arts directory

Absolute Dance Company’s students are blessed to share their evenings with professional dancers, award-winning choreographers and talented instructors at ADC.

The Allen Memorial Art Museum is founded on the belief that the study and appreciation of high quality original works of art is an indispensable part of an excellent liberal arts education. The Museum acquires, preserves, exhibits, and interprets its collections to promote the highest standards of visual literacy and encourage multi-disciplinary inquiry. Open free of charge to all, the Museum is a vital resource for the students, faculty, and staff of Oberlin College as well as Northeast Ohio and a national and international audience.

To preserve, display and exhibit our local history and sandstone heritage; to provide excellence in educational programming and historic preservation.

The Amherst Public Library, a dynamic civic resource, provides residents of the Amherst School District, South Amherst and Brownhelm Township with resources and support to use information in many formats. It stimulates and facilitates literacy in all its forms, provides quality collections and effective use of evolving technologies. The Library emphasizes public participation and outreach and creates forums and gathering places to engage in cultural and educational programs and partnerships.

The Apollo Outreach Initiative is a year-round media literacy program partnered with Cinema Studies at Oberlin College. Staffed by Oberlin College students, staff and faculty, Apollo Outreach is dedicated to helping young people grow as artists, citizens, and leaders. Apollo Outreach believes that media can be a force for local and global education, understanding, community building, and change.

AS I AM is a literary magazine for the Oberlin Asian and Pacific Islander Diaspora (APID) community!

Surrounded by tall trees and a split-rail fence, you can't miss the picturesque Benjamin Bacon Museum and Carriage Barn at Mill Hollow. During museum hours you can walk through the original settler Benjamin Bacon's house, built in 1845. The museum features themes of daily living with an emphasis on the community life in Brownhelm, including the profound effect the railroad had on the economy and people's lives.

The Brownhelm Historical Association works to preserve the rich history of Brownhelm, Ohio. The mission of the Brownhelm Historical Association is to honor Brownhelm’s rich heritage by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of its people and the area. The Brownhelm Historical Association currently maintains three historic sites.

Features over 50 area Artists, Authors, Jewelers, Painters, Photographers, Potters, Sculptors, and more…

Built circa 1820, the stately brick house served as a branch school for the Oberlin Collegiate Institute and later was a station on the Underground Railroad as reported by Edward Burrell. Home is now operated by the Lorain County Metro Parks.

The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning unites art and education to change lives. Our professional teaching artists use the arts to teach problem solving and creative thinking, build on curricular needs, engage and inspire students, and motivate students to succeed.

Choral Spectrum, a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization, is an auditioned ensemble of 20-25 singers whose mission is to master and present a challenging and varied repertoire of choral literature. Additionally, outreach is considered an important component of Choral Spectrum’s mission.

The Columbia Historical Society’s mission is to present and preserve the history of Columbia Township in Lorain County Ohio from its founding in 1807 to current times. This is accomplished through student and public tours of the Bronson House Museum and Columbia Block House, presentations within the classroom, and by publishing histories of people, places, and events. As part of our public outreach each year during our Homecoming Festival, a Columbia Citizen of the Year award is presented. The Bronson House Museum contains many exhibits, materials, and artifacts and was the home of Sally Bronson Adams later in her life. Sally was the first pioneer woman in Columbia Twp. in December 1807. She was also the first teacher for the pioneer children.

Creative Space Avon is the only art gallery in Avon solely devoted to the exhibition of diverse works of art representing a wide range of artists. Creative space is a space for you-- an art gallery, classroom, unique space for corporate training, team building events, music, dance and exercise classes, business meetings, networking organizations, social clubs, charity and benefit fund raisers, baby and bridal showers, and anything else where people need to get together to share information, memories or just have a good time.

Credo develop young musicians-- musically, personally, and spiritually-- to prepare them for lives of music and service.

