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On View


CONTEMPORARY DEBRIS
September 8 - October 18

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Valley Art Center is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition, Contemporary Debris. This invitational group show will present a remarkable assortment of artwork created with recycled materials, co-curated by Valley Art Center Assistant Director & Gallery Manager Julie Polsinelli and The Gallery at Lakeland Community College Gallery Coordinator/Exhibition Curator/Installation Designer Mary Urbas. The exhibition will showcase the extraordinary talent of Northeast Ohio artists who embody the spirit of creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental consciousness.

From September 8 to October 18, visitors will be immersed in an assortment of artwork crafted exclusively from recycled materials, proving that beauty can be found in even the most unexpected places.
Artists from all corners of the creative world have embraced the challenge of transforming discarded objects into astonishing works of art. Marvel at sculptures meticulously fashioned from scrap metal, witness intricate collages brought to life from found objects, and explore the many possibilities of repurposed materials that push the boundaries of artistic expression.

As a part of Contemporary Debris, Valley Art Center’s façade will be adorned with a stunning recycled wall sculpture from Ron Shelton, which will have a second life following its creation in Riverside Park in April. Ron Shelton, a Cleveland-based artist known for his remarkable sculptures made from recycled materials, brings his talent and passion for environmental sustainability to this project. For the full list of artists and more information on this exhibition, please visit valleyartcenter.org.
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As an additional highlight of the exhibition, an Art Talk and Reception titled "The Readymade in Modern and Contemporary Art" will be held on Friday, October 6 at 6pm in The Bowen Gallery at Valley Art Center. Speaker Sydney Slacas, J.D. M.A., will explore the fascinating concept of found and repurposed objects and their significance in modern and contemporary art, while surrounded by the art in the gallery space.
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EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Luanne Bole-Becker
Raymond Bugelski
Lou Camerato
Gail Crum
Carla Guseilo
​Bret Hines
Daniel Horne
Suzan Kraus


​Barbara Martin
Billy Nainiger
​Randy Oldrieve
Elizabeth Prindle
Ron Shelton
Gail Trunick
Andy Tubbesing
Gwen Waight
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Recently On View


THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW &
Jordi Rowe: 
Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait 


On View July 7 - August 23

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Join the Valley Art Center for a sensational dual opening reception as we unveil two remarkable exhibitions, "THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW" and Jordi Rowe’s solo exhibition "Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait". The exhibition opening reception will take place on Friday, July 7 from 6-8pm and showcase an extraordinary range of artistic talent and explore the fascinating concepts of monumental size and fleeting moments of light.
THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, running from July 7 – August 23 in The Bowen Gallery, is an exhibition created to display local artists' sizeable talent (and equally substantially sized art) in Northeast Ohio. The show features an impressive lineup of artists, including Leigh Brooklyn, Bonnie McCormick, Raymond Bugelski, Alex Jasko, Don Lisy, Violet Maimbourg, Diana Rice, Sam Roth, John A. Sargent III, and Will Wilson.

THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW presents an eclectic collection of contemporary artworks, spanning various styles and mediums. Visitors will be captivated by an array of Realist and Abstract Expressionist oil paintings, a visually striking wall of large assemblages, a hanging sculpture constructed from a deconstructed sketchbook, and an awe-inspiring world premiere of the largest canvas painting by Will Wilson. This monumental artwork required special preparations, as it was meticulously stretched within the expansive walls of the Bowen Gallery to accommodate its grand size.

THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW also marks the first of four openings across Northeast Ohio galleries that are working together to create an exhibition so BIG, it takes up four venues. As visitors embark on a journey of artistic exploration at Valley Art Center, they can look forward to subsequent exhibitions hosted by Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (opening July 13), The Gallery at Lakeland Community College (opening July 23), and BAYarts (opening July 28). This collaborative effort promises a summer full of BIG @SS @RT, showcasing the immense artistic prowess within our community.
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​John A. Sargent III, NIGHT NEVER SLEEPS, 1990, 68 x 218 inches, Oil on canvas. 
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Artist Jordi Rowe

In conjunction with THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, we are thrilled to showcase the breathtaking abstract artworks by Jordi Rowe in her solo exhibition in the newly expanded Patron Gallery, "Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait." This exhibition unveils never-before-seen creations that invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world of abstract beauty. Rowe's artistry transcends traditional boundaries as she explores the interplay of light, color, and form, creating spaces where the human element becomes insignificant and approaches the sublime. She is the recipient of the Women’s Art Club of Cleveland Scholarship and the CIA Gund Family Scholarship.

