January 16, 2026 to March 15, 2026

Josh Chefitz (b. 1977) is a multimedia artist based in Cleveland, Ohio, who also works as the Director of Student Care at Ruffing Montessori School. In the fall of 2023, Chefitz found himself in the art room during a Children’s House art class. He put pen to paper and recalled doodles he made in middle school: x and y coordinates, quadrants, and ordered pairs that filled his notebooks. He showed this doodle to his friend, artist Will Wilson, who encouraged him to make more.

“As the Director of Student Care at Ruffing Montessori School, I spend a lot of time encouraging students to embrace agrowth mindset—to try new things, take risks, and learn from mistakes. But for much of my own life, I didn’t apply that mindset to myself. I avoided things that felt difficult or unfamiliar and stuck to what I knew I could do well.

Art was one of those things I avoided. I’ve always wanted to make art, but as a kid, I believed I wasn’t any good at it. Creating never felt good. I compared myself to my older brother. Then to my younger brother. Eventually, I stopped making anything—for about 40 years.

That changed in the fall of 2023. I was sitting in on a Children’s House art class at school when I started to doodle. Almost instantly, memories came rushing back—grids, quadrants, x and y coordinates, the kinds of marks I used to fill my middle school notebooks just to pass the time. I showed one of these doodles to my friend, artist Will Wilson, who said, “You should make more of these.” That small bit of low-key encouragement was all I needed. Will sent me links to pens and told me to check out the Morgan Conservatory for paper. I’ve been making ever since.

Now, at 48, I’m several years into this art-making journey. It feels good. I had no idea how much I needed this outlet. I’ve met some wonderful people, discovered a vibrant creative community, and stretched far beyond my comfort zone. The experiences I’ve had have opened me up in ways I never expected.

I now speak with my students about how we come to believe certain stories about ourselves—about who we are and what we can or can’t do. How we internalize the messages we get from others and let them shape our identities. Maybe this exhibition can be the quiet encouragement someone else needs right now.

The theme of this exhibition is rooted in that idea: growth mindset, especially as it relates to creativity. This show is where I’ll share the story of how I started making art, inspired by local artists, a Montessori classroom, and the simple act of picking up a pen. ” – Chefitz

Click here for Press Release

Opening Reception: Jan. 16th 5-8pm RSVP HERE