Art way
projects
uniting artists around the world
Contents:
Words by Micheal Reese, Artway Projects founder 5
The 15 Biennial Ohio Artist ..............................................6
Artist Fellowship
Ohio Artist that were commisisioned to produce photo essays on their trip to Cuba
Gavin Benjamin .................................................................15
Chloe Lillash 27
Tariq Tareq ........................................................................37
Thank you to our supporters.
Art Tells
a Story
Dear Friend of the Arts,
At Artway, we are dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange that transcends borders. This year, we are honored that our Ohio artists have been invited to participate in the 15th Havana Biennial, a testament to their talent and our commitment to expanding their horizons. This inspiring initiative will send our local artists to Cuba, where they will engage with Cuban counterparts across a wide spectrum of artistic forms—dance, music, spoken word, visual arts, sculpture, and painting. This experience will build connections that will shape their work for years to come.
Artway’s legacy is to spark creative genius, inspire others both locally and internationally, and ensure that our community continues to grow as a cultural hub. We are deeply grateful to the donors who make this work possible, and we invite others to join us in supporting our local artists. Together, we can continue to build a thriving, connected, and inspired arts community.
Sincerely,
Michael Reese Artway Project founder
Participants of the 15 Havana Biennial with Michael Reese
Visual Artist
Karen Campbell
Helen Hoffelt
Christine D’ Epiro Abbott
LaShae Boyd
Deborah Griffing
Laura Alexander
Joey Monsoon
Cody F. Miller
Ren McKinzie
April Sunami
Richard Lillash
Kathy McGhee
Rosa Rojas
Gavin Benjamin
Susan Dotson
Meryl Engler
Char Norman Daric Gill
Michael Guinane
Elsie Sanchez
ISA - Instituto Superior de Arte
Photography
Tariq Tarey
Chloe Lillash
Film
Krystopher Scott
Carrie Beyer
Fashion
Celeste Malvar Stewart
Joan Madison
Darsy Amaya
Ceramist
David Griesmyer
Holly Barrett
Music
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
Columbus symphony Orchestra
Opera Columbus
Performance Artist:
Orlay Alonso
Opera Columbus
Pro Musica
Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Trip Fontane- Spoken Word
Sierra Leone - Spoken Word
Donald Isom - Dance
Theron Brown - Musician
Cuba Curatorial - Project Team:
Yamilys Brito Jorge, Omar Diaz, Tatiana Rodriguez
Many years ago Michael Reese decided to defend the idea of a cultural exchange with Cuban artists, since then I have worked with him as part of a supporting Cuban team that has followed him in his different projects.
Havana Biennial turns out to be the ideal international space for so much effort and experience to have even greater visibility. Cuban collaborators with ARTWAY have mediated between artists from both countries and created programs with an extraordinary social impact that include visits to community projects in Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, etc., the National Museum of Fine Arts, and studios of artists who also carry out cultural promotion activities, just to mention a few. It is fair to recognize how every year Ohio artists are received here with enthusiasm to undertake a new project. The tasks sometimes become complex but the will to make art together despite the obstacles that may arise is stronger.
In all these years my experience within Michael Reese’s project has been enriching and has offered me a vision that has contributed greatly to my training as a specialist at the Education Department of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba.
Omar Diaz
Photo at left: Jorge Olive - Design
Above: Aliana Martinez, Director of Lombillo Palace
Artist Fellowship March 10-16, 2024
Photographs by Gavin Benjamin
Dear Friend of the Arts,
At Artway, our mission is to connect artists from around the world, fostering creativity and cultural exchange that transcends borders. We are thrilled to invite you to support our work that brings talented artists from Columbus and Ohio to Cuba. On these trips, our artists engage with Cuban counterparts across a wide spectrum of artistic forms—dance, music, spoken word, visual arts, sculpture, and painting. This immersive experience allows them to gain fresh perspectives, learn from a culture rich in resilience and creativity, and build connections that will influence their work for years to come, right here in our community.
When our artists return to Columbus, they bring with them not only new skills and artistic techniques but also a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression. Their experiences in Cuba will enrich our local arts scene, infusing it with the vibrancy and passion they encountered abroad. By supporting this program, we are investing in the future of our community’s cultural life, ensuring that our artists continue to grow and inspire us all. We hope you will join us in making this transformative experience possible.
Jose R. Rodriguez
Above: The church in Regla that was the first port for slaves. The Catholic Church matched the traditional African religions to the Catholic Saints.