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Join us for this duel opening reception on Friday, July 7 from 6 – 8pm. This special event offers a unique opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy food and artistic activities for artists of all ages. Mark your calendars and prepare to be enthralled by the dynamic and thought-provoking exhibitions that await you!
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Contact the Valley Art Center at 440-247-7507 or valleyartcenter.org for more information. VAC is located at 155 Bell Street in Chagrin Falls. While there, treat yourself or a loved one by signing up for an art class or workshop, and be sure to explore the newly re-imagined Valley Art/Shop.
Valley Art Center is member supported and receives additional support through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Ohio Arts Council, and several other organizations and individuals. Exhibitions are sponsored by Premier Bank and TKM Print Solutions, Inc.
 
Event Details:
Exhibition: THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW
Dates: July 7 – August 23
Location: Valley Art Center, 155 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Opening Reception: Friday, July 7, from 6 - 8pm
 
Collaborating Galleries:
Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (opening July 13)
The Gallery at Lakeland Community College (opening July 23)
BAYarts (opening July 28)
For more information and directions, please visit thebigassartshow.com
thebigassartshow.com

Recent Exhibitions


2nd Annual Emerging Young Artists Exhibition
March 31 - May 10, 2023

Thank you to everyone who came out to the exhibition opening!

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​Accepted Artists​

​Kenan Alsabony
Alison Alsup
Sylvia Altman
Alexia Avdelas
Kalab Bumbaugh
Amir Catney
Natalie Crowley
Lindy Cunnington
Sofia Dewey
Sophy Gao
Ali Gemmer
Meira German
Vivienne González
Makayla Gurnik
Frank Hadzima
Ashley Hetherington
Lia Hilde
Maura Ingraham
Zania Jones
Kate Klein
Tristen Kovacs
Tamsyn Kuehnert
​Sarah Leemaster
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Jiarong Liu
Shunhua Liu
​Audrey Magdics
Erin McFadden
Giovanna Mclean
Madison McSweeney
Carmella Muresan
Cara Myers
James Negron
Skylar Pagon
Kathryn Palmieri
Abigail Rambler

​Diana Rice
James Schaffer
Saija Shah
Julia Stitt
Ashley Strub
Sanjana Tumma
Taliyah Whitehead
Delainey Wyville
Ember Zelch
Emily Zepp

Award Winners

Best In Show
James Schaffer

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HONORABLE MENTION
Alexia Avdelas

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HONORABLE MENTION
Tristen Kovacs

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HONORABLE MENTION
Shunhua Liu

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Casey Monda Award in Creative Excellence
​Ashley Strub

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HONORABLE MENTION
Frank Hadzima

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​HONORABLE MENTION
Ember Zelch

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The 2nd Annual Emerging Young Artists Exhibition is set to open on Friday, March 31st, with an opening reception from 6-8 PM at Valley Art Center. The exhibition will showcase the most talented young artists between the ages of 16 to 22 within a fifty-mile radius of Chagrin Falls, providing a unique platform for the rising generation of artists to showcase their remarkable works to the public. Through a competitive juried process, this year's exhibition has already garnered significant attention, with numerous submissions received from artists throughout the Northeast Ohio area.

The exhibition is designed to celebrate, encourage, and inspire young artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and develop their skills. Attendees at the opening will have an opportunity to interact with the artists, learn about their work, and purchase pieces that they connect with. With such a diverse range of styles and mediums on display, there is sure to be something for everyone.

"We are thrilled to host this year's Emerging Young Artists Exhibition," said VAC Executive Director Bec Gruss. "This is an exceptional opportunity for the public to discover and support the local artistic talent in our community. We hope that this event will inspire young artists and encourage them to pursue their passion for the arts."

Many artists in this exciting exhibition are students, representing The University of Akron Myers School of Art, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Holy Name High School, Hathaway Brown School, Chagrin Falls High School, Shaker Heights High School, Orange High School, and more.

