senior students in CIA’s Visual Arts and Technologies have been working hard for months to prepare for this “alternative art fair.” Subject to Change showcases the artwork of talented students from CIA, University of Akron, Cleveland State and Kent State.
Everything kicks off from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern with instrumental and drag performances from seniors in Painting and Sculpture at CIA. At 6 p.m., everything moves to Waterloo Arts and the adjoining Callaloo Café. Waterloo Arts’ community center will house a “draw for all,” as well as a panel discussion with CIA alumni. An open mic hour will follow in the Callaloo Café.
Best of all, everything is free and open to the public.
Also Saturday: Making Mail is a documentary about mail art and the people who make it. In a time of increasingly impersonal technology, mail art is a throwback to a more personal, meaningful form of communication. The documentary revolves around Amber Esner and her network of mail artists from around the country. Making Mail was filmed over the course of 12 interviews in eight cities. The film was created by Esner's high school classmate Michael Polk. The documentary has inspired exhibitions at Waterloo Arts and Zygote Press. Friday’s event includes a film screening and discussion with Esner and Polk at 12:15 p.m. Everything takes place in the Aitken Auditorium inside their George Gund Building (11141 East Blvd.).
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