Cleveland is blessed with amazing arts institutions, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and The Cleveland Orchestra, which are the legacy of philanthropy that grew from a strong industrial base. When Heights Arts was founded in 2000, we entered the nonprofit arts world at a time when even such long-established arts organizations were challenged by the combined effects of a regional economic downturn and the redirection of contributions to national and global catastrophes. So it is a wonder that Heights Arts managed to raise start-up funds for salaries and rent, let alone maintain a stable budget for the last five years.

We have learned to patch together a budget dependent upon individual and business contributions, sales of art, foundation grants, a bit of earned income, and fundraising events. But every minute spent raising money takes away from time and effort that could be spent on programming. There is no stable source of funding for us, and except for state funds allocated by The Ohio Arts Council (we’ll receive about $7,500 this year), there is no public funding for the arts. Foundations such as The George Gund Foundation and The Cleveland Foundation have long supported the arts in our community as private philanthropy dwindled, but can no longer do so. Nine years ago, they spawned the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture to pursue possibilities for public funding for the arts. This is not a new idea: Cain Park is a municipally run arts park, and the Solon Center for the Arts a municipally run arts center. But there is no dedicated stream of public funding for the arts in Cuyahoga County, unlike many other major metropolitan areas. When you think of all the things you wish your taxes didn’t pay for, you may wonder why they are not paying for the arts.

Issue 18 is an opportunity that will not come again for a long time to designate public funding for the arts in our region. Many of us are struggling with several issues on the ballot regarding smoking, weighing individual rights and public health issues--drawing funding from cigarette sales is far from perfect. But there does not seem to be such a thing as a pure tax, and Issue 18 is the arts community’s best chance to show that our arts community merits public funding. The arts are fundamental to our lives, as essential as roads, schools, and recreation centers.

Vote for Issue 18 to protect the arts in your life.

with Mary Weems Thursday, November 16
(changed from Tuesday, November 14)
7 p.m.
Heights Arts at the Library
2340 Lee Road

Registration $10
216.371.3344 or heightsarts@heightsarts.org

Heartbeats is a poetry workshop designed to help the beginning and accomplished poet write "freely and quickly" from the space between the conscious and the unconscious. Workshop will include ample time to write, share, and edit first drafts. One of a series of poetry workshops and events presented by the Heights Poet Laureate Committee.

more HeightsWrites events

at noon





What’s not to like ? Shopping at the Holiday Store supports local artists and the local economy, and provides unique gifts for your friends, relatives, or yourself. Paintings, prints, collage, photography, glass, ceramics, cards, scarves, jewelry, dolls, and more by:

Jon Abrahamson, Ambiente, Todd Anderson, Judith Angelo, Pamela Argentieri, Anna Arnold, Herbert Ascherman, Jr., Kris Barnes, Peter Billington, Dana Bjorklund, Cathie Bleck, David Brichford, Ann Caywood Brown, Craig Bungo, Gail Burdick, Catherine Butler, H.C. Cassill, Janet Century, Wendy Collin Sorin, Rene Culler, Bonnie Dolin, G.M. Donley, Kathryn Ellis, Gene Epstein, Betsy Fallon, Gretchen Gaede, Susan Gallagher, Joann Giordano, Zach Gorell, Marge Grevatt, John Gulyas and Maryann Posch, David Hagen, Joel Hauserman, Matthew Hollern, Margaret Kimura, Anne T. Kmieck, Ursula Korneitchouk, Tomasz Kowalczyk, Jean Kubota Cassill, Laura Kulber, Joanne Laessig, Andrea Leblond, Joan Lederer, Rick Lewin, Nancy Markham, Tobi Mattes, Susan McNamara, Shannon Morris, Robert Muller, Lynn O'Brien, Melissa O'Grady, Susan Prendergast, Debbie Apple Presser, Quandle Qadir, Robert Raack, Jeanne Regan, Jennifier Rohrer, Michael Romanik, Debra Rosen, Ann Rosmarin, Viktor Schreckengost, Patricia Schneider, Susan Skove, Steve Sorin, Susan Squires, Ellen Strong, Mark Sudduth, Anne Taylor, Jeremy Tugeau, Douglas Max Utter, Vivian Vail, Rafael Valdivieso, Roger Warner, Roy Woda, Theresa Yondo, Brent Kee Young, and Paula Zinsmeister.

Also books by local writers provided by Mac's Backs and Appletree Books, CDs by your favorite local musical talent, Friends of the Heights Library cookbook, Cleveland Restoration Society calendar, FutureHeights gift certificates good at participating local businesses, and a paper dove ornament kit made by Catherine Butler especially for Heights Arts.

New this year: A special Phoenix Coffee artisan roast, Muse Brews, and Heights Arts mugs.

The Holiday Store is staffed largely by volunteers. To sign up for a shift, please call 216.371.3344 or email emeadows@heightsarts.org.

While you’re stopping by Heights Arts on November 11, also check out:

Community Arts Show
4-8 p.m.
Cut Hair Studio
2254 Lee Road
216.932.1220

Featuring the art of Frances Bachman, Jen Craun, Lisa Dunn, Debbie First, Sky Macdonald, Shannon Morris, Nikki Pritts, Alex Pritts, Janice Vitullo, and Gai Russo

Revive
A new store at 2248 Lee Road
216.371.2778
Featuring fair trade apparel from around the world

Heights Arts discount !




GroundWorks Landmark Series
Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
November 11 through November 19

Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee is at 3 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now. General admission is $22, seniors and students are $15

Mention the Heights Arts newsletter for discounted ($19) tickets!
216.691.3180 extension 4.

10 host families needed for Handicraft Artisans
from the Kyrgyz Republic!!

November 8th – November 28th
The Council of International Programs USA (CIPUSA) is a 50-year, Cleveland-based non-profit organization committed to promoting international understanding through professional development and cross-cultural exchange. We are currently seeking interested families & individuals to host international professionals in the United States. These individuals are emerging leaders in their fields and have been selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants for an American experience and an opportunity to interact both professionally and personally, paving the way for progress, communication and change on a global level. Be a part of it!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HOSTS THAT CAN OFFER:
• A loving & supportive environment
• A private bedroom
• Meals & snacks
• A home near public transportation

Please call or email to find out more!

Kate Windle
Council of International Programs USA (CIPUSA)
216.566.1088
katewindle@cipusa.org

Phoenix threw another wonderfully sticky Pumpkin Carving Party last week, with pumpkins generously donated by Heights Garden Center.

Heights Arts is grateful for the fun, and for the $500 raised at this annual event.

Pictured: Pirate, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tiger Lily, The Crocodile, and Wendy (Tinker Bell was making cappucinos)

Teen Room, Lee Road Library
Thursday, November 9 at 7 p.m.

Be there or be square

Become a member of Heights Arts with a tax-deductible contribution