News . Feature Stories . Progressive acquires artwork by CIA instructor Dan Tranberg
February 28, 2014
Thirteen of Tranberg's recent works now in renowned collection
By Julie Mason
Dan Tranberg, an artist and author who teaches liberal arts and painting at the Cleveland Institute of Art, had 13 works purchased in December by Progressive Corporation for its well-known art collection.
“We absolutely love and respect Dan,” said H. Scott Westover, curator of the Progressive Art Collection. “He has been a major contributor to not only the artistic community, but the intellectual community of Cleveland now for years.”
Westover first spotted the works at CIA’s annual faculty show in the Reinberger Galleries. “They were like little precious gems on the wall,” he said. After meeting up with Tranberg to discuss the ideas behind the art, Westover made his selection at Tranberg’s solo show this past fall at 1point618 Gallery in Cleveland.
The works are geometric abstractions in various media, including some small graphite drawings, a series on paper done in glitter, and new work made entirely with assorted yarns. They join two photographic pieces by Tranberg that were acquired by Progressive about ten years ago.
“It’s great to be represented by a quantity of work in the Progressive collection,” said Tranberg. “Every artist I know wants to be understood for the full breadth of their work. I feel really fortunate that now, with 15 works in the collection—in a wide variety of media—what they have is a true representation of what I do.”
Westover said Tranberg’s works will be displayed in small groupings at Progressive offices around the country. The collection has an artwork rotation plan “so our people can have their spaces reawakened with new installations,” he said. “But of course we’ll keep at least one grouping here in Cleveland at the main headquarters.”
In addition to his work as an artist and an educator, Tranberg is the author of “Acrylic Fusion,” a book on unconventional painting techniques published in 2012 by Quarry Books. He has taught at CIA for 15 years. A review with photos of his recent solo show at 1point618 Gallery is available on the Plain Dealer’s website.
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