Valley Art Center Announces New Partnership

As a community-focused entity, Valley Art Center has long prioritized partnerships—from working with local community programs that bring our instructors to children and seniors with limited resources and educational options, to creating pop-up exhibitions and events at local businesses, to partnering with local schools. VAC has historically sought new and meaningful ways to connect with the region beyond the walls of our facility with our Artreach programs.

Now we are pleased to announce a new partnership with both Fairmount Center for the Arts and Linda Merchant Pearce of Silver Heron Studios!

As the business of teaching art in 2020 rapidly morphed in response to the pandemic, a challenge and opportunity emerged. It proved difficult to find talented and experienced instructors who were also comfortable teaching online. Adding to this puzzle, once instructors were secured, the task at hand was engaging a critical mass of students comfortable with online learning platforms in a sustainable economic model. An idea to collaborate was born during Zoom meetings between the directors of VAC and Fairmount Center for the Arts as they realized it was truly best for all to share resources and strategies.

FCA Program Director Brigitte Fiorille says; “Coming into fifty years for both, Fairmount and Valley Art Centers have been neighbors in the arts in location and community. Each has evolved through time to have strengths and offerings that are the best fit. It is wonderful to have the conversations in planning and to be joining resources with shared offerings that provide expanded opportunity for students and instructors.”

Silver Heron Studios owner and instructor Linda Merchant Pearce was already offering oil painting classes at both institutions and was also proficient at creating painting demos and instructional videos. She was the obvious choice for instructor of this exciting experiment. Linda’s classes will be held during the upcoming winter class session, and students will be able to sign up through the websites of either institution. Valley Art Center, in partnership with Fairmount Center for the Arts, is pleased to present this pilot class and looks forward to adding more to the palette of collaborative offerings in a variety of mediums.

VALLEY ART CENTER

155 Bell Street

Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

valleyartcenter.org

440.247.7507