The Street Where We All Live
Taller Experimental de Gráfica
Art way
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Art Tells
a Story
At Artway, we are dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange that transcends borders. This year, we are thrilled to announce that our talented Ohio artists have been invited to participate in the prestigious 15th Havana Biennial. This opportunity not only highlights their exceptional skills but also underscores our commitment to expanding their horizons.
The Havana Biennial is an inspiring initiative that will take our local artists to Cuba, where they will engage with their Cuban counterparts across a diverse array of artistic forms — dance, music, spoken word, visual arts, sculpture, and painting. This unique experience promises to build lasting connections that will profoundly influence their work for years to come.
Artway’s legacy is to ignite creative genius, inspire individuals both locally and internationally, and ensure that our community continues to flourish as a vibrant cultural hub. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who make this vital work possible, and we invite others to join us in supporting our local artists. Together, we can continue to cultivate a thriving, connected, and inspired arts community.
Join us in celebrating creativity and cultural exchange — let’s make a difference together!
Sincerely,
Michael Reese Artway Project founder
Photo at left: Celeste Malvar-Stewart dress worn by Priscilla Dwomoh, hair and makeup by Ludie Senatus.
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
Jose posing with an outdoor sculpture at ISA.
Visual Artist
Douglas Pérez Castro
Adonys Flores
Dairan Fernández
Abel Barroso
Helen Hoffelt
Elsie Sanchez
Tariq Tarey
Laura Alexander
April Sunami
Susan Dotson
Gavin Benjamin
Cody F. Miller
Char Norman
Richard Lillash
Deborah Griffing
Joey Monsoon
Karen Albanese Campbell
Christine D’ Epiro Abbott
Meryl Engler
Kathy McGhee
Isolina Limonta
Orlando Montalván
Ren McKinzie
Rosa Rojas
Desbel Álvarez
Guillermo Vantour García
Yamilys Brito Jorge
LaShae Boyd
Raimundo Orozco
Julio César Peña
Michael Guinane
Performance Artists:
Ohio artists
Mojoflo:
Amber Knicole
Walter K
George Barrie
Greg Owens
Anthony Baker
Callisto Quartet:
Bethany Hargreaves
Gregory Lewis
Eva Kennedy
Hannah Moses
Anabella Petronsi, Mezzo Soprano
Dione Bennett
Hannah Bullock
Erin Helgeson Torres, Flute
Michael Rene Torres, Saxophone
Orlay Alonso, Piano
Cuban artists
José María Vitier, Piano
Yasek Manzano, Trumpet
Cuerdas del Monte, Band
Eduardo Llibre, Percussion
Jany Quiñones, Tres
Erdwin Vichot, Laud
Carlos Placeres, Guitar
Harold González, Double Bass
Yaimi Karell Lay, Singer and Percussion
Rafael Paseiro, Bass
Fabio Abreu, Snare Drum
Denis Peralta, Piano and Director
Tony Carreras, Sound engineer
Alejandro Jorge
Cuerdas del Monte
Dance
Company ISADANZA Dance Art Faculty
President of ISA: Rolando V. Ortega
Teacher and Choreographer: Caridad Romero Mariño
Artistic Assistant: Elizabeth Marrero
Liliam Chacón
Dean of Dance Faculty at ISA
Donald Isom
President of I Am D.A.N.C.E. LLC,
The Ohio State University
Spoken Word
Trip Fontain
Sierra Leone
Kari Gunter-Seymour
Film
Krystopher Scott – My Soul
Touched the Water
Rufo de Jesús de Armas Ortega, Omar Diaz, Tatiana Rodriguez –A Day of Art in Havana
Matt & Nicolette Swift –Columbus in Cuba –Cuba in Columbus
Carrie Beyer, Eric Delgado, Brandon Abbott, Ruffo De Armas Ortega –Equilibrio Dedication
Sculpture
Osmany Betancourt Falcón – Lolo
David Griesmyer
Tomás Nuñez
Manuel Hernández
Holly Barrett
Fashion
Jorge A Olive Suarez
Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Joan Madison
Darsy Amaya
Ester Sands
Aspen Grazier
David Griesmyer and Osmany Betancourt Falcón – Lolo sculture along the Malicon
Sierra Leone performing her spoken word
Erin Helgeson Torres and Michael Rene Torres
Opening ceremony images at Lombillo Palace
“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 of the Taller Experimental de Gráfica
Christine
D’ Epiro Abbott with her artwork displayed at Lombillo Palace
Dear Friends,
“On The Street Where We All Live” is an art exhibition that exemplifies the vibrant collaboration between artists from Ohio and Cuba. Hosted at the historic Lombillo Palace in Havana, Cuba, this exhibition offers a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, including dance, music, visual arts, and painting. The Lombillo Palace, a Baroque-style building from the 18th century, provides a stunning backdrop that enhances the immersive experience for visitors.
The exhibition features works by artists such as Tariq Tarey, Helen Hoffelt, Laura Alexander, April Sunami, Gavin Benjamin,and Adonys Flores among others. These artists have engaged with Cuban counterparts across various artistic forms, fostering creativity and cultural exchange that transcends borders. This collaboration not only enriches the artists’ work but also builds connections that will nurture relationships for years to come.
