Valley Art Center

Case for Support

Executive summary
Valley Art Center lies in Chagrin falls, a village of Cuyahoga County in Ohio.
Chagrin Falls began as a settlement of craftsmen from Massachusetts and was merged
into a Village in 1844.* Chagrin Falls is known for having a vibrant cultural community
that is all inclusive. The town prides itself as being a close community, and encourages
all residents to get involved. The village recognizes that a strong community is one in
which all residents voices are heard, and everyone contributes.

Valley Art Center (VAC) is the only non-profit gallery in the village. VAC wants to
give everyone, regardless of their age or background a way to be inspired and
experience the arts. They provide support to artists through offering classes and
programs and a space for artists to work in and grow. VAC does this by offering a wide
range of options and opportunities to choose from including more than 400 classes
each year to over 1,400 students of all ages and abilities.* There are also five annual
shows ranging from local artists to artists around the world that VAC puts on. In
addition, they host Arts by the Falls, an annual arts festival that attracts more than 120
exhibiting artists and attracts thousands of visitors to Chagrin Falls.* VAC believes in
opening doors for artists, and helping them to make a network of connections which is
why they also provide artists a marketplace for their work through VAC’s gift shop,
galleries, and exhibitions. Their idea is to give artists the tools and support necessary
for them to succeed. VAC not only supports artist from within their organization, but also
throughout the community through outreach programs in schools, community centers,
and residential facilities. VAC hopes for individuals to be able to explore art and
experience themselves*

With only 50% of VAC’s revenue coming from classes, Valley Art Center relies
on donors and sponsors to keep class costs low to give everyone an equal opportunity
to access art education. Contribution will support the general fund, class costs,
scholarships, maintenance, and more.* VAC’s building renovation is now 7 years old. In
order to provide a comfortable and safe environment for students and artists, upgrades
and repairs including HVAC improvements, significant drainage work in the basement,
repaving the parking lot and sidewalk, and putting a new roof in place in the next 5-10
years should take place* VAC is currently making plans to address the costs with “Art of
Preservation” and “Legacy” campaigns along with new sources for grants.* In order to
benefit the community as a whole and continue to create an inviting and well respected
arts organization, as well as raise funds to outside organizations and facilities (East

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Cleveland School programs, local non profits, residential memory care facilities, etc,)
support is necessary. Individual support will help keep tuition affordable and offer
discounted classes to those who need it. In addition, individual support will help to get
more individuals involved in the arts, the community, and give