ArtWorks Alumni NetworK

You were part of building something. Now we're bringing ArtWorks alumni back together, and we want you part of it.

ArtWorks, launched in 2006, has served more than 2,000 youth over the past 20 years. It's an arts education and workforce development program for Northeast Ohio youth in grades 10–12, where youth work as paid apprentices under the guidance of professional Teaching Artists, building creative, workforce, and life skills for success after high school.

JOIN THE ALUMNI NETWORK

WHAT’S THE ALUMNI NETWORK?

A lifelong extension of ArtWorks, connecting alumni across the years to each other and to the program that may have shaped their future pathways.

Whether you were an apprentice, Teaching Artist, or program staff member, you're part of the ArtWorks story, and this network is here to keep you connected to the program.

ArtWorks' impact doesn't end once an apprentice graduates and leaves the program, it grows through every alum who carries those skills into their careers and communities.

Building this network turns hundreds of individual success stories into a connected, lasting force, one that strengthens the pipeline of mentorship, opportunity, and support for the next generation of Cleveland youth.

WHY RECONNECT?

  • Reconnect with fellow alumni through interactive events, both virtual and in person

  • Grow as a mentor, giving current ArtWorks apprentices real career insight and creative guidance while sharpening your own leadership skills

  • Be the first to know about ArtWorks sessions, events, and program milestones through the ArtWorks Alumni Newsletter

  • Showcase or sell your work to a wider audience at our ArtWorks Marketplace during Fall sessions

  • Expand your own professional network through CAL's community partners and creative champions across Cleveland

  • Share your ArtWorks story and be featured in our alumni spotlights.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN THROUGH THE NETWORK

You’ll have chances to:

JOIN THE ALUMNI NETWORK

ALUMNI EVENTS

On August 1, 2026, alumni, current apprentices, and supporters came together for ArtWorks Live! and an Alumni Reunion, an evening of gallery showcases, live performances, and reconnecting across two decades of ArtWorks. It's a glimpse of what this community can look like when we come together.

Join the network to be the first to hear about future alumni events, both virtual and in person.

Learn more about the recent august 1 event

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

COMING SOON!

ArtWorks alumni go on to do incredible things, in the arts and far beyond. This is where we share their stories.

Want to be featured? Share your story when you join the network.

ArtWorks runs on the generosity of people who believe in what it builds. If you'd like to help keep paid apprenticeships and mentorship going for the next generation of Cleveland youth, a gift of any size makes a difference.

When you donate, select "ArtWorks" under "Please Direct My Support" so your gift goes directly toward the program.

SUPPORT ARTWORKS

Donate

  • If you are 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Center for Arts-Inspired Learning. A QCD counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), and you pay no income tax on the amount transferred. You can give up to $108,000 annually. Ask your IRA administrator to make the distribution directly to Center for Arts-Inspired Learning.


  • If you have a DAF through your financial institution or community foundation, you can recommend a grant to Center for Arts-Inspired Learning. This is an easy, flexible way to support youth creativity. You can make one-time or recurring gifts from your DAF, and you may also name Center for Arts-Inspired Learning as a beneficiary to continue your legacy. Ask your fund advisor to direct your gift to the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning.

  • Gifts of appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, can provide meaningful support for our programs while offering tax benefits. You can avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets and deduct the fair market value of your gift. Center for Arts-Inspired Learning receives the full value of your contribution. To ensure your gift is completed by December 31, we encourage you to begin the transfer process early.

    Stock Transfer Information:

    • Type of Transfer: Gift

    • Receiving Firm: National Financial Services, LLC

    • DTC: 0226

    • Receiving Account Name: Center For Arts-Inspired Learning

    • Receiving Account Number: 0KS-711454

    • Recipient's Registration Type: Corporation account

    To notify us of a transfer, contact: Cat Derrick, Director of Development via cderrick@arts-inspiredlearning.org or 216.561.5005 x25.

Additional Ways to Give

For detailed transfer instructions or to let us know a gift is on the way, please contact our Director of Development, Cat Derrick, at cderrick@arts-inspiredlearning.org or 216.561.5005 x25.

MEET THE ARTWORKS ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

A team of ArtWorks alumni are helping to plan alumni reconnection events and spearhead alumni outreach. Meet the individuals behind the effort!

  • Da'Nira McClary

    Years Participated in ArtWorks: 2015-2016, 2017-2018
    Art Forms Taken Part In: Photography, Performance Poetry, Dance, Game Design
    Current Organization: Department of The Interior/National Park Service
    Current Job Title: Park Ranger/Media

  • Emily Gitlin

    Years Participated in ArtWorks: Summer 2010-2011
    Art Forms Taken Part In: Photography and Video Game Design
    Current Organization: The Pratt Institute
    Current Job Title: Administrative Assistant for Development

  • LAUREN JORDAN

    Years Participated in ArtWorks: 2005-2007
    Art Forms Taken Part In: Photography and Dance
    Current Organization: JumpStart Inc.
    Current Job Title: Events & Marketing Associate

  • Janet Katzin

    Years Participated in ArtWorks: Summer 2008
    Art Forms Taken Part In: Stage Combat
    Current Organization: Hawken School
    Current Job Title: Alumni Relations

  • Kaleigh Tuck-Macalla

    Years Participated in ArtWorks: 2010, 2011
    Art Forms Taken Part In: Vocal Performance
    Current Organization: Frederick Douglass High School/Oakmont Education
    Current Job Title: Family Advocate

  • Aniya Johnson

    Years Participated in ArtWorks: Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
    Art Forms Taken Part In: Videography, Spoken Word Poetry, Photography, Crafting Arts Poetry
    Current Organization: Kent State University
    Current Job Title: Student / Desk Assistant and College Senator (Undergraduate Student Government)

HAVE QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS, OR IDEAS?

Please reach out to our alumni program staff: