Why Donate to Arts Collinwood?

While 2010 was a year of transition, 2011 has been the year of establishing Arts Collinwood as the cornerstone of a new phase of the Waterloo Arts District’s history. To say that Collinwood is a neighborhood “on the move” would be an understatement.  In just ten months, a multitude of exciting developments put the spotlight on Collinwood as a community that recognizes the importance of the arts as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization! With a special grant to NE Shores Development Corporation from the Kresge Foundation and Cuyahoga Public Arts & Culture to a visit to the Waterloo Arts District by the new director of the National Endowment for the Arts, Rocco Landesman, it is clear that opportunities for growth are in front of us.  I invite you to support Arts Collinwood in this important period of continuing growth by making a donation to the 2011 Annual Campaign. 

Arts Collinwood must continue to provide quality arts programming for adults, children and the community at large.  Honing our skills has been a focus. This year’s Summer Arts Camp was the most successful ever culminating in a final dramatic performance by 25 children and attended by nearly 100 guests including parents, educators, community members and artists. In an effort to provide and “arts plus” experience to the children, experts in the area of serving at-risk children were brought in to train staff members, camp counselors and instructors to enhance the program. Our success is measured in a variety of ways, but this mother’s words sum it up.

“I want to tell you (Arts Collinwood) that I am moved by my son’s participation in the Summer Drama Camp program’s final performance.  I saw him doing things that I was told by his school he was incapable of; like learning lines, singing, working with a team and following directions.  I now have the tools I need to revisit his IEP (Individual Education Program) and make sure he is getting the help he needs at school to succeed. Thank you.” Parent of an Arts Collinwood Summer Camp Child.

Our 2011 Portfolio Project allowed a group of Collinwood’s teens to experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing creative art projects, including the new patio which will be unveiled in the not so distant future outside the Café.  The patio will incorporate artistic elements designed by local public artist, Angelica Pozo.  The artwork was carried out by both Portfolio Projectstudents and local seniors who participate in activities at the Golden Age Center on Lakeshore Boulevard. The Gallery itself had an outstanding season, with known-name shows enhanced by music and art talks. The Café at Arts Collinwood is completing its second year with an increased clientele and a full arts and entertainment calendar.

With the sad passing of Arts Collinwood Founder, Miles Kennedy, Arts Collinwood felt a strong duty to leave a legacy to this gracious, dedicated neighborhood supporter and his family who gave time, financial support and an endless supply of passion to the organization.  This year, the art center was dedicated as the Nan and Miles Community Art Center and the M4M, Music for Miles, Chamber Music Series was established in memory of Miles.  And finally, theWaterloo Arts Fest was again a success providing both Collinwood neighbors and the community at large with a well-rounded arts experience from live music to an interactive kids’ art area to poetry readings AND more than 40 art vendors and performers. The City of Cleveland graciously named the corner of Waterloo Road and E. 156^th Street after Miles Kennedy.

2012 brings programs in collaboration with local schools, merchants, and cultural institutions. As the neighborhood continues its upward climb, Arts Collinwood will strengthen our programs, gallery shows, our collaborations and the Café will continue to provide a welcoming place dedicated to nurturing the arts. In this time of financial uncertainty, we need your support to make sure Arts Collinwood continues to thrive. See below for instructions on how to make your payment.  Thank you for your consideration of this worthy, neighborhood gem.

Sincerely,

Cheryl A. Carter                                                                                                 Frances Hunter

Executive Director                                                                                           President, Board of Trustees

Your gift to Arts Collinwood can help to change our small corner of the world.

Mail donations (checks payable to Arts Collinwood) to 15605 Waterloo Road. Cleveland, OH 44110.

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