Above: Wenddys Hernandez and fellow bandmates.
Right: Open air dinner with Ohio group.
Artist studio
Wendy’s amazing band performing.
Gallery Galeria Corral Falls de Tomas Nunez
Artist Fellowship
October 9-14, 2023
Photographs by Chloe Lillash
“I met Michael Reese before working with Artway. His human quality is essential and the key to success of any project, hence the great national impact of Letters from Ohio/ Cartas de Cuba.
And it is because of this empathy of our work team and artists collaboration in Cuba that we guarantee the excellence of the project “The street where we all live” at the 15th Havana Biennale.”
Yamilys Brito Jorge
Visual Artist
Printmaking Specialist Director
Graphic Workshop of Havana
Artist Fellowship
October 9-14, 2023
Photographs by Tariq Tarey
Tarique Tary shooting his portraits on the streets of Havana.
My project aims to explore the vibrant tapestry of Cuba’s cultural heritage, with a particular focus on its rich artistic and musical traditions. Through photography and storytelling, I seek to illuminate the diverse and dynamic expressions of Cuban identity, exploring the intersections of history, community, and creativity.
From the bustling streets of Havana to the tranquil landscapes of rural towns, my lens will capture the essence of Cuban life, celebrating the resilience, resourcefulness, and spirit of its people. Through intimate portraits, vivid landscapes, and candid moments, I will showcase the multifaceted layers of Cuban culture, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rhythm of its music, the colors of its art, and the warmth of its people.
My project is not just about capturing images; it’s about fostering understanding, appreciation, and connection. By shining a light on Cuba’s cultural richness, I aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire dialogue. Through exhibitions, publications, and multimedia presentations, I will share these stories with the world, inviting audiences to embark on a visual journey that celebrates the diversity and resilience of Cuba’s artistic soul.
Tariq Tarey
You made the dream of CUBA artists with Ohio artists collaboration a reality.
The Columbus Way - ARTWAY
Columbus City Council - Ohio Arts Council - Greater Columbus Arts CouncilColumbus Museum of Art - Columbus College of Art & Design
Erika Bourguignon Charitable Trust
Rick Galleger
Tom Havens
Christian Coffin
Ron Guisinger
Bob Salmen
Donna and Larry James
Sarah & Steve Reinhart
Beth Crane & Richard McKee
Julie Robbins & Jerry Friedman
ArtWay Project Supporters:
Don Klingbeil
Loann Crane
Hon. Yvette McGee Brown &
Anthony L Brown
Shannon and Rob Crane
Ambos Mundos
Nancy Jane Loy & Thomas Worley
LeAnne Johnson Absalom
Jeffery Ruff
Subha Raman & Kumar Patel
Ruthie Newcomer, Nancy Smeltzer, A. J. Jones, Sandra Lopez, Emily Toney, Doug Lynn, Bruce Shumard, Jimmy Yee, Dr. Melanie Corn, Alison Barret, McKenzi Swinehart, Jami Goldstein, Kayla Green, Nannette Maciejunes, Donna Collins, Jane Hoffelt, Karla Rothan, Chery Davis, Ron Guisinger, Bob Salmen
ARTWAY INC. Board:
Michael Reese, Jim Reese, Jose Rodriguez, Jerry Friedman
Advisory Board:
Ruthie Newcomer, Sandra Lopez
Projects:
Columbus in Cuba – Cuba in Columbus, Letters From Cuba – Letters From Ohio Documentaries, My Soul Touched the Water, A Day of Art In Havana, Cuba In Columbus – Columbus In Cuba – Once Again Cuba- Ohio Artist Unite
Apoyo en Cuba
Consejo Nacional de las Art Plasticas–Presidencia Daneisy Garcia–Department de Relaciones Internacionales–Yadelin Ramos Noda, Yandira Morales Taulet
Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), Sonia Ortaga in Memoriam – Lili Pacheco Benavides – Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Omar Diaz–Tatiana Hernandez–Yamilys Brito Jorge, Experimental Graphic Workshop of Havana–Leonardo Gonzales Hernadez–Agencia Turismo Cultural Paradiso – Osmany
Betancourt Falcon (Lolo) Luis Ocvio Hernandez–Helga Montalvan – Galeria Corral Falso de Tomas
Nunez – Tatiana Rodrigues Vergara
Art way
uniting artists
around the world projects
Founder: Michael Reese
Creative Director: Gavin Benjamin
Design: Kathleen Lillash
Rest stop on the way to Matanzasana.