CAN Announces Winners

Collective Arts Network is pleased to announce winners of its benefit card game, Cleveland Artists On Deck. Winners were first revealed at the launch of the Winter 2020-2021 issue of CAN Journal Friday, November 20 at Framed Gallery.

But before we name the names, we should muse a bit about what made the game great. This was a COVID-safe, city-wide game focused on Cleveland art. Players–nourished by wine from Constantino’s, chocolates from Sweet Designs, and other treats from Root Cafe and Sweet Beans–were challenged to identify artists who made the works printed on the backs of each card in a custom-printed, poker-sized deck. The roster of 54 artists proportionally reflected the demographics of Cleveland, and included well-established artists, as well as lesser-known, emerging artists. It was a challenge.

As we anticipated, the game had players doing Cleveland art homework, studying images and doing research to identify who made them. Feedback that came with answer sheets proved the expectation came true. We know people worked in teams, comparing their opinions about art and its provenance. We were told by more than one player that they Googled every artist’s name to find comparable images online to aid their identification. Several of the images caused players to look at back-issues of CAN Journal.

Of course we need to thank to all the artists, who gave us use of their work to create the game. Thanks to CAN’s board of directors, who in a true team effort shaped and modified the game itself. Additionally, Thanks to all the players, who made this carry-out benefit event a near sell-out.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t thank Art X Love / Mac and Allyse Love, whose Akron on Deck cards served as an inspiration. Akron On Deck cards are available at artxlove.

Our gratitude continues to all our sponsors, who helped to get the game off the ground and make it a financial success. Specifially: Wally Lanci for the cards themselves; FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art / Transformer Station for buying the drinks, and to Constantino’s / Immigrant Son for making them great; To The Dalad Group, Sweet Designs, Root Café, and Sweet Beans for the treats; Thanks to prize sponsors including The Hilton Downtown Cleveland Hotel; Liz Maugans and Karen Petkovic; BAYarts; Judy Takacs, and other artists who gave their work and products.

Without further ado, let’s get on with the congratulation of winners, and naming their names: