ArtWorks 20th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: Cultural Arts Center with Disciples Christian Church | Cleveland Heights, OH
Parking: Available onsite for free
Some portions are free and open to the public; others are ticketed or RSVP-based (details below)
Important Links
Join the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning in celebrating 20 years of our ArtWorks program, a paid arts apprenticeship that has engaged more than 2,000 high school students across Northeast Ohio. This milestone evening honors the creativity, growth, and impact of ArtWorks apprentices—past and present—while celebrating two decades of workforce development through the arts.
This event includes three distinct ways to participate. Read more about each below. Guests are welcome to join one or more portions depending on interest.
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The Champion Reception is a special kickoff to the evening that celebrates 20 years of ArtWorks while raising crucial funds to support the program’s future.
This portion of the event is designed for community partners, and members, donors, and art supporters who want to help sustain and grow paid creative opportunities for young people.
What to expect:
A live panel featuring alumni and current apprentices sharing their journeys and impact stories
A behind-the-scenes look at 20 years of ArtWorks programming and impact
Opportunities to connect with Teaching Artists, apprentices, alumni, families, and supporters of our mission and the arts
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar (includes one drink ticket)
A guided experience of the 20th anniversary interactive gallery
Why it matters:
Funds raised directly support apprentice stipends, artist mentorship, supplies, and expanded access to paid creative learning experiences for youth.
Action:
Ticket required ($100 per guest).
Attendance at this portion of the event is not required to attend the other parts of the event. -
What to expect:
ArtWorks Live! is the culminating showcase for our ArtWorks program sessions.
Guests will experience live performances and an interactive multi-arts gallery featuring work by current apprentices across:
Sound Recording
Visual Arts
Audio/Visual Media
Sketch Writing & Performance
The gallery also includes work from alumni, highlighting 20 years of creative growth and impact.
Action:
No RSVP or tickets required. All are welcome.
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What to expect:
A closing gathering for ArtWorks alumni and former Teaching Artists to reconnect and celebrate 20 years of shared history, hosted in partnership with the ArtWorks Alumni Engagement Committee.
Desserts
A cash bar (21+)
Music
Outdoor games (weather permitting)
Interactive spaces for storytelling and reconnection
Opportunities to reconnect with alumni, Teaching Artists, and program staff
Why it matters:
This gathering honors the community that has shaped ArtWorks over the past two decades and provides space to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate shared impact.
Action:
RSVP required for alumni and Teaching Artists.
CAN’T MAKE IT?
No worries! A gift to ArtWorks is a meaningful way to honor this 20-year milestone and invest in the future of the program. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities for young people across Northeast Ohio.
Make a gift today and help shape the next 20 years of ArtWorks. Donate here.
About ArtWorks
ArtWorks is the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning’s paid arts apprenticeship program that provides high school students with hands-on experience in the arts while helping them build essential workforce and life skills. Through mentorship with professional teaching artists, participants explore artistic disciplines, develop confidence, and gain meaningful experience that supports future education and career pathways.
For 20 years, ArtWorks has helped young people see themselves as creators, contributors, and leaders in their communities across Northeast Ohio.
Committed Champions
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Alaina Appline
Anonymous
Baird Foundation
Josh & Laura Baird
Lilah Baird
Chelsea Bonner
Nicole Bransford
Margaret Craig
Krisztina Cziszar
Cat Derrick
Donna Driscoll
Isabella Dorr
Darnell Epps
Tamara Fletcher
Juliet Floyd
William Francis Johnson
Jaqueline Gary Walker
Gianna Hedge
David and Dozie Herbruck
Bob Hird
Myia Hobson
Nick Hylant
Cara Jablonski
Owen Joyce
Karen and Clyde Loughridge
Christine Madden
Kaleigh Tuck-Macalla
Mary Kate McCafferty
Meghan McDonnell
Marilyn and Thomas McLaughlin
Kyle McKinney
Hedy and Michael Milgrom
Yasmeen Muhammad
Ann Kent
Patti Keener
Catherine Keating and Charles King
Dannielle Koger
Chip Krueger
Junior Ratner Club
Lavone Lee
Katherine Solender and William Katzin
Madeleine and Arthur Obrock
Emma Parker
Angeli Persons
Storm Potts
Courtney Price
Nate Price
Sheffia Randall-Nickerson
Jeff Rothman
Makaila Robinson
Deborah L. Rotz
Matt Saneda
Richard and Sandra Santana
Greg Shaw
Jeanne Shatten
Brooke Slater
Charlie Slater
Sarah and Steven Stone
Rachael Timberlake
Eva Vergez
Jazmine Walker
Kailynn Walts
Kevin Wassie
Logan Williams