Mark Yasenchack

Mark Yasenchack is a seasoned teaching artist and a long-time member of Cleveland’s vibrant arts community. Hailing from a family of artists and educators, Mark was introduced to creative expression early in life—handed materials and guidance as soon as he could hold a pencil. This foundation shaped a lifelong commitment to art and education, with a career deeply rooted in both.

Mark specializes in ceramics and mosaics, creating both functional works—such as boxes and vessels—and introspective, sculptural pieces. As a queer artist, Mark’s work often merges playfulness with a deeper urgency, reflecting the dualities of being both marginalized and empowered. Their art unapologetically celebrates identity and boldly honors the allies who champion their voice and vision.

Mark has been practicing art professionally since 1986. His creative inspiration draws heavily from the fine crafts of antiquity—relics worn by time, their origins forgotten, yet still resonant with mystery and beauty. Eschewing artificial aging techniques, Mark prefers to cultivate authenticity by stamping clay, layering underglazes, and subtly texturing the surface of handmade tiles. Approximately 90% of every mosaic is composed of these unique tiles, with even mixed media elements receiving finishing treatments like tumbling to soften gloss and evoke a sense of history.

Influenced by artists such as Romare Bearden and Louise Nevelson, as well as traditional mosaics and old cobblestone streets, Mark’s practice is detail-driven and meditative. Every tile—every tessera—is considered. Often, the creative process pauses so that a single, perfect tile can be crafted to meet the composition’s needs.

Mark’s work invites scrutiny on both macro and micro levels. Each piece reflects not only a deep art education and experience but also the patience and intention of the process itself—where large-scale compositions are built through thousands of small decisions.

Mark is a long-time exhibitor at the Lakewood Arts Festival and Cain Park Arts Festival, where his work has been warmly received by both audiences and collectors.