ArtWorks Celebrates 20 Years of Creativity, Opportunity, and Community

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, more than 300 donors, community partners, families, alumni, Teaching Artists, arts advocates, and champions of the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning gathered at the Cultural Arts Center within Disciples Christian Church in Cleveland Heights to celebrate 20 years of ArtWorks, CAL’s longest-running community program.

ArtWorks is CAL’s paid arts apprenticeship program for Northeast Ohio students in grades 10 through 12. Students apply and interview for the program, then selected apprentices spend a fall, spring, or summer session working alongside professional Teaching Artists while developing creative, workforce, and life skills. Apprentices receive a stipend for their time. Since its beginning, ArtWorks has engaged more than 2,000 young people across Northeast Ohio.

Honoring 20 Years of Impact

The evening began with the ArtWorks Champion Reception, featuring a live panel with ArtWorks alumni and current Summer 2026 apprentices. Their stories connected two generations of young people whose lives have been shaped by the program.

The reception also helped build momentum for the years ahead. CAL raised crucial funds and welcomed new champions whose support will help provide stipends, mentorship, supplies, and expanded access to paid creative opportunities for future apprentices.

The Past on Display, the Present on Stage

ArtWorks Live! brought guests together to experience the program through the eyes of apprentices.

Summer 2026 apprentices curated an interactive gallery featuring artwork and photographs from across ArtWorks’ 20-year history. The gallery led into live performances from the Summer 2026 apprentices, featuring work in Sound Recording, Visual Arts, Audio/Visual Media, and Sketch Writing & Performance.

In one evening, guests could see where ArtWorks has been, experience what it is today, and meet the young people carrying it forward.

A Community Built to Last

The evening concluded with an ArtWorks Alumni Reunion, bringing former apprentices and Teaching Artists together to reconnect and celebrate the community that has grown around the program.

Twenty years of ArtWorks represents more than 2,000 young people. It represents the skills they developed, the mentors who supported them, the creative work they produced, and the possibilities they discovered for their futures.

The anniversary celebration honored that legacy while investing in what comes next. CAL is deeply grateful to the donors, funders, partners, families, alumni, advocates, and champions who continue to believe in the power of the arts to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Thank You to Our ArtWorks 20th Anniversary Supporters

• Service Providers

  Emcee: Remi Murrey of News 5 Cleveland

  DJ: Brandon Reese

  Photographer: Bria Hooks

  Catering: Taste of Excellence

• Event Sponsors

  Elevating Impact Sponsor
  RPM International Inc.

  Fueling Creativity Sponsor
  Burton D. Morgan Foundation

  Creative Foundations Sponsor
  Famicos Foundation

  In-Kind Media Sponsor
  IKE Smart City

• Program & Event Supporters

  Third Federal Foundation
  Ohio Arts Council
  John P. Murphy Foundation
  Kulas Foundation
  Young Audiences Arts for Learning
  The Ronald and Deborah Ratner Family Fund
  Cleveland Foundation
  Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
  Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
  The Cultural Arts Center at Disciples Christian Church
  The Sam J. Frankino Foundation

  Glidden House

• Raffle Supporters

  Holden Forests & Gardens
  Cleveland Zoological Society
  The Great Lakes Medieval Faire
  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
  Cleveland Guardians
  The Cleveland Orchestra
  Blick Art Materials
  Great Lakes Science Center

• Individual Donors

  Bitty Dorr
  Meghan McDonnell
  Jeanne Shatten and Larry Oscar
  Matt Saneda
  Emma Parker
  Monica and Jason Bricker-Thompson
  Janet Katzin
  Katie Solender
  Diane and Dr. Arthur Lavin
  Lavone Lee
  Greg and Debbie Shaw
  Sam Clyde Schroeder and Adam Schroeder
  Tamara and Hollye Fletcher
  Nick Hylant
  Ray Gullatt
  Marsha Dobrzynski
  Bakita Hill
  Deborah and Ronald Ratner
  Lynn Miller-Penegor
  Jon Watts
  Barbara Ringle
  Rick Leibovich
  Sarah Stone
  Nate and Nicki Price
  Ruth Price Rollins
  Joe and Laurie Kulig
  Tom Pike Linda Zolten Wood
  Cara Jablonski

  And the 35 individuals who purchased raffle tickets!

95% of apprentices gained skills in communicating with potential employers, interviewing, and feeling more prepared to apply for other jobs.

〰️

98% of apprentices understand the responsibilities of maintaining employment.

〰️

91% of apprentices are more knowledgeable about career opportunities within and outside of the arts.

95% of apprentices gained skills in communicating with potential employers, interviewing, and feeling more prepared to apply for other jobs. 〰️ 98% of apprentices understand the responsibilities of maintaining employment. 〰️ 91% of apprentices are more knowledgeable about career opportunities within and outside of the arts.