Located just beyond bustling Chagrin Boulevard is a serene, whitewashed 1930s former residence. Positioned on a hill and surrounded by abundant woodlands, this is the Orange Art Center, Northeast Ohio’s idyllic art escape. The facade is calm amongst the blossoming vernal landscape. The Orange Art Center team has made careful design choices to create an environment that fosters creativity. Executive Director of the Orange Art Center, Debra Lee Meese, also aims to promote balance and wellness within students through the Center’s facilities. “You won’t find florescent lights here,” she notes with a smile.

After a recently completed first-floor remodel, the OAC has undergone a transformation from cluttered former residence to fully functional art-making space. Featuring five multi-purpose studio spaces and a gallery for showing annual student exhibits, the Orange Art Center is a comprehensive art educational facility. Ample on-site parking and an open floor plan makes the facility accessible to artists of all abilities and ages. The natural light flooding through tall Palladian windows provides visual clarity to artists rendering their work. These windows invite in the natural surroundings, allowing students to benefit from the calm of nature during the creative process. Energy-efficient lighting conducive to art-making enables students to work through overcast winter months. Clean white walls and homey wood flooring remove distractions and allow students to hone in on their artistic intention.

The OAC is expanding beyond its typical offerings of painting and drawing classes through new evening courses, perfect for young professionals looking to start their year with creative renewal. Keeping up with art world trends, OAC is regularly adding pop-up workshops in addition to the current roster of course offerings. Courses taught by experienced local artists are attended by students from all over Northeast Ohio.

Highlights of upcoming events and courses include the Jewelry + Metals Student Show and Summer Art Camp. The show’s opening reception is May 3 in the OAC’s gallery space. The first week of Summer Art Camp runs from June 17 through 21 and explores pottery for students going into grades one through three. The second week dives into cartooning for students in grades four to six, and runs from June 24 through 28.

To learn more about Orange Art Center workshops and courses, or to schedule a tour of the newly renovated campus, visit orangeartcenter.org or follow us on Instagram @orange_art_center.

 

SPRING REGISTRATION | NOW OPEN

SUMMER ART CAMP REGISTRATION | NOW OPEN

JEWELRY + METALS STUDENT SHOW | MAY 3–JUNE 7
RECEPTION MAY 3

SUMMER REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 6

Orange Art Center
31500 Chagrin Boulevard
Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124
orangeartcenter.org
artcenter@orangecsd.org
216.831.5130