"The Emerging Young Artists Exhibition is not just a showcase of young talent but a celebration of the future of art," said Julie Polsinelli. "We are excited to be part of the journey of these young artists as they begin to establish themselves in the art world."
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Admission to the opening reception is free, and light refreshments will be provided. The event will take place on Friday, March 31st, from 6-8 PM, at Valley Art Center. Don't miss this opportunity to support the rising generation of artists in Northeast Ohio and beyond!
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Recent Exhibitions


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Student/Faculty Exhibition 

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Painting Instructor Rob Crombie, Sunrise, Oil Painting.
Each January, the Valley Art Center celebrates the talents of our faculty and students with the Student/Faculty Exhibition. Every student, staff member, and instructor who has been active at Valley Art Center in the last two years was invited to include one work of art in this exhibit. This popular annual exhibition showcases the diversity of classes and mediums offered by our talented faculty and is a platform to celebrate the successes of our students.

Over the past year, Valley Art Center has offered over 400 classes and workshops, taught by 30+ professional instructors, to over 1500 students. Please join us to experience all the wonderful ways our students and faculty make us the creative visual hub of the Chagrin Valley.

The exhibition features work from more than 100 Valley Art Center artists!

Rendering: A Digital Discourse

Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic in the art world and beyond. The Valley Art Center is opening a space to create a discussion by bringing together local digital artists (Steven Gutierrez, Greggory Hill, Matthew Pylypiv, Pam Spremulli, and Jessica Wascak) for the exhibition Rendering: A Digital Discourse.

Valley Art Center's intention is not necessarily to take a stand on AI or conclude on its relevance or place in the arts community, but rather to open a dialogue and have relevant and current topics as a center of programming at VAC. 

The Valley Art Center's two exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore the creative potential of both student and faculty artwork and digital and AI artwork. By showcasing both types of artwork in one space, the Valley Art Center provides a platform to bridge the gap between traditional and new art forms. This dual exhibition allows viewers to appreciate the diversity of creative expression while also sparking a dialogue about how technology can be used to create art. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students and faculty to learn from each other's techniques and gain insight into exhibiting in galleries once an artwork is created. Ultimately, these dual exhibitions serve as an inspiring reminder that creativity knows no bounds.
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This culminated in ​an Artist Panel on Digital and AI Art on Friday, February 10th at 7pm. Four of the exhibition artists delved into their own relation to the digital artworld before taking questions from the audience. Here is a recording of this panel.
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51st Annual Juried Art Exhibition

Jurors:
Casey Monda, Casey Monda Art Advisory
Arnold Tunstall, Director, University Galleries, Myers School of Art, The University of Akron
Mark Yasenchack, Mark Yasenchack Studio
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Ekphrastacy
Artists Talk -
Poets Respond

Thursday, December 1 |  6pm
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In connection with the Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Valley Art Center hosted Ekphrastacy – Artists Talk + Poets Respond on December 1, in partnership with Heights Arts. The series, which is modeled after the Greek term Ekphrasis, or a poem that is a vivid description of a work of art, is a celebration of both visual and spoken word artistry. 

Says Heights Arts Executive Director Rachel Bernstein about the program, "We are very excited to once again share this signature program with Valley Art Center. Hearing artists talk about their work and then poets contributing similar or perhaps completely different interpretations, provides all who attend- artists, poets, and audience members alike, a much deeper appreciation of the works themselves, the process of creating them, and their impact on those that view them."

This program traveled to Valley Art Center to bring together poets who responded to works of art within the exhibition. The program was led by current Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate, Ray McNiece, along with Cleveland poet Siaara Freeman, and former Cleveland Heights Poets Laureate Christine Howey and Dr. Mary E. Weems. These poets composed and read poems directly inspired by the exhibited works, creating an interesting and engaging dialogue while surrounded by the art. The Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate is conferred by Heights Arts and is the longest-running poet laureate program in the state. In early 2023, the 11th Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate will be chosen for a 2023-2025 term.
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Award Winners