Aliana Martínez Director of Lombillo Palace
Tariq Tarey’s photographs displayed in Lombillo Palace
“
” Dance is a way to share feelings, energy, connection.
Liliam
Chacon Dean of Dance Faculty at ISA
Above: Dancers during the opening ceremony
“
” Making ceramics means fusing craft, concept, and soul into a piece of clay.
Surisday Reyes Martínez, Director & Curator of Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea Cubana
Ceramics by Holly Barrett and Manuel Hernández (pictured above)
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 Biennal 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, 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
The National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba
Jorge A. Oliva Suárez Jewelry Shop “ ”
Our creations are designed with love and infinite possibilities.
Jorge A. Oliva Suárez jewelry shop artists.
Dione Bennett and Yaimi Karell-Lay
“In 2014 I met Michael Reese and since then Michael , Ruthie and myself have been pulling together visual art projects that connected artists from both countries. The greatest achievements have been experiencing the same level humanity and love.
”
Tatiana Rodríguez
La Bienal de la Habana es el evento más importante de las Artes Visuales en Cuba; a cuarenta años de su primera edicion la Bienal ha logrado tejer puentes de amistad y colaboración entre artistas, curadores, criticos de arte e instituciones por todo el mundo reafirmando que el arte puede trascender fronteras y que su mayor riqueza radica en la diversidad y el dialogo plural entre nuestros pueblos.
En asra 15 edición llegaron hasta la Habana un grugo de artitas estadounidenses llenos de sueños y proyectos, marcados por la solidaridad y el amor a Cuba y a su gente, liderados por Michael Reese.
Daneisy García Presidenta Del Cnap
Rich Lillash with his artwrk displayed at Lombillo Palace
From the balcony over looking Plaza de la Catedral, opera singers Hannah Bullock and Yaimi Karell-Lay perform at the Lombillo Palace.
The art handling team, Marla Melisa Quiroga Pérez, Gabriela Manuela Sánchez Rodríguez, Aliana Martinez Rodríguez, Joan Araujo Torres, Abel Sarochar Saborí, Georgia Guardado Martinez, Alexis Garcia Díaz.
Donald Isom working with dance students at ISA.
Ivan Daniel Arencibia performing at the Lombillo Palace.
Top: David Griesmyer and Osmany Betancourt Falcón – Lolo sculture along the Malicon
Below: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla welcoming guests at Taller Experimental de Gráfica.
Kari Gunter-Seymour, Sierra Leone and Trip Fontain perform their spoken word at Corral Falso Gallery.
Mojoflo performing at Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
Mojoflo performing for their music video at Fusterlandia.
Walter from Mojoflo jamming with locals on the street.
Callisto Quartet performing with Orlay Alonso on Piano at Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
Hannah Bullock performing with Callisto Quartet and Orlay Alonso on Piano.
Karen Albanese Campbell posing with her art hanging in the Taller Experimental de Gráfica.
Collaborating at the Taller Experimental de Gráfica.
15 Bienal De La Habana • November 15, 2024 - February 28, 2025 • One Street Created by Helen Hoffelt: Palacio Del Conde de Lombillo
15 Bienal De La Habana • November 15, 2024 - February 28, 2025 • One Street Created by Helen Hoffelt: Palacio Del Conde de Lombillo
Artist Fellowship
March 10-16, 2024
Photography essay by Gavin Benjamin
Artist Fellowship
February 20-26, 2025
Photography essay by Chloe Lillash
Artist Fellowship
February 20-26. 2025
Photography essay by Tariq
Tarey
EPISTROPHE
This photographic project explores Cuba beyond its common stereotypes of cigars, tourism, and vintage cars, instead highlighting the resilience, resourcefulness, and deep communal spirit of its people. Rooted in a personal connection—despite being born in Mogadishu, Cuba feels like home through its warmth, intergenerational living, and cultural echoes—the project seeks to present Cuba from an African perspective.
Captured on black and white large format film for both creative and archival purposes, the project employs intimate, documentary-style photography to depict the ingenuity of daily life, the perseverance of individuals, and the tradition of mutual aid that defines Cuban society. Additionally, it delves into the African influences embedded in Cuban identity, from music to spirituality. By pairing images with narratives, this project aims to foster dialogue, challenge misconceptions, and create a visual bridge between Cuba and Africa, culminating in an exhibition and book that celebrate shared histories and human resilience.
