Times are financially difficult. We all feel it now more than ever, but so do our local arts programs. These organizations exist for the benefit of our community and they deserve our support. Get familiar with what each organization has to offer so you can make an informed decision as to where your hard-earned funds should go.

Art Program at Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44195
(216) 448-8330
my.clevelandclinic.org

Click here for calendar of events.

Cleveland Clinic established its Art Program in 2006. Its self-declared mission is to “enrich, inspire and enliven our patients, visitors, employees and community.” Specifically, the department assists with donations of artwork to the clinic. In addition to the installation and inventory of new pieces, it also organizes exhibitions and related educational programs. Every donated piece remains in superb shape because the department is responsible for all upkeep.

Cleveland Institute of Art
11141 East Blvd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(800) 223-4700
www.cia.edu

Click here for calendar of events.

Quality programs and achievement have been the namesake of the Cleveland Institute of Art since 1882. Located in University Circle and home to some 9,000 students, the Institute encourages a wide variety of artistic expression among program adherents, each of whom is given a private studio space for exploring their personal vision. Donate online and check out the calendar to stay up to date on the many annual events taking place in celebration of the diversity of visual art.

Related: Best Art Museums in Cleveland

Cleveland School of the Arts
10700 Churchill Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 791-2496
www.clevelandschoolofthearts.org

Also located in University Circle, Cleveland School of the Arts is a specialty arts school that enrolls over 700 students from grades six through twelve. Students undergo typical college preparatory academic courses and are given the choice of participating in an arts curriculum best suited to their personal taste. The arts programs include creative writing, visual arts, digital design and multimedia and many more. Support Cleveland School of the Arts by purchasing event tickets online or by contributing to its Annual Fund campaign, where donations can be directed toward a specific program of your choice or left unrestricted for placement wherever it is most needed.

Art House, Inc.
3119 Denison Ave
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 398-8556
www.arthouseinc.org

In 1999, a group of local artists and residents came together with the belief that the arts enrich lives and help build better communities. The result was the Art House, a 3,000 square foot, nonprofit studio facility located in historic Brooklyn Center between Ohio City and Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Their purpose is to provide high quality visual and creative arts classes for people of all ages and skill levels. Sign up for their newsletter online and be sure to donate to this worthy goal.

NewBridge Cleveland Center for Arts & Technology
3634 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 867-9775
www.newbridgecleveland.org

NewBridge was created as the result of a Cleveland Foundation feasibility study in 2007 to gauge the need for local arts and job training programs. It is now a training center, uniquely designed and distinctive for its market-based approach. After meeting with local institutions to discern specific employment needs, staff personnel works with those same employers to develop coursework that prepares students for a career in their chosen fields. Call or go online to support this crucial work.

Related: Best Art Fairs in Cleveland

Joshua Lawson is a husband to Sarah and a father to Joshua, Hope, and Allison. Once upon a time he was a halfway decent basketball player, but his dream since becoming a father has gone from playing in the NBA to one day getting a full night’s sleep again. Joshua lives in Portsmouth, OH. His work can be found at Examiner.com.