Best in Show: Joseph Ryznar, I Mowed, It Rained, It Cleared: Puddle on Concrete

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​1st Place: Drew Ippoliti, A Fugitive from the Law of Averages
2nd Place: Drew King, Two Rivers
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​3rd Place: Meagan Smith, Hardanger Fjord 1
Victoria Welling Award: Kimberly Chapman, That’s the Way to Do it! Punch and Judy, Wrong since 1662
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​Phyllis Lloyd Memorial Award in Abstract Painting: David Kuntzman, Dedekind
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​Darlene Jackson Watercolor Award: Donna Bargar, Crow #1
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Honorable Mention: ​Will Wilson, The Forest
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​The Paula Marianek Award - Excellence in a Piece That Incorporates the Mediums of Clay, Drawing, or Pastels: Debrah Butler, Silence
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Honorable Mention: ​Mary Defer, Spiderwort
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Honorable Mention: ​Jann Dieringer, Once Upon A Time
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Accepted Artists

Keegan Adams
Alan Ambuske
Donna Bargar
Kim Barnes
Chris Benavides
William Beuther
Christina Blaschke
Debrah Butler
Kimberly Chapman
Ryn Clarke
Paula Damm
Madeline Davis
Molly Davis
Mary Defer
Jann Dieringer
David Dingwell
Bill Fleming
Emma Gatzulis
Ali Gemmer
Fallon Hartleib
Kenn Hetzel
​Michael W. High
Judy Hodge
Drew Ippoliti

Tom Jackson
Molly Johnson
Emily Joyce
Drew King
John Kinnee
George Kocar
David Kuntzman
PJ Lytle
Violet Maimbourg
Kristina Malcolm
Julie Martin
Barbara Martin
Dennis Mastrangelo
Elizabeth Prindle
Nancy Roy
Joseph Ryznar
John A. Sargent III
Lisa Schonberg
Tony Skinner
Meagan Smith
Rima Tessman
Gwen Waight
Jessica Wascak
Will Wilson


Charles Deihl Retrospective Exhibition
September 9 - October 19, 2022

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An expansive exhibition of works by lifelong artist and accomplished professional, Charles "Bud" Deihl.

Listen to the recording of the Artist Talk with Charles "Bud" Diehl below to hear from the artist himself or scroll below to see installation images and learn more.
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Photo: Michael Steinberg.
Photos: Michael Steinberg.
Valley Art Center is pleased to present the Retrospective Exhibition of over 90 works by Charles “Bud” Deihl, artist, painter, sculptor, educator, and long-time VAC instructor. For locals of Chagrin Falls, the artists work can be seen year-round in the fantastical mural which adorns the VAC’s 62-foot-long east wall. From graduate school drawings in the 1950s to award winning oil paintings of recent years, this exhibition tells the visual story of a lifelong artist and accomplished professional. As the exhibited works are enriched by his genuine, honest narration, the audience has the unusual opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his life and art, in his own words. The complete stories within Charles Deihl's artworks, however, are left to the viewer's imagination.
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Bud describes his painting technique as modified realism, although the subject matter is often surrealism. In Bud’s words, “My paintings tell stories, but the stories are unclear, unfinished, obscure. The titles of the paintings - thus, the titles of the stories - sometimes offer some insight, but my hope is that viewers will be compelled to look at the paintings, accept that principals have been violated, and enjoy the experiment of the core idea.” As Ron Kroutel, Professor Emeritus at Ohio University explains, “You don’t leave Charles “Bud” Diehl’s paintings feeling hungry. They are a rich, satisfying feast on many levels. His mastery of technical skill and compositional structure are of the highest level. His playful and sometimes jarring use of subject matter whets the viewer’s appetite for more, and there is more, a complex and subtle reference to art history from Johannes Vermeer to Vito Acconci.”

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Valley Art Center is excited to present “Where Are We?” an exploration of Surrealism. Wander with us through dreams and the landscape of the unconscious. 

Juried and curated by John McCutcheon of Sean Christopher Gallery in Columbus, Ohio.
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​This exhibit is free and open to the public 10 am - 4pm Monday-Wednesday, 10am-7pm Thursday,  10am-4pm Friday, and 10 - 2pm on Saturday.


