Press On, Regardless

Invoked repeatedly, especially by political figures from Calvin Coolidge to Barack Obama, the encouragement to press on regardless of the odds or obstacles has been a part of military campaigns and movements for democracy and every kind of rights, probably since the first person recognized the need for tenacity to overcome any challenge.

In the shadow of the nation’s politics, what else is a citizen to do? The protests are ongoing. Another nationwide No Kings protest is scheduled March 28. The role of artists, like that of journalists, has historically included being a voice for the people who have no voice. Artists have never lacked a voice and, directly or indirectly, lots of them are using it now.

The art sector is absolutely charging on, including the institutions that support artists’ voices. Some Cleveland institutions have carried on their support of all artists, including those marginalized, even if it has meant turning away federal grant money that depended on their rejection of Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies or programs. That was the case for Zygote Press, with its residency program, and for Cleveland Print Room, with its exhibition Improper Frames, on view now at Transformer Station. Grants to both of those organizations were rescinded due to the current administration’s opposition to DEI programs. They’ve chosen their programs over the grant money.

Those same organizations are charging ahead with their commitments to real estate, as well. As you read this, Zygote Press has bought a building (the former Kalman and Pabst photo studios) and is in the process of moving to it. And perhaps no real estate move better embodies pressing on than Cleveland Print Room’s purchase and renovation of a building around the corner from the Morgan Conservatory. Meanwhile, as we reported in January, Cleveland State University is on the hunt for an architect to design its new art galleries and, as long as fundraising proceeds as anticipated, should break ground in December, with work completed by June of 2027.

CAN Journal presses on and enters its fifteenth year, introducing new writers on art—especially via the Broadening the Conversation fellowships, in collaboration with faculty from Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University. Broadening the Conversation offers a stipend and mentorship to two students each semester, plus freelance opportunities. In this issue you’ll find the print debut of the Fall fellows: Olivia Began (CSU), who interviews and introduces recently appointed executive director of Ingenuity, Susie Underwood; and Sarah Frisbee (CWRU), who interviews and introduces the new SPACES executive director, Pita Brooks. You’ll also find their exhibition reviews on CAN Blog. We recently awarded Spring fellowships to Kylee Herrick (CSU) and Anthony Huffman (CWRU). Watch for their writing to appear in the coming weeks.

In other news, the Cleveland Museum of Art has announced an exhibition of art by Northeast Ohioans, to be juried by a panel of its own curators. It’s not the May Show, though it draws from the same seven-county area. It may be a one-off event: that remains to be determined. But the museum’s own curation of an exhibition of contemporary art of Northeast Ohio is a big deal. Artists: have you applied yet? Deadline is April 24, 2026. The exhibition opens July 9.

Finally, speaking of advancing the art of Northeast Ohio, we offer an Open Letter to the Middle Art Powers of the Great Lakes. Inspired by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, we press on with the goal of advancing Cleveland artists’ cause.

We look forward to seeing you.