'Between Flight and Stillness,' by June Hund.Rust Belt Photo Collective will host the photography exhibition “Touched” at Cuyahoga Community College East’s Gallery East, opening Friday, June 12 with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through Thursday, July 30.

Curated by Richard Holmes, “Touched” reflects on the emotional and physical nature of connection through a collection of 55 works by Northeast Ohio artists. Each artist was asked to interpret the theme of touch through their own artistic perspective and lived experience.

“I chose images that are more psychological and emotional and not just examples of physical touch,” Holmes explains of his choices for the exhibit. “My intent was to portray longing, reflection, memory, and the distance between ourselves and others.”

Holmes' own work are also a part of “Touched,” and he says he hopes audiences will connect deeply with the themes.

“Every day, we are touched or inspired by someone or something, but we rarely take the time to pause and celebrate those moments,” he observes.

Artist Nicole D’Alessandro, who works across photography, textile art, and book arts, says the broad theme of “Touched,” created opportunities for creative exploration.

'Rest,' by Rebecca Groynom.D’Alessandro’s photo “Totara” depicts a man hugging a tree with a calm and content expression. Her work explores the reciprocal relationship between touching nature and being touched by it.

“This theme can be interpreted in so many ways, and that’s part of the excitement of being included in the exhibition,” she explains. “I am combining my love of nature, fascination with architecture, and how they tie together with relationships to explore what gives us meaning and sustains us.”

D’Alessandro’s piece joins those of other regional artists who use traditional photographic processes, mixed media elements, and image manipulation to explore the theme of touch.

Participating artist and Rust Belt Photo Collective cofounder June Hund says she hopes visitors will find personal meaning within the work and engage directly with both the images and artists.

“I hope that this show will let visitors explore the images and leave with a deeper understanding or a new perspective on the nature and implications of touch as seen through the artist’s eyes,” she says.

In Hund’s mixed media piece, “Between Flight and Stillness,” Hund uses layered feathers over a photograph of a human female figure to create a three-dimensional piece.

'Totara,' by Nicole D'Alessandro.“There is a lot of room for self-expression,” she explains of the piece. “‘[Between Flight and Stillness]’ shows the dynamics between domesticity and wildness.”

Additionally, curator Holmes says the exhibit reflects broader shifts in Cleveland’s evolving arts community.

“I expect Cleveland’s art neighborhoods, such as Waterloo Arts District, Hingetown, and Collinwood, to keep growing and gaining support,” he says.

Holmes has worked in both the Cleveland and New York City creative worlds and he says he hopes Cleveland will continue to grow its arts scene.

“[Cleveland’s] strength lies in work that reflects the community and feels authentic, rather than trend-based,” Holmes observes. “With the support of strong institutions and committed individuals, I believe the city will take a more prominent place in the Midwest art scene.”

Hund agrees that collaboration and connection are important. “The arts in the Cleveland area are active, with many artists [who] provide a variety of imaginative and creative expressions that express many different artistic styles,” she says. “Showing up to support the artists at receptions provides validation and exposure.”

Holmes adds that he hopes visitors to “Touched” will walk away with a new sensory perception.

“There are so many things in our culture that conspire to take us away from the things that truly matter in our lives,” he says. “We hope that visitors to our show will stop and take the time to enjoy what “touches” them.”

“Touched” opens Friday, June 12, at 6 p.m. in Gallery East on Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, and runs through July 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public, Mondays through Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.