Let's get weird.
Exhibiting Artists
Alejandro Bellizzi
​Barbara Bergsten
Maggy Brown
David Butler
J.Inky Lorain Cantrell
Haley Cavotta
Kimberly Chapman
Andrea Dawson
Robert Fannin
Kathleen Fleming
Ethan Grossberg
Lisa Kenion
Susan Lash
Joseph Lazzari

Rachel Liberati
Juniper Mainelis
Gabi Roach
Jordi Rowe
John A Sargent III
Jean Schnell
Rita Schuenemann
Kathy Simone
Joe Stavec
Katie Taylor
​Seth Wade
Kristina Walter
Hannah Wyman
Delainey Wyville
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Where Are We? An Exploration of Surrealism
Gallery Walkthrough

​Assistant Director & Gallery Manager Julie Polsinelli walks through Valley Art Center's exhibition "Where Are We? An Exploration of Surrealism" on view until August 24, 2022. Julie explores the history of Surrealism before highlighting some of the works in this weird and wonderful exhibition!

​What a fantastic Opening Night! Thanks to all the artists and guests who came out! Special thanks to Lynn Lofton for her Exquisite Corpses experiment, Michael Steinberg for photographs, and Janet Ingold Floral for the amazing surrealist floral display!



Salvador Dalí Event
Thank you to all who came out to our One Night Only Dali Etching Viewing and Lecture!! ​
A very special thanks to Casey Monda of Casey Monda Art Advisory for her lecture which was an enlightening- and exciting!- exploration into Surrealism and our continuing "Where Are We?" exhibition. We look forward to presenting more lectures from artists and art historians!! If you were unable to attend, you can watch the lecture here.



Valley Art Center is pleased to present our new Hallway Gallery exhibition Accessible Expressions Ohio Exhibit August 1 – August 31

This exhibition is a partnership with Art Possible Ohio and features 16 works of art by 15 Ohio artists of all ages with disabilities. 
​Art Possible Ohio, a nonprofit organization founded in 1986, collaborates with artists of all ages with disabilities to promote accessibility and inclusivity, advance careers in the creative industries, foster community engagement, and raise academic achievement among students in Ohio by integrating the arts. 
Learn More About Art Possible Ohio Here


ART HEALS by Art Therapy Studio Client - Artists
On display June 27th - July 29th
Reception: Saturday, July 23rd 2-4pm

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Emerging Artists

Featuring emerging artists from local high school and college art programs, including;
Chagrin Falls High School
Brush High School
Excel TECC at Orange High School
Shaker Heights High School
and Lakeland Community College.

On display April 1 - May 11, 2022.
Awards Reception - April 8, 2022, 5 pm - 8 pm
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​Chagrin Falls Unity Mural

​This mural was created by 39 Portfolio Preparation students from Chagrin Falls High School and includes students studying photo, 2D and 3D design. The mural was sponsored by the Chagrin Educational Foundation. Lead Designer Delainey Wyville began by using original photographs of downtown Chagrin and creating a schematic drawing of the mural plan that was later laser cut out of wood before constructing the mural. Students were challenged to create a surrealistic cityscene incorporating aspects of Chagrin architecture that interconnected artistic disciplines. Students worked to give each building a distinct theme while also unifying with the entire mural as a whole.

The mural will be installed in Chagrin Falls High School later this year.

Special thanks to the Educational Foundation and David Kimball for helping incorporate use of the Innovation Center into this mural. 
36” X 120” X 4”
Acrylic, Paperclay and Mixed Media on Wood Panel
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Lead Student Designer:
Delainey Wyville

Student Artists:
Anna Baker, Kate Bartlett, Paelyn Benz, Maeve Brennan, Logan Brownell, Erin Burchard, Casper Calder Anna Campbell, Amelia Charlton, Peyton Gellin, Mila Gresh, ​Rose Hoelzel, Samantha Holtz, Clara Ives, ​Marie Kanzinger, Will Keegan, Stella Kronstain, Megan Larkin, Abigail Laws, Tina Logan, Hunter Longo, Sofia Maas,  Ceclia Mergenhagen, Robert Munz, Riley, Myers, Isabel Nerpouni, Oakleigh Niethammer, Liam Oettinger, Jenivy Par, Samuel Partain, Quinn Purnhagen, Elizabeth Rankin, Maya Rooney, Will Rossi, Ella Spremulli, Charlie Taylor, Sam Winans, Caitlyn Young, Camille Zitney


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Valley Art Center enriches and inspires the community through meaningful visual art education, exhibitions, events and partnerships. Valley Art Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Valley Art Center

155 Bell Street,
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
(440) 247 - 7507
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  • Home
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