April and May bring out the best in design during the inaugural Cleveland Design Month-and-a-Half, which features two events that show off the talents of local design students as well as regional and national designers.

The Cleveland Institute of Art's annual Spring Design Show, a tradition for more than 20 years, kicks off on Tuesday, April 19, while the Cleveland Furniture Fair, hosted by Cleveland's District of Design, begins May 16.

In the spring show student work in industrial, interior and communication design will be on display for the public, as well as national employers in Case Western Reserve's Peter B. Lewis building. "More than 100 students show work and interview for internships," says CIA's head of industrial design, Dan Cuffaro. "It's a big job fair." A free public reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will kick off the event.

Throughout the week, designers hailing from some of the most progressive firms in the world will present a series of free lectures to the public.

The second annual Cleveland Furniture Fair will show off the brightest designers and manufacturers of furniture, lighting, millwork and more. This year's fair has a greater variety of designers from Northeast Ohio, unique seminars tailored specifically for exhibitors and the public, as well as pop-up retail shops and a variety of design-focused events.

Additionally, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cleveland Chapter has a calendar full of lectures, exhibitions, and tours open to the public that will introduce new and exciting architecture and design to Northeast Ohio.


Sources: Dan Cuffaro, Casey Burry
Writer: Karin Connelly