25th Anniversary

SignInstall2011_IMG_0941

Connecting Art + Community

Heights Arts is celebrating 25 years of providing experiences for and access to emerging and professional literary, music, and visual artists in Northeast Ohio.

At the crossroads of music and visual art, creative boundaries dissolve. You might witness collaborations between a jazz quartet and a local painter, or hear spoken word poetry accompanied by ambient soundscapes.

Engage. Explore. Learn. Be Inspired.

Over the years, Heights Arts has become a cornerstone in our community, serving as a showcase for our talented citizens. Every day, we enhance what it means to live in our community by honoring emerging and professional artists through bold exhibitions, beautiful musical concerts, an inspiring gallery and storefront, and thoughtful encounters with poetry.

Heights Arts Is for Everyone

You don’t have to be an art enthusiast to explore our programs, events, and gallery exhibitions. We believe that all people — regardless of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, background, or familiarity with creative arts — have the opportunity to showcase, get access to, and experience all forms of arts.

Orange circle with text that reads "Over 1.3 million to visual artists, musicians and poets
Blue circle with text that reads "400 plus visual artists exhibited"
Magenta Circle with text that reads "50 plus music performances"
Blue circle with text that reads "90 plus art exhibitions"
Red circle with text that reads "50 plus workshops and classes"
Green circle with text that reads "10 plus public art projects"

Get Involved

Here are a few ways to experience the Heights Arts community.

  • Visit our gallery store and browse through greeting cards, jewelry, pictures, pottery, and more.
  • Apply to our open call for musicians and visual artists.
  • View our current exhibition anytime or attend an exhibition opening event.
  • Attend an evening of inspiring poetry readings.
  • Meet new people at ARTbar, which combines music, cocktails, and art in a vibrant atmosphere.

Home to the Arts

Sparked by a city-wide visioning process in 2000 and the passion of Cleveland Heights residents, Heights Arts was established as the community center for creative arts. Over the years, we have grown into a regional presence — celebrating diversity, supporting emerging and established artists, and building an inclusive arts community. 

Art uses all of our senses. Take a moment to notice public art, hear the sounds of music, be calmed by poetry readings, or feel the vast types of materials used in visual arts.

Close Encounters Season Tickets

Secure your seat for all four concerts at discounted prices. 

Upcoming Events

Holiday Store Opening Reception
Exhibition Event

Holiday Store Opening Reception

Friday 11/6/26
5:00pm
Cleveland Heights’ beloved Holiday Store at Heights Arts is back for the season, opening with a festive public reception on Friday, November 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The reception will have live music, a cash bar, light snacks and a 15% discount for all Heights Arts members. A treasured tradition for both local shoppers and artists alike, the 25th Annual Holiday Store transforms the Heights Arts gallery into a vibrant marketplace filled with original, handcrafted gifts just in time for the giving season.
View »
Heights Poet Laureate Information Session
Literary

Heights Poet Laureate Information Session

Thursday 11/12/26
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Every two years, a new Heights Poet Laureate is selected through an Open Call process facilitated by Heights Arts. The '27-'29 Laureate application is now open; learn more about the program and how to apply at this virtual info session. Join Heights Arts staff and current Heights Poet Laureate, Michelle R. Smith for Q & A. Link provided with event RSVP
View »
Brave New Voices Poetry Showcase, event #3
Literary

Brave New Voices Poetry Showcase, event #3

Thursday 11/12/26
6:00pm
A Heights Poet Laureate community project hosted by Michelle R. Smith, this free showcase features emerging youth & adult poets In tribute to the long-lived Youth Speaks poetry and spoken word festival, this FREE performance showcase is an open, engaged, and inspired space for emerging adult, youth, and community poets to share their original work. Hosted by 2025-2027 Heights Poet Laureate, Michelle R. Smith, this program will feature performances by Emma Klunzinger, MATTMATT Raybeam, and Indira Samuels before attendees are invited to participate in an open mic open for all ages. This showcase is the third in a four-event series. Next event: April 6, 2027 Lee Road Branch
View »
Open Rehearsal: The Bryden Chamber Players
Music

