The Suitcase Project

The Suitcase Project focuses on the items contained in immigrants’/migrants’ suitcases as an examination of the cultural and social landscape of Cleveland. Nine participants from immigrant families created suitcases with meaningful artifacts from home countries and new artwork as part of this traveling exhibition. The exhibition opens at the CPR gallery on April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. Our partner, Akron Soul Train hosts this show in June 2021. Thanks to Ohio Arts Council for funding this project.

You will not want to miss this unique exhibition featuring: YunJung Lee, Sabine Kretzschmar, Andrew Aaron Valdez, Mallorie Freeman, Gina Washington, Anonymous, Rebecca Abramovich, Nicole Ledinek, and Clarissa Jakobsons. At this opening, no more than 10 people will be allowed at a time in the gallery. There will be no scheduled times during opening, so please be prepared that there may be a short wait to enter.

The Suitcase Project focuses on the items contained in immigrants’ suitcases as an examination of the cultural and social landscape of Cleveland. As immigration is an important aspect of American history as well as contemporary American life, the Suitcase Project considers the cultural, social and historical aspects of immigration through art and the written word.

Through an open call, 9 participants from immigrant families (up to 2 generations removed) were chosen to create suitcases of meaningful artifacts from home countries and new artwork as part of a traveling exhibition. The exhibition will spend four weeks in Cleveland at the Cleveland Print Room and then travel to Akron Soul Train for another four weeks on display.

From Friday, April 30, to the end of May, the Suitcase Project can be seen in CPR’s gallery with an appointment scheduled on our website, www.clevelandprintroom.com. Opening Wednesday, June 9, the show can also be seen in the Akron Soul Train Gallery. The exhibition will also be featured on our website in a virtual exhibition for the duration of both physical exhibitions.