In 1971, in the tiny village of Chagrin Falls, a group of local artists came together in the shadow of turbulent times to make spaces for people to create art. Bob Takatch, Ann Over, Nancy Martt, and others had been teaching art in the community for years at that point—sometimes in their own homes, sometimes in rented spaces. It became apparent that a more permanent solution was needed to meet the growing demand within the community. These impassioned artists and advocates cobbled together their finances—some even mortgaging their own houses—to purchase an empty car dealership at 155 Bell Street. The rest is a rich, patchwork history, including Bob and Nancy designing the old murals at the West Side Market to earn money to pay for upkeep of the Valley Art Center building.

To mark this half-century of creative and colorful evolution, VAC is shaping a year of art appreciation opportunities including themed exhibits, workshops, and a virtual party. It all kicks off in September with an exhibit entitled Visionaries. This show will highlight VAC’s PAST: those influential and inspired artists who founded the organization. After our 49th Annual Juried Art Exhibition in November comes the Annual Student Faculty Exhibition in January 2021, where we will focus on our PRESENT. Our virtual Hot Chocolate @ Home party in February will include a film that captures the VAC narrative. March 2021 will bring the Illustrious Alumni exhibit, celebrating our FUTURE, showcasing the works of those artists who have received instruction at VAC and then gone on to forge successful careers in the arts. Other programming will include exhibits and displays by the Chagrin Falls Historical Society that will delve even deeper into the VAC story.

The current staff and board of Valley Art Center wishes to express how fortunate we are to be able to celebrate this continuing tradition of engaging in art today. Hundreds of lives have been enriched and transformed through Valley Art Center experiences over these fifty years: teaching, learning, and building a legacy of art in the Chagrin Valley. We are thankful for the support we have received from the greater Cleveland arts community and we look forward to sharing our history with all of you through these exhibits and programs.

VALLEY ART CENTER

155 Bell Street

Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

valleyartcenter.org

440.247.7507

 

VISIONARIES | SEPTEMBER 11-OCTOBER 14

49th ANNUAL JURIED ART EXHIBIT | NOVEMBER 6-DECEMBER 16

ANNUAL STUDENT FACULTY EXHIBIT | JANUARY 29-MARCH 10

ILLUSTRIOUS ALUMNI | APRIL 2-MAY 12