Our company’s lifelong mission to educate, advocate and entertain through compelling, innovative dance was born of the goals that each of our team members shares a heartfelt commitment to: Enhance integration and diversity in the arts with works uniting people of all abilities. Provide successful, independent and creative role models for those with disabilities. Erase negative stereotypes about people with disabilities in professional careers, primarily in the arts. Instill greater understanding and professionalism in individuals of all ability levels.

The Elyria Arts Council is focused on creating an art community. We offer classes, after-school programs, and presentations in addition to our gallery.

A positive, disciplined, safe, creative, fun and nurturing learning environment for your child’s dance education!

During the FireFish Festival, downtown Lorain is transformed into a stage for a scorching array of art, dance, music, and FIRE orchestrated in unexpected places. Opera on a fire truck, art installations lighting up storefronts, fire dancing on rooftops, ballet in an alley, or cabaret in an abandoned building – anything is possible at FireFish!

Firelands Archaeology is a group made up of professional and avocational archaeologists interested in north-central Ohio archaeology. Our mission includes: documenting and conserving archaeological sites and material within the State of Ohio, especially within the region bordering Lake Erie; conducting field, laboratory, statistical, and literature review activities; encouraging an understanding and cooperation between members of the organization and individuals who own property upon which archaeological sites may occur; fostering a better understanding of the scientific interests and promoting cooperation among and between professional and avocational archaeologists, students interested in anthropology, and collectors of archaeological material; developing productive relationships with museums, educational institutions, relevant government agencies, and private organizations engaged in archaeological research; disseminating knowledge on the subject of archaeology; and engendering an appreciation in the general public of the importance of archaeology in understanding the human history of the Lake Erie region.

The Lorain County Metropolitan Park District was established for the responsible use, enjoyment, and accessibility of every citizen of Lorain County. The Park District acquires land to promote and demonstrate the wise use of our natural resources. The Park District strives to preserve and create a diversity of ecosystems while providing educational and recreational opportunities which are compatible with and promote conservation of these resources.

Ginko Gallery and Studio provides a space for individual artists, especially local artists, to show and sell their work. Ginko Gallery also provides studio space for fiber and textile artists and art supplies for professional, amateur and student artists.

Great Lakes Theater is a professional classic theater company in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Founded in 1962, Great Lakes is the second-largest regional theater in Northeast Ohio. The mission of Great Lakes Theater, through its main stage productions and its education programs, is to bring the pleasure, power and relevance of classic theater to the widest possible audience.

Harbourtown Fine Arts Center is a non-profit corporation located at the Old Town Hall in Vermilion. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the community through fine arts education, performance opportunities, and more!

The purpose of Harbourtown Fine Arts center is to bring a sense of community to Vermilion which centered around the fine arts. What better place to do this than Vermilion's original Town Hall and Opera House. Vermilion Town Hall was built in 1883 and features the original meeting and social hall (now our West Studio), and three smaller rooms which were used as concessions and administrative offices.

We are a non-profit corporation proudly serving the Lorain County, OH community. Our services include a full-service daycare center, a multifaceted after-school program, an annual summer camp for youth ages 3 to 15, and adult education services.

The annual craft and fine art juried show featured about 80 vendors, a lunch cafe, handmade quilt raffle and children's activities on the square and in the town hall in historic Wellington, Ohio in 2017. Free parking and admission, rain or shine. Booths are available until week of the show.

Our mission as a community organization is to encourage the preservation and celebration of artifacts, historic sites, and structures in Avon Lake. We endeavor to serve and engage the citizenship through accessible education programs involving the life, history, and heritage of Avon Lake.

JAM Dance Academy is a top-notch studio for professional dance training in North Ridgeville, Ohio, founded by former Ohio Dance Theatre principal dancer, Jennifer Kraynik-Muselin. Our instructors, who all come from an extensive professional background, are passionate about dancing and fully dedicated to sharing the experience with others.

Our philosophy is inclusive: we have classes to suit all tastes, and we're happy to accommodate students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking to explore an entirely new hobby or wish to refresh some long-lost dance moves, – with JAM Dance Academy, you can be sure that you or your child is getting the desired training we offer.

At Jillian Rian’s Dance School, we always put the love of dance first. We teach the foundations of dance technique while building confidence and artistry along the way. Students from all over the Cleveland, Ohio area study here and stay with the program as they grow up, making lifelong friendships that are more like family than classmates.

Lake Erie Ink believes that creative writing is not only for kids and teens who already love writing, but also for youth who have something say and too often feel that no one is listening.

Lake Ridge Legacy Chorus provides opportunities for women ages 13+ to learn and grow while enjoying singing barbershop harmonies together. We do a variety of performances from quartet up to our entire chorus. Our members are also given opportunities for voice lessons.

Lakeshore Ballet Theatre is a non-profit 501-(c)(3) organization whose mission is to bring back the true art of classical ballet theatre. Lorain County’s only dance theatre college preparatory program in the area.

The Campana Center for Ideation and Invention promotes innovation and job growth in Northeast Ohio with access to cutting-edge digital manufacturing and fabrication capabilities. The Center offers hands-on education for students, through college courses and K-12 programs, while giving community inventors, entrepreneurs and existing companies access to cutting-edge digital manufacturing capabilities.

The Lorain Arts Council is an organization dedicated to the recognition and awareness of the Arts in the Northern Ohio area. Composed of caring individuals who realize the absolute necessity of nurturing and enhancing the Arts, the Lorain Arts Council extends an invitation to all who value the performing, literary and visual arts to become members and supporters.

Lorain Community Music Theater strives to provide the Lorain County area with quality musical theater and offer both performance and educational opportunities to local actors and musicians.

As a non-profit educational organization, the Lorain County Historical Society is committed to serve all persons and organizations interested in Lorain County's past, present and future by collecting, preserving, interpreting and presenting the history of Lorain County.

The Lorain County Sacred Landmarks is an educational outreach program that aims to research and document the history, art, and architecture of Lorain County's houses of worship and to sponsor educational and fine arts programming that celebrates the religious experience of Lorain County's residents.

The Lorain Historical Society engages members of the community and our visitors in our shared and diverse history through preservation, education, collaborations, and exciting programming for all ages, so that we learn from the past, develop civic pride, and transform the future.

Lorain, Ohio has long been hailed as the “International City.” Immigrants from the world over settled on the shores of Lake Erie and through their hard work and loyalty to the area, built Lorain together. In 1967, the Lorain International Association was formed to celebrate the cultures, diversity, and community that so many are so proud of. Today the Lorain International is the pulse of Lorain County, noted as a significant annual event attracting people throughout the state of Ohio. Just 25 miles west of Cleveland, Lorain is easy to travel to and has all the beauty of the Great Lakes.

The Lorain International Association proudly presents numerous events starting in April of each year. Festival Week is the last full week of June, annually and features many exciting events, including the 3 Day Annual Bazaar at Black River Landing in Lorain. Every year a different nationality and organization/industry is spotlighted. Lorain International Association is a non-profit organization, with over 30 members and many volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to bring pride to the city of Lorain and beyond, through the celebration of the diversity which defines us.

On June 30, 2017 the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation and the community of Lorain celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Lorain Lighthouse as an Ohio Historical Marker was dedicated to commemorate the occasion.

Contact at: info@lorainlighthouse.com

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization the Lorain Civic Center Committee/Lorain Palace Theater’s mission is to preserve, restore, and promote the use of the theater for quality family entertainment and to be a cultural center for the arts.

To promote waterborne commerce, to provide economic development opportunities within the City of Lorain and to enhance public access to our waterways.

Lorain Public Library System has a mission to connect individuals to the transformative power of information as a gateway to literacy, lifelong learning and personal enrichment. LPLS offers a variety of opportunities to the community, including: book clubs, cooking demonstrations, basic dance classes, Teen Drama Club, literacy programming, author visits, movie clubs, writing clubs, coding club, computer classes, musical performances, science programming for children and teens, photography classes, painting classes, and more.

This is a club for any one who loves the art of writing in any form. We hold meetings at Lorain County Community College on Monday at 2:30 pm and Fridays at 2:30. We workshop works, sometimes hold exercises and brainstorming sessions.

Today, a group of committed citizens, government representativesandbusiness owners work to obtain the mission of Main Street Amherst - To promote and maintain an economically vital historic downtown and business district that is attractive and accessible to people of all ages.

Since 2000, Main Street Vermilion, a part of the National Main Street movement, has promoted economic development, historic preservation and continues to work to create a sense of place in our downtown district to attract and retain businesses and entrepreneurs, visitors and residents. We believe that our community is only as strong as our core, and the heartbeat of our success as a whole relies on the strength of our downtown.

This includes ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and Broadway productions. In 2015 MRDA added hip-hop to the class offering! The academy puts on grand productions every other year, devoting the first year to technique, proper terminology and competition, and the second year for on-stage performance. Both girls and boys are welcome at the academy.

MMS is a social club celebrating 90 years. Serves drinks & food. Open to the public & memberships available. Scholarships and cultural programming provided.

Mighty Goliath Productions is an independent 501(c)(3)non-profit fundraising organization that benefits the performing arts programs for Avon Lake City Schools. Our impact enriches the cultural life of the community. We focus on our unique ability to provide a professional, fun, philanthropic theatrical experience for our volunteers and audiences alike.

Miss Kristin's Dance Studio is designed to be a safe and nurturing environment in which your child can strive to build confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline. In every class, your child's social, emotional and creative development is taken into consideration.

Our class structure is aimed at developing your child's basic motor skills, coordination, muscular awareness, and flexibility. Your child will also begin to understand and develop an appreciation of music and the performing arts.

The Museum of Hispanic and Latino Cultures is a collection of art & artifacts, representing 18 countries. Currently a traveling museum, the museum has organized exhibitions and presentations in numerous schools and organizations throughout Northeast Ohio.

MUSIC AT THE MEETING HOUSE is a concert series celebrating music in the Oberlin community.

Music on a Mission strives to use the power of music to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs by providing creative, interactive, programming.

The North Ridgeville Historical Museum is located on the first floor of Old Town Hall. The North Ridgeville Historical Society was founded in 1977. Mission: To educate and preserve North Ridgeville History. Monthly meetings held at the Library the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We always seeking new members.
Yearly membership dues: $5 Individual or $10 Family.

Showcases independent Ohio filmmakers

North Pointe Ballet’s mission is to make classical ballet accessible to everyone in our community. NPB provides high-quality, professional ballet to the western suburbs of Cleveland through full-length theatrical events that are family-friendly, community outreach tours, educational workshops and by offering special events inclusive of audiences and performers of all abilities.

The Oberlin African-American Genealogy & History Group (OAAGHG) is dedicated to encouraging support for African-American genealogy and historical research.

Contact at: oaaghg@gmail.com

Oberlin Business Partnership advances and promotes the sustainable growth and prosperity of the Oberlin community. OBP is made up of partners-- individuals, businesses, and community organizations -- working together to create a vibrant, resilient and prosperous community for all who live, learn, play, work, shop and invest in Oberlin. OBP is involved with the arts through programs such as Chalk Walk and Summer Concerts in Tappan.

The Oberlin Children’s Shakespeare Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit children’s theater program dedicated to fostering literacy, confidence, and creativity in Lorain County youth. By engaging young people as actors in Shakespeare productions and traveling workshops, OCSP opens children’s imaginations, deepens their understanding of ethics and humanity, develops collaborative skills, and strengthens personal confidence.

The Community Music School (CMS) of the Oberlin Conservatory seeks to provide students with an exceptional educational and artistic experience while fostering a lifelong appreciation and commitment to excellence in music. The function of the CMS is to promote the broader missions of the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College: the performance, creation, and study of music at the highest level. Oberlin is committed to helping students who need assistance to participate in our programs through tuition reduction.