Tariq Tarey
Special Thanks
November 15, 2024 — February 28, 2025
Havana Bienal
Horizontes Compartidos/Shared Horizons
Special Thanks - Cuba
Lissette Alonso Wilfredo Lam
Daneisy García Presidenta Del Cnap
Nelson Ramírez de Arellano Conde -
Director Contemporary Art Center Wifredo Lam
David Ramírez Alvarez
Lombillo Palace
Aliana Martínez - Director Lombillo Palace
Experimental Graphic Workshop
Yamilys Brito Jorge - Director
Curatorial Team Cuba
Omar Diaz, Yamilys Brito Jorge, Tatiana Rodríguez
Ceramic Museum Staff
Surisday Reyes Martínez, Director & Curator
Ana Ibis Rivero Morales, Museology
Rafael Pérez, Assembly & Conservation
Carlos Velázquez, Public Relations
Lombillo Palace Assembly Team
Alexis García Díaz
Marla Quiroga Pérez
Yoan Araujo Torres
Assembly Team of the Restaurants and Graphic Workshop
Carlos Donaldson Díaz
Leonardo González Hernández
Elio Joel Valdivia
School Masterclasses
Amadeo Roldán
Escuela Nacional de Arte
Conservatorio Alejandro García Caturla
Graphicstudio’s Collaboration with Abel Barroso
Special Thanks - Ohio
Michael Brown
Yvette McGee Brown and Anthony L. Brown
Christian Coffin
Shannon and Rob Crane
Rob Dorans
Jodie Engle
Mark Ferguson
Jerry Friedman
Rick Galleger
Jami Goldstein
Kathleen Hagedon
Thomas F. Havens
Jane Hoffelt
Donna and Larry James
LeAnne Johnson Absalom
Mary and Tom Katzenmeyer
Nannette Maciejunes
Beth Crane and Richard McKee
Ambos Mundos
Ruthie Newcomer
Subha Raman and Kumar Patel
Karla Rothan
Jeff Ruff
Bruce Shumard
Jimmy Yee
Honorary Co-Chairs
Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Council
Nancy Day-Achauer, Columbus City Council
Remy Emmanuel, Columbus City Council
Columbus Arts Leadership
Donna Collins
Executive Director, Ohio Arts Council
Dr. Melanie Corn
President, Columbus College of Art & Design
Tom Katzenmeyer
President and CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council
Curatorial Team Ohio
Michael Reese, Jose Rodríguez, Jerry Friedman, Char Norman, Sandra Lopez, Orlay Alonso
Artway Board
Jerry Friedman, James Reese, Michael Reese, Jose Rodríguez, Sandra R. López (advisory)
Map Illustration: Rich Lillash
Photography: Tariq Tary, Gavin Benjamin, Chloe Lillash
Design: Kathy Lillash
WOSU Broad & High Producer: Carrie Beyer
Map Legend:
● Palacio del Conde de Lombillo
● Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea Cubana
● Restaurants:
Doña Eutimia
Casa Víctor
Esto no es un Café Yuli
Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea
Cubana
Tomás Nuñez (Johnny)
Osmany Betancourt (Lolo)
Manuel Hernández (Manuel)
Holly Barrett
● Taller Experimental de Gráfica
● Jorge A. Suárez Oliva Jewelry shop Plaza de la Catrdral
● GAO Habana Compostela 114 (hand bag location)
● Casa Stein/Havana
Obispo No. 463 / Villegas y Aguacate
● Casa Vitier García Marruz
Calle San Ignacio 102 Lecture and Performance Space
● On Amphitheater Sculpture
Osmany Betancourt Falcón - Lolo
David Griesmyer
Taller Experimental de Gráfica
Karen Albanese Campbell
Christine D’ Epiro Abbott
Meryl Engler
Kathy McGhee
Doña Eutimia
Isolina Limonta
Orlando Montalván
Ren McKinzie
Rosa Rojas
Casa Víctor
Desbel Álvarez
Guillermo Vantour García
Esto no es un café
Yamilys Brito Jorge LaShae Boyd
Yuli
Raimundo Orozco
Julio César Peña
Michael Guinane
Jorge A. Oliva Suárez Jewelry shop
Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Joan Madison
Darsy Amaya
Palacio Del Conde de Lombillo
Douglas Pérez Castro
Adonys Flores
Dairan Fernández
Abel Barroso
Helen Hoffelt
Elsie Sanchez
Tariq Tarey
Laura Alexander
April Sunami
Susan Dotson
Gavin Benjamin
Cody F. Miller
Char Norman
Richard Lillash
Deborah Griffing
Joey Monsoon
Map illustration by Richard Lillash
Behind the Scenes
A Heartfelt Thank You to the People of Cuba
We extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Cuba who welcomed us with open arms during our time at the 15th Bienal De La Habana - On The Street Where We All Live. Your hospitality in your homes, the delicious meals at your restaurants, and the friendly rides on your taxi bikes made our experience truly unforgettable. Every interaction, every shared moment, contributed to the beauty of this event and the theme of SHARED HORIZONS. It is through your kindness and support that we were able to connect, create, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of art and culture that unites us all.
Thank you for being such gracious hosts and for making our journey a remarkable one. We look forward to nurturing the bonds we’ve formed and continuing this beautiful exchange of creativity and inspiration. Together, we are building a brighter, more connected future!
Michael Reese, Founder ARTWAY INC.
Dedicated to Mrs. Maida Rafaela Barroso 1940 - 2025
Eva Isabel Padilla Barroso wearing Joan Madison’s dress in front of Lombillo Palace
Photo by: Chloe Lillash