OUR STORY

ARTneo, formerly known as the Cleveland Artists Foundation (CAF) from 1900-1950, was founded in 1984 by Cleveland-based artists, patrons, and collectors who recognized the need to establish an organization that would preserve, research, collect and exhibit significant visual art of Northeast Ohio.

At the heart of ARTneo’s mission is a collection of more than 3,000 paintings, prints, ceramics and sculptures.  As the Cleveland Artist Foundation, the organization’s mission historically focused on a group of artists known as the “Cleveland School” which was active from 1900-1950.  For the past 25 years, ARTneo has broadened its historical scope to integrate the contributions of artists who were active before and since the “Cleveland School.”  Our focus now is the achievements of the most signification artists in Northeast Ohio whose period of productivity encompasses the past fifty years up to the current moment.

Due to our expanded scope, ARTneo has transformed into the premier center for the art of Northeast Ohio, owing to both its significant collecting initiative and its commitment to creative exhibition planning and educational outreach.  It is the only museum that caters exclusively to the acquisition of regional art, while not charging an admission fee.  The museum is supported through in-kind contributions and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and through state funding, membership and fundraisers.