Beck Center for the Arts Offering Adult Arts Education Classes in Tremont

Tremont West Development Corporation has announced that Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood is the recipient the 2013 Storefront Incubator Program. Beginning May 15, Beck Center will begin using the storefront located at 2406 Professor Avenue to offer a series of adult arts education classes in visual arts and improvisational theater. A grand opening reception will be held from 6 to 10 pm on Friday, May 10, to coincide with the May Tremont ArtWalk.

Celebrating 80 years of creating art experiences, Beck Center is one of the largest arts organizations in Northeast Ohio, serving four counties, that is dedicated to producing personal, intimate professional theater and comprehensive, curriculum-based arts education, with a focus on gallery exhibits, community outreach and partnerships. "Beck Center welcomes the opportunity to expand its footprint into the Tremont community which has a long-time commitment to arts and culture," said Lucinda Einhouse, Beck Center president and CEO. "Developing strategies to attract new, diverse audiences is a priority for our institution and one that has been encouraged through our participation in Cleveland Foundation's 'Engaging the Future' initiative."

Tremont West views this mutually beneficial collaboration as an opportunity to act on its commitment to provide a creative, family-friendly neighborhood and celebrate the contribution of the arts to this renaissance. Arts in August, Arts Renaissance Tremont and the Tremont ArtWalk, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, continue to provide opportunities for residents and friends to experience quality arts programming in the Tremont neighborhood. "We beliEve Beck Center builds on this long tradition and helps to reinforce the fact that the Tremont neighborhood is a hub of artistic energy into the future," remarked Cory Riordan, Tremont West executive director.

"Improv Games," led by Russ Stich, founding member of Something Dada Improvisational Troupe and "The Art of Drawing," taught by Alastair James Stockdale, will be the first adult courses offered at Beck Center's Tremont location with a four-week introductory session beginning May 14 through June 5. Additional adult classes in visual arts and theater education will begin the week of June 10. Students can register for the May session online at beckcenter.org or by calling Customer Service at 216.521.2540 x10.

Tremont West is pleased to welcome Beck Center for the Arts as a new community partner and the group looks forward to working with the arts organization in the future on projects which benefit Tremont residents and visitors to the area. Tremont West continues to serve the community by enhancing enrichment opportunities for families and residents who call Tremont home.