Browse Interviews

Kelle Schwab, a Cleveland-based artist, offers a compelling account of her professional journey, shaped by a diverse background in education, personal relationships, employment, and community involvement. She is the founder of Kelle Schwab Studios and the co-founder of Artzilla, an arts initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and public engagement. Originally from Pennsylvania, Schwab has lived in both San Francisco and Ohio, experiences that have significantly influenced her artistic…

Liz Maugans, a professor at Cleveland State University and co-founder of Zygote Press, reflects on her career at every stage of her life. While she continues to create art, Maugans emphasizes the importance of community engagement and actively seeks innovative ways to support and inspire emerging artists in Cleveland. Throughout the interview, she shares insights about numerous projects she has led, the exhibits she has curated, and the creative methods she has used to advocate for both artists…

Ghanaian-American artist Ewuresi Archer shares her experiences as she navigates the various aspects of her career. As a public artist, Archer explains how she uses art to inspire, engage, and educate her community while actively exploring and embracing her own identity.

Amber N. Ford, a Cleveland-based artist and photographer, is recognized for her extensive exploration of themes such as identity, race, and empowerment. In 2016, Ford received her BFA in photography from the Cleveland Institute of Art and has since exhibited her artwork in various galleries in the Cleveland area. Her work has garnered attention in numerous publications, and she has been commissioned to create public art for notable institutions including the Cleveland Foundation and the…

Natalie Lanese, an artist from Cleveland, has a rich art education background and has become well-known for her public art installations that contribute to the vibrant art scene in the city. Her notable projects include a mural titled “Glacier Caves” in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood and a project for the Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. In this interview, Lanese emphasizes the importance of bringing art to public spaces and how it plays a vital role in fostering accessibility and community…

Dante Rodriguez is an American artist based in Cleveland who is dedicated to empowering others through his work as a public artist. His art combines abstract and graffiti styles to reflect various aspects of his Latino ethnicity, heritage, and culture. Rodriguez harnesses the power of representation, storytelling, social commentary, education, and “Brown pride” in his art to spark positive change and contribute to the transformation of the communities he engages with.

April Bleakney, known as APE MADE, is a public artist from Cleveland. She is the creative force behind APE MADE, where she skillfully utilizes a diverse range of mediums including mixed media, screen printing, and photography. Bleakney's art serves as a catalyst for self-reflection, promoting representation and empowerment while shedding light on societal issues she is passionate about.