Maria E. Iafelice is an innovative educator and creative leader with over 10 years’ experience in museums and the non-profit sector. Dedicated to making art accessible, she joined the Toledo Museum of Art’s Education & Engagement team in 2015, where she currently oversees youth and family programs and community initiatives including the annual Block Party event and Circle, TMA’s affinity group dedicated to inclusive and innovative programming.
"Being a part of such an amazing program has helped me grow within my career and gain real-world experience. There is always someone rooting for you and wanting to help you grow."
“The biggest thing I have learned from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of CMAA is that they are always willing to help us. This student chapter and our hospitality program present us with so many opportunities."
Gerald (Jerry) Casale majored in Art at Â鶹´«Ã½ focusing on fine/performing arts and fashion-related studies.
Nelson Stevens earned his M.F.A. in Studio Art and Art History from Â鶹´«Ã½ in 1969. He also has a B.F.A. in Painting and Art Education from Ohio University. He later became one of the first members of AfriCOBRA, a Chicago-based African American art movement that sought to empower the black community through aesthetics. Stevens’ work uses bold colors and often pays homage to prevalent figures in black history.
earned his M.F.A. in Sculpture from Â鶹´«Ã½ in 2003. Prior to attending Kent State, he earned his B.A. in 2-D Studio (1996) and M.A. in Sculpture (1997) from Eastern Illinois University. His work has been exhibited across the United States. Collins has held academic positions as Adjunct Instructor at Â鶹´«Ã½, Visiting Assistant Professor at Oberlin College, and Instructor of Studio Foundations at Southeast Missouri State University.
Benjamin Johnson earned his B.F.A. in Glass from Â鶹´«Ã½ and his M.F.A. in Glass from Ball State University. He is Assistant Professor of Glass and Chair of Glass at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Johnson’s work is widely exhibited and held in the collections of the Indiana State Museum, the Evansville Art Museum, and the Glick Eye Institute. His work has received numerous best in show awards and he has been recognized as a Rising Star in contemporary glass at the Museum of American Glass in Millville, NJ.
earned her B.F.A. with a concentration in painting from Â鶹´«Ã½. She owns a vehicle for elevating accessibility to the arts, and to continue creative collaboration with surrounding communities and businesses in Ohio and beyond. HEDGE represents fifteen established artists.
