Don Cassaniti
Artist Statement
Don Cassaniti (DJ), will be displaying his photography in a solo exhibition at The Wine Spot starting on Sunday, Sept 21st, with a “meet the artist” reception on Thursday, September 25th. This exhibit will run through December 9th. Don’s exhibit will feature works from his travels in the south and out west, as well as in our own backyard.
A native of Lloyd Harbor, NY, on Long Island’s North Shore, DJ’s early interest in photography manifested itself in capturing (and crewing) sail boat races for local sailing clubs in the area, including Olympic time trial competitions for racers attempting to qualify for a berth in the 1972 summer Olympics in Munich. Over the years, his passion has led him to explore various regions across the country. Don currently resides in University Heights with his wife, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 kayaks and an assortment of bicycles (due to an accident, DJ recently retired from a very active cycling hobby).
After a forty-plus year career in aviation, spanning both piloting and air traffic control, DJ dedicated his focus to photography. He has honed his craft through coursework at Cuyahoga Community College and active participation in the Cleveland Photographic Society (CPS). Notably, his work has been recognized at exhibitions held at the Westlake Porter Library in both 2024 and 2025, a photography exhibition at the Coffee House on University Circle in 2024, and just recently, a black and white exhibition titled “Visions in Monochrome” at our neighboring storefront, HeightsArts. In conjunction with this exhibition, one his pieces, “Tree Halo,” was selected for HeightsArts’ Ekphrastacy series, where poets compose poetry in response to selected visual arts pieces. Don also has a photograph in a new exhibition “All in the Details” at the Chagrin Falls Library starting in early September.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Don actively engages in community service by volunteering at the Cleveland Museum of Art and at Fostering Hope, a non-profit organization that provides support to children and youth residing in Northeast Ohio foster homes and residential treatment centers. In whatever spare time is left, DJ enjoys hiking, cycling and kayaking with his wife, is an accomplished guitarist and pianist, and a dedicated practitioner of Hatha Yoga.