Oberlin Conservatory of Music educates students for lives of intellectual, musical, and artistic rigor and breadth; sustained inquiry, creativity and innovation; and leadership. Oberlin aims to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives essential to confront complex issues and to create change and value in the world. Oberlin is committed to educational access and opportunity. It seeks to offer a diverse and inclusive residential learning environment encouraging a free and respectful exchange of ideas and shares an enduring commitment to a sustainable and just society.

Dance at Oberlin is characterized by its commitment to experimentation and creation of original work. Student, faculty and visiting artist choreography is presented throughout the year in events ranging from fully produced proscenium concerts to adjudicated student concerts.

Oberlin Drama at Grafton prepares residents for a successful reintegration into society through increased self-knowledge, social understanding, and enhanced life skills gained from studying and performing meaningful drama. ODAG is dedicated to making significant theatre that can transform the lives of men seeking to redeem their pasts and remake their futures.

Oberlin Heritage Center strives to preserve and share Oberlin's unique heritage and to make our community a better place to live, learn, work and visit. OHC offers tours, history walks, lectures, outreach programs, youth camps, research assistance, field trips, community events, publications, volunteer and intern opportunities.

Oberlin Music at Grafton provides an opportunity for Grafton Reintegration Center residents to engage in community-building, cooperative group learning, discipline, enhanced self-esteem building, and self-expression through music.

The Oberlin Public Library is committed to our mission of informing, educating, inspiring, and entertaining. We strive to create an environment where civic engagement, learning, and literacy thrive.

Oberlin Summer Theatre Festival provides FREE productions of classic theater pieces, oriented toward a family (school-age and up) audience; develops an inter-generational acting company that makes Oberlin their summer artistic home; is a cornerstone organization in developing Oberlin as a "Destination for the Arts", attracting an audience from throughout Lorain County, Northeast Ohio and beyond.

Theater offers students opportunities to study acting, directing, design and production, theater history and criticism, and playwriting within the broader context of a liberal arts education. Students participate in all aspects of performance, both artistic and technical.

Oberlin Writers-in-the-Schools gives Oberlin College students the skills and experiences needed to teach imaginative writing in the schools in meaningful and effective ways. Students work in collaborative poetry residencies in Language Arts classes at Langston Middle School. We publish class anthologies of the middle school students' work and host a celebratory book launch & poetry reading at the Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse on the Oberlin College campus.

The Oberlin Writing Group was born in 2003. Since that historic day, it has grown and changed and now contains a diverse group of local writers who meet weekly to discuss our projects and encourage and challenge each other as writers.

Contact at: oberlinwriters@gmail.com

To promote and present high-quality theatrical productions for the entertainment, education, enjoyment, literary enlightenment and cultural development of the community of North Ridgeville.

The Patricia Lindley Center serves the performing arts needs of the Wellington Exempted Village School District, the extended Wellington community, as well as the Greater Lorain County area. The Center plays host to professional dance recitals, concerts, conventions, lectures, and community and touring theatre groups.

Penfield Historical Society was organized to help preserve historical artifacts and information from and about Penfield Township, Lorain County, Ohio.

To provide our clients with the best possible bang for their buck in music education, sales, and repair-

Buying and selling musical instruments as well as offering professional music lessons for all ages. Experienced instructors in guitar, drums, piano, vocal, trumpet, mandolin, banjo, and music theory.

Sandstone is open to any adult living in Lorain County, as well as high school students (grades 9-12). Participants are encouraged to take part in all aspects of theatre, including acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, set building, props, costuming, lights and sound for their production.

Our mission is to change lives by improving literacy, cultivate leadership skills through mentoring, and promote academic excellence among the at-risk youth in our community. We currently run an after-school and summer program for children in grades 1-8, and a teen mentoring program for High School students. We have a rich history that includes some amazing men and women who have made great contributions to our community over the years.

Spark Theatre Company exists to celebrate the power of young people through professional theatre, entertain a multi-generational and diverse audience with courageous and inventive stories and empower a new generation of theatre goers--igniting the desire to create their own stories both onstage and off. Spark Theatre Co. produces touring assembly performances for local schools, as well as after-school drama classes to students. In the future, Spark Theatre Co. plans to expand this programming to include full productions for children, as well as public performances for families to attend.

The Southern Lorain County Historical Society (SLCHS) meets every second Thursday of the month. An annual dinner meeting, open to the public, is held in October. Meeting location and times will be announced closer to the meeting date. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Step by Step Dance Academy was founded to show students of all ages the excitement, poise, and self-esteem that naturally develop with dance. Step by Step embraces students of all ages and all skill levels as long as they are true to themselves and the studio with an honest commitment to dance. The studio emphasizes proper dance technique in a structured yet fun atmosphere that fosters confidence, creativity, and cooperation among students.

Stocker Arts Center provides a venue that connects our diverse cultural community to Lorain County Community College by entertaining, educating, exciting and inspiring through arts and educational events.

StoryLens produces short independent documentary films about pressing social issues in order to promote education, encourage public dialogue, and facilitate change.

We, the members of Lake Ridge Legacy Chorus, continue to enjoy the special bond that singing together in the barbershop style brings, and look forward to many more years of entertaining and competing as we strive to Harmonize the World!

Providing the community with contemporary art exhibits, the Artseen supports regional artists through its gallery.

Since its conception in 2002, the Big Parade has become a cherished event in the Oberlin community; bringing residents of all ages together in a homespun, imaginative, community arts event that depends on wide-spread collaboration and team work. Groups involved in the Big Parade work relatively independently, but towards a common goal: to represent themselves and the town of Oberlin in a joyous and spectacular event featuring music, dancing, costumes, bikes, art cars, floats and whatever else people can come up with. A festival with various performances and live music follows the parade in Tappan Square. There is a free barbeque lunch, games, tables for many local organizations (all with an activity), crafts, face painting, a moon-bounce, a pie-eating contest, a free raffle, and much more!

Started in 1964, The Plum Creek Review is Oberlin's oldest literary and arts magazine. It is devoted to publishing as many different creative forms as possible, including, but not limited to, prose, poetry, plays, translations, artwork and photography

The Weltzheimer/Johnson House at Oberlin College is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House situated several blocks from campus. Designed in 1947 and completed in 1949, it is the first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few in the nation open to the public.

The Woodshed is an Oberlin, Ohio based music company offering a variety of musical services including music/instrument lessons, sales & service, accessories, live shows, and recording services.

All lessons are 30 or 50 minutes and open for all ages. We have professional and experienced teachers who teach all styles serving all levels and ages of students.

Transforming lives through engagement in the arts, TrueNorth Cultural Arts is a multidisciplinary arts organization committed to building and strengthening individuals and the community through the performing arts, the visual arts, and the humanities. Our vision is twofold: To educate, equip, and empower individuals so they can embrace and succeed in the creative arts, and to envision and encourage a community where creative arts and art appreciation flourish.

Lakeshore Ballet Theatre’s (LBT) exciting new venture in performance art. Trutek Dance is a professional dance company that includes a school for youth & college training. We are one of the few dance companies in the Midwest thatoffersboth a professional performance company and a school for training.

Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates a broad audience. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance.

Run by a father and son duo, Wellington Music has expanded to offer a variety of musical products, rentals, repairs, and lessons. Recent renovations include a new in-store performance stage, making the business a fixture in downtown Wellington.

Bring out your inner artist with a fun, relaxed acrylic painting class. Whether it's a girls' night out, a family get together, or a couples class... come have a glass of wine, enjoy good company, and go home with a new painting created by none other than you! Classes are being announced. Cost is $35.00 per person (cash or check only) which includes a glass of wine or beer, painting supplies, and painting instruction. String Art classes are cash bar.

Workshop Players Theater is a non-profit volunteer community theater that brings professional quality theater to your backyard, right here in the heart of Lorain County.