Cleveland Institute of Art
The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is one of the preeminent dedicated colleges of art and design. Since 1882, CIA has established and maintained an excellent reputation in academic circles as a place where students can become prolific artists. Over the years thousands of aspiring artists from around the world have matriculated through CIA and it continues to attract top students from across the country and abroad.
History
The Cleveland Institute of Art was originally chartered as the Western Reserve School of Design for Women. Its founder Sarah Kimball had the vision that helped grow CIA from just one teacher and one student in her home to what it is today. Later known as the Cleveland School of Art, CIA grew and has many distinguished alumni who have brought acclaim to CIA.
Some include Charles Burchfield, Edris Eckhardt, Clara Wolcott Driscoll, Charles Sallee and Vicktor Schreckengost. Burchfield is best known for his work depicting natural American landscapes. Eckhardt was awarded two Guggenheim Fellowships and is recognized as one of the finest sculptors to come out of CIA and in the nation. Driscoll designed many great works for Tiffany and her life has been to subject of 2 novels and a screenplay has been rumored to be in the works.
Sallee was CIA’s first African American Graduate and is known for his WPA works and is one of the most accomplished artists in American and Cleveland history. Schreckengost is one of the most recognized industrial designers and painters of the 20th century. One of his most famous pieces “Apocalypse ’42 is on display at the Smithsonian. CIA recently cmpleted construction of the new George Gund Building in 2015 which is a breath-taking achievement of architecture located in on Euclid Ave in University Circle.
Academics, Student Life and Events
CIA has 15 majors cover a wide spectrum of arts and design. From Animation, Photography to Biomedical Art and Game Design, CIA is committed to the traditional arts and the emerging art forms that have and will continue to manifest in the 21st century and beyond. Students and live on or off campus. CIA was the only dedicated art and design school to make the Princeton Review and was designated as one of Money Magazine‘s Best Colleges for Your Money in 2017.
An added benefit for alumni is lifetime access to the Career Services Center in order to acquire employment and/or assist in building your practice. CIA has many events for students, alumni and the general public that are some of the marquee events in the region. Some include The Art of Exchange, The Fall Exhibit and the Student Holiday Sale. With new buildings and attractions such as the newly built Cinematheque, one of America’s best Repertory theaters according to the New York Times, CIA has plenty to offer students.
Summary
The Cleveland Institute of Art has a rich history of achievement, world class staff and alumni and has been able to thrive and evolve from the 1800’s to now. CIA is another hidden jewel of the City of Cleveland and has a bright future ahead. If you or your children have an interest in a career in art and/or design but don’t want to go far, CIA is an outstanding option for you.
See also the Things To Do In Cleveland Tonight guide.
About Christian Reynolds
Christian is the chief reporter, editor, and webmaster at Cleveland Leader. An aspiring news anchor, his hobbies outside of investigative reporting are golf, martinis, and adventure travel. If you have a scoop on any developing story, please contact him on this page.
