Bienal De La Habana_Brochure_single page by gavin benjamin

The Street Where We All Live

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 .................................................................29

Chloe Lillash 41

Tariq Tareq ........................................................................49

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

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

ISA - Instituto Superior de Arte

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

Dancers

Company ISADANZA Dance Art Faculty

President of ISA: Rolando V. Ortega

Teacher and Choreographer:

Caridad Romero Mariño

Artistic Assistant: Elizabeth Marrero

Dance

Donald Isom

President of I Am D.A.N.C.E. LLC, The Ohio State University

Liliam Chacón

Dean of Dance Faculty at ISA

Spoken Word

Trip Fontain

Sierra Leone

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

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

“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

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

Aliana Martínez

Ceramics by Holly Barrett

Surisday Reyes Martínez, Director & Curator of Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea Cubana

Above: Liliam Chacon, Dean of Dance Faculty at ISA

Above: Dancers during the opening ceremony

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

Jorge A. Oliva Suárez Jewelry Shop

Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea Cubana

The art handling team

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.

Matanzas

Taller Experimental de Gráfica, pictured left to right: Helen Hoffelt, Christine D’Epiro Abbott, Char Norman, David Griesmyer, Meryl Engler

Wendy’s amazing band performing.

Photo at right: Gallery Galeria Corral Falls de Tomas Nunez

Artist Fellowship

October 9-14, 2023

Photographs by Chloe Lillash

Taller Experimental de Gráfica

Experimental Graphic Arts Workshop

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