Fundholder Spotlight: Jonathan Donald Kuhns Memorial Fund

By: Danielle Dieterich, Executive Director, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center

On a cold January evening, the gallery at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center was filled with warmth, conversation, and the vibrant excitement that comes when artists gather to celebrate their work. More than 130 photographers, friends, family members and supporters filled the space for the inaugural Fine Art Photography Exhibition's Artist Reception on Jan. 16, 2026. The evening marked more than the presentation of awards – it celebrated the launch of a new annual exhibition dedicated to honoring the memory of Jonathan Donald Kuhns and his love for photography.

The exhibition came to life through a partnership that began with a simple connection. Through Akron Community Foundation, CVAC was introduced to Louise Kuhns Harvey, who was seeking a meaningful way to honor her son's legacy and passion for photography. With guidance from Jill Sellers, director of donor engagement at the foundation, conversations began about how that vision might take shape within CVAC's gallery.

Together, Louise and CVAC worked thoughtfully to develop an exhibition that would not only honor Jonathan's memory but would also create meaningful opportunities for photographers across the region. The result was the inaugural Fine Art Photography Exhibition, a juried showcase designed to celebrate the artistry, skill and diverse perspectives of contemporary photographers.

When the call for entries opened, the response from the photography community was immediate and enthusiastic. Fifty-seven photographers submitted 132 works for consideration. Local photographer Tim Fitzwater served as juror, selecting 78 photographs to be included in the final exhibition. The artists traveled from 28 cities across eight counties to submit their work, highlighting the exhibition's broad regional reach.

The exhibition itself brought together a diverse range of photographic styles and subjects – from intimate portraits and sweeping landscapes to experimental mixed-media works and compelling urban scenes. In total, 17 awards were distributed, including Best of Show, Best of Category honors, and six People's Choice Awards voted on by visitors throughout the exhibition.

For CVAC, the exhibition also created an unexpected opportunity. Traditionally quieter winter months in the gallery were transformed into a period of activity and engagement. By keeping the gallery open through December and January, nearly 1,000 visitors came through the doors to experience the exhibition and explore the stories told through the photographers' lenses.

The response from artists was equally meaningful. Many expressed gratitude for an exhibition dedicated specifically to fine art photography – something that remains rare in the region. For some, it was the first opportunity to see their work displayed alongside fellow photographers in a setting designed to celebrate their medium.

The excitement generated by the exhibition has already begun to ripple outward. CVAC saw an 83% increase in photographers entering the following Winter Exhibition, a clear sign that the photography community has found a welcoming home for its work within the art center's gallery.

For Harvey, the exhibition carried a deeply personal meaning. In reflecting on the event, she shared that it was "an amazing tribute to Jonathan's memory, while honoring some wonderful photographers," adding that the talented artists whose work filled the gallery provided "visual candy for those of us who love artistic endeavors."

She also shared a moving moment from the exhibition: one of the artists, Sarah Treanor, explained that her photograph titled "Hope" was created as a way of working through her own grief after losing several loved ones. The photograph was created in 2014, the same year Jonathan passed away.

"There is so much serendipity in life," Harvey reflected.

For CVAC, the success of the exhibition represents something larger than attendance numbers or submission counts. It reflects the power of collaboration between artists, donors and community institutions working toward a shared goal: creating spaces where creativity can thrive.

"This exhibition was built from a place of love," said CVAC Executive Director Danielle Dieterich. "Louise wanted to honor Jonathan's passion for photography in a way that would inspire others. Seeing the photography community come together around that vision has been incredibly moving."

Thanks to the generosity of the Jonathan Donald Kuhns Memorial Fund, a donor-advised fund at Akron Community Foundation, the Fine Art Photography Exhibition will now continue as an annual event, providing photographers across Northeast Ohio with the opportunity to exhibit their work, receive recognition, and connect with new audiences.

As the gallery lights dimmed at the end of the reception evening, the exhibition's deeper purpose was clear. What began as a tribute has grown into something lasting – a celebration of photography, community, and the enduring impact of one person's creative spirit.