Open Rehearsal: The Bryden Chamber Players

Tuesday 2/23/27
6:00pm
Open Rehearsal: The Bryden Chamber Players rehearse "Celebrating Schubert: His Life in Letters and Music" Heights Arts presents a rare opportunity for students and adults to glimpse the process of preparing a Close Encounters performance.   Performers: Kim Gomez, violin; Amber Dimoff, violin; Lisa Boyko, viola; Robert Nicholson, cello.
View »
Close Encounters: Celebrating Schubert - His Life in Letters & Music
Music

Close Encounters: Celebrating Schubert - His Life in Letters & Music

Sunday 2/28/27
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Close Encounters is Heights Arts’ signature Sunday afternoon chamber music series, celebrating its 20th anniversary season. The second concert features features performers Kim Gomez, violin; Amber Dimoff, violin; Lisa Boyko, viola; Robert Nicholson, cello. The Bryden Chamber Players perform Franz Schubert's epic G-Major Quartet and share the composer's story via letters and contemporary accounts. The program will also include the Quartettsatz and a sampling of Schubert’s beloved Lieder.   Franz Schubert: Quartet No. 12 in c-minor (Quartett-Satz) I. Allegro assai Franz Schubert: Quartet No. 13 in a-minor, Op. 29 (Rosamunde) II. Andante INTERMISSION Franz Schubert: Quartet No. 15 in G-major, Op. 161 I. Allegro molto moderato II. Andante un poco moto III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Trio. Allegretto IV. Allegro assai   Thank you to the Close Encounters Season Sponsor, Michael Frank, Concert Sponsor: Bill Stigelman, and this event's Dessert Sponsor, Luna Bakery.  
View »
Close Encounters: Omni Quartet and Friends - Music for Flute, Oboe, and String Quartet
Music

Close Encounters: Omni Quartet and Friends - Music for Flute, Oboe, and String Quartet

Sunday 4/25/27
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Close Encounters is Heights Arts’ signature Sunday afternoon chamber music series, celebrating its 20th anniversary season. The third concert features features performers Joshua Smith, flute; Frank Rosenwein, oboe; Amy Lee, violin; Alicia Koelz, violin; Johanna Zakany, viola; Tanya Ell, cello. PROGRAM: Gordon Jacob Quartet for oboe, violin, viola, cello (1938) I. Allegro moderato II. Scherzo: Allegro moderato III. Andante semplice IV. Rondo: Allegro molto Thea Musgrave Impromptu No. 1 for flute and oboe (1967) Amy Beach Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet, Op. 80 (1916) Theme: Lento di molto, sempre espressivo Variation 1: L’istesso tempo Variation 2: Allegro giusto Variation 3: Andantino con morbidezza Variation 4: Presto leggiero Variation 5: Largo di molto, con grand’ espressione Variation 6: Allegro giocoso INTERMISSION Leoš Janáček String Quartet No. 2 (1928), “Intimate Letters” I. Andante II. Adagio III. Moderato IV. Allegro   Thank you to the our hosts: Charlie and Rachel Rawson, Close Encounters Season Sponsor, Michael Frank, and this event's Dessert Sponsor, Luna Bakery.
View »
Close Encounters: Dvořák & Fauré: Voices of Romantic Chamber Music
Music

Close Encounters: Dvořák & Fauré: Voices of Romantic Chamber Music

Sunday 5/23/27
3:00pm
Close Encounters is Heights Arts’ signature Sunday afternoon chamber music series, celebrating its 20th anniversary season. The fourth concert features performers Joel Link, violin; Amy Lee, violin; Joanna Zakany, viola; Paul Kushious, cello;  Hannah Han, piano.   Antonín Dvořák String Quartet No. 14 in A-flat major, Op. 105 Adagio ma non troppo — Allegro appassionato Molto vivace Lento e molto cantabile Allegro non tanto Intermission Gabriel Fauré Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15 i. Allegro molto moderato ii. Scherzo: Allegro vivo iii. Adagio iv. Allegro molto   Concert Sponsor: Robin Dunn Blossom in memory of Jaymi Blossom Feeney, Close Encounters Season Sponsor: Michael Frank, Dessert Sponsor: Luna Bakery
View »
View All →

Visit our Store

When you walk into our gallery store, there is always an element of surprise. From paintings to note cards, and sculpture to jewelry, you can find the perfect gift for a friend or yourself. We provide an cost-effective means for the art community to sell their creative products while introducing our customers to a wide variety of Northeast Ohio’s talent.

Subscribe to Heights Arts Newsletter for Updates