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Arts picture has strong focus
(by Barbara Christian - October 07, 2010)
Arts picture has strong focus
Last spring we took a virtual walk through town to see how it had fared the winter of our economic discontent. We found that the state of our village's business district was strong.
Now it's time for another stroll, this time through our arts community and the organizations that have been defined as destination attractions for a new and improved Chagrin Falls.
Let's begin on Main Street and the Chagrin Foundation for Arts and Culture, founding organization of the Chagrin Falls Arts District concept. Under the direction of its new executive director Rachel Lappen, the economic/arts enrichment organization is putting the finishing touches to its winter season of concerts and performances and planning the summer 2011 Chautauqua in Chagrin series.
Around the corner on River Street, the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is continuing its capital campaign funds, from which will see to the acquisition of adjacent buildings and long-deferred maintenance upgrades.
But that's the bricks and mortar stuff. Necessary, of course, but not the theater's main mission, which is to produce the best stage works, concerts and seasonal events. CVLT's 81st season is shaping up to be a good one.
In recent weeks, they have included a sold-out, two-night Murder By The Falls benefit, which improved the theater's bottom line and made the grin on board President Tom Neff's face just a little broader. That was immediately followed by "From Broadway, With Love," a theatrically staged concert of show music and another artistic and audience success, and more smiles all around.
Stay tuned right here for news and reviews of the theater's 81st season. And don't forget to check out CVLT's Riverstreet Playhouse next door for the more offbeat theatrical offerings.
But the most interesting theater news has nothing to do with what goes on stage, but what could go on the outside of the building. A marquee which would go a long way in making the hidden gem that is CVLT, more visible.
The challenge will be to convince zoning czars that a marquee would not cause the world to end. Those of you who followed the "Great Valley Art Center Mural Controversy" know what we mean.
Speaking of the art center, let's head up Bell Street to find out what's going on there. A lot, as it turns out. The final phase of VAC's three-year "Art of Renovation" interior-exterior improvements begins Dec. 6.
It includes creation of Classroom No. 4, a kitchen and storage; new carpeting, lighting, redo of the Bell Street Shop and library. Amazingly it will be done before classes begin in January. But the new and improved Valley Art Center facilities won't be celebrated until August 2011 when the center holds its annual fund-raiser, this year titled "Imagine." It also will serve to celebrate VAC's 40-year anniversary and acquisition of the building. Fittingly, the party will be held at the art center. More details later. For now, let's just say the event will be heavy on nostalgia music from the 1970s.
And about that mural we mentioned earlier? If you recall, it was to be the word "art," artistically scrawled vertically down the east side of the building, but was deemed an illegal sign by zoning czars. It still may appear there one day, a VAC insider said recently. You know, what with all the graffiti incidents in the village. Wink, wink, wink.
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