And this is what I do … is an exhibition by Dan Cuffaro, the Anne Fluckey Lindseth Professor and chair of the Industrial Design Department at the Cleveland Institute of Art, that includes sabbatical-related work focused on entrepreneurship and its influence on the CIA Industrial Design curriculum. It includes Cuffaro’s most current product development work, past projects and the work of four students focused on bringing products to market before graduation.

And this is what I do … will open from 5 to 7pm Friday, March 3 in the Ann and Norman Student + Alumni Gallery. It will remain on view through Sunday, March 26.

Six years ago, Cuffaro turned a CIA class demonstration into nCamp, a growing outdoor goods brand. With tens of thousands of products sold all over the world, he has began to focus on how students could turn ideas into reality. Awarded a sabbatical during the Spring 2022 semester, Cuffaro used this time to develop new nCamp products, including a collapsible fire pit that is intended to be made locally.

Additionally, Cuffaro interviewed students, product development professionals and entrepreneurs to influence the development of our Industrial Design curriculum. This research led to a shift away from the word “entrepreneurship,” which seemed alienating for many students, while “empowerment” had greater resonance. Focusing his academic work on empowering students through the design process, Cuffaro enables them to forge their own creative journey.

Image: Dan Cuffaro in studio working on the nCamp Stove.