COMMUNITY NEWS: Susan Snipes (VA ‘25) and VCFA Visual Art Collective Exhibition
VCFA MFA in Visual Art current student Susan Snipes (VA ‘25) is the owner of UNDERSTORY, an exhibition space in Cleveland, Ohio. Through her connection with the VCFA Visual Art MFA program, UNDERSTORY is currently hosting “Reverberations,” an exhibition highlighting nine VCFA Visual Art voices. The exhibition includes:
Susan Snipes (VA ‘25)
Jamie Zimchek (VA ‘24)
Shannon Cleere (VA ‘24)
Jessie Keating (VA ‘24)
Adria Zal (VA ‘24)
Alyssa Karis (VA ‘24)
Sarah E. Johnson-Brown (VA ‘24)
Maha Taitano (VA ‘23)
Naomi Even-Aberle (VA ‘19)
As Snipes explains of the exhibition:
“”Reverberations” showcases diverse works that resonate with powerful themes of identity, memory, trauma, and resilience. Each piece contributes to a conversation about the ongoing impact of historical and personal experiences, exploring how these reverberate through time and space, influencing the present and shaping the future. Visitors can expect to engage with artworks that blend personal narratives with broader societal issues, inviting reflection and dialogue on the interconnectedness of human experiences.
Overall, “Reverberations” is an exhibition that challenges viewers to reflect on the echoes of the past and present and the visible and invisible forces that shape our lives. Through various mediums and perspectives, the artists in this exhibition offer profound insights into how personal and collective histories reverberate through time, influencing who we are and who we may become.”
As for how so many VCFA artists came together in one space, Snipes says that their time studying at VCFA together created a community—and a desire to keep their unique connections alive.
“The exhibiting artists and I (Susan Snipes) met at VCFA, where most of us were students simultaneously, and some were involved as grad assistants or exhibition coordinators. In January 2024, with many of us nearing graduation, we wanted to maintain our connection while also challenging ourselves as artists. I had secured a fantastic space in Cleveland within a large arts complex (78th Street Studios) around this time—a former warehouse now filled with studios and galleries. The idea of organizing an exhibition together evolved organically from our desires to stay connected and push ourselves as artists. After brainstorming, we chose the theme “Reverberations” for its openness to interpretation and its resonance with the lasting impact of VCFA on our lives as artists and the echoes we carry forward into our future work.
Working with so many VCFA artists has been an incredible experience. VCFA creates a unique bond, and collaborating on this exhibition is a great demonstration of that connection. Many of the exhibiting artists in the exhibition flew in or drove to Cleveland to assist with installation, host the opening reception, or attend the open house during the venue’s art walk. We were also fortunate to have additional support from other VCFA colleagues, like Patty Meriam and Amy Berenz, who helped with the installation and joined the celebration.
What especially stands out is the deep level of trust we share. We rely on each other to pitch in and handle tasks like
hanging the artwork or preparing the space, push each other artistically by ensuring we can confidently speak about our work, and enjoy our time together. (We even created our own Cleveland art field trip: Cleveland Museum of Art, moCa Cleveland, and The Sculpture Center Cleveland.) This collaboration felt like an extension of the VCFA community—mutually supportive and shared passions.”
Support the VCFA community and attend “Reverberations.” “Reverberations” is open to the public and available to view now through September 28, 2024 at UNDERSTORY. Folks outside of the area can enjoy the “Reverberations” Artist Talk on September 15th, 2024, at 3:00pm ET via Zoom. Plus, read CAN Journal’s review of “Reverberations,” which highlights the works of each VCFA artist.