
CVAC proudly invites all students who took a class or workshop in 2026 to participate in our annual Student & Faculty Exhibition, a long-standing tradition that celebrates the creativity, growth, and dedication of our artistic community. This exhibition provides students with a meaningful opportunity to display their work alongside that of CVAC’s esteemed faculty in a supportive and inspiring gallery environment.
Drop-Off Dates:
• Friday, October 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Entry Fee:
• $10 per entry (maximum of one entry per student)
Early submissions may be arranged by calling the front desk at 330-928-8092.
This non-juried exhibition celebrates the diversity and skill of CVAC’s student body and offers a glimpse into the exciting work being produced within our classrooms and studios. For decades, the Student & Faculty Exhibition has been a cornerstone of CVAC’s programming, providing an invaluable platform for artists at every stage of their creative journey.
Visitors are invited to vote in the exhibition’s People’s Choice Award, made possible through the generous support of The Vijay Rastogi Memorial Fund. Honoring the legacy of Vijay Rastogi—a cherished former board member and dedicated advocate for the arts—this fund provides cash prizes that recognize outstanding artistic achievement within the exhibition.
The celebration of artistic excellence will culminate during the Artist Reception on Friday, November 20, from 5:30–7:00 PM, with awards announced at 6:30 PM. This festive evening welcomes guests to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, and purchase original works of art. Admission is free and open to all.
This exhibition also features the Artistic Evolution Awards, honoring students who have demonstrated notable artistic growth throughout the year. Selected by CVAC faculty, these awards celebrate dedication, improvement, and the development of each student’s unique artistic voice.
The Student & Faculty Exhibition is a cherished opportunity to experience the extraordinary skill, passion, and creativity that define the CVAC community. Thank you for choosing CVAC as your artistic home—we are honored to support your journey and look forward to celebrating the work you bring to this year’s exhibition.
Please Review the Prospectus: 2026 Student & Faculty Prospectus
THE VIJAY RASTOGI MEMORIAL FUND:
The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC) is honored to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and contributions of Vijay Rastogi, a beloved former Board member whose passion for the arts and unwavering support for our mission left an indelible mark on our community.
Vijay Rastogi, a gifted watercolor artist and dedicated advocate for the arts, brought his artistic vision and enthusiasm to the CVAC Board of Directors for many years. His belief in the transformative power of art education inspired those around him and guided the direction of our center.
In memory of Vijay’s enduring commitment to the arts, his generous donation has been dedicated to funding awards during our annual student and faculty exhibition. These awards serve as a lasting tribute to his love for art and his desire to nurture and celebrate the skill within our community.
As we announce each year’s award recipients, we honor Vijay Rastogi’s legacy and express our deepest gratitude for his profound impact on the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center. His spirit continues to inspire us to cultivate creativity and artistic expression within our community.
ARTISTIC EVOLUTION AWARDS: Summary
This award celebrates students who have undergone significant growth and evolution in their artistic journey over the course of the year. It highlights their ability to adapt, learn, and refine their skills, regardless of where they started.
AWARD DESCRIPTIONS: Full Description
At the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC), we believe that every individual’s artistic journey is a continuous evolution, shaped by dedication, exploration, and growth. The Artistic Evolution Award celebrates the remarkable transformations that students undergo in their pursuit of artistic excellence throughout the year.
This award is a testament to the students who have embraced the creative process with passion and determination, regardless of their starting point. It recognizes their ability to adapt to new challenges, learn from experiences, and push the boundaries of their artistic expression.
As a community visual art center, CVAC upholds its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that nurtures individual skills. The recipients of the Artistic Evolution Award embody this commitment by actively engaging in artistic exploration and growth within our supportive community. Through their dedication to personal development and creative expression, they contribute to the fulfillment of CVAC’s mission to foster an appreciation of visual art through education, exhibition, and community enrichment opportunities.
Whether through experimenting with new mediums, exploring diverse artistic styles, or delving into unfamiliar subject matter, these students have demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Their evolution as artists not only inspires others but, also enriches the vibrant tapestry of creativity within our community.
The Artistic Evolution Awards serve as a reminder that artistic growth is not measured solely by the final outcome but by the journey of discovery, learning, and personal development. It celebrates the resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit of our students as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the arts.
Through this award, we honor and celebrate the remarkable evolution of each recipient’s artistic journey, recognizing their contributions to the vibrant tapestry of creativity that defines the essence of CVAC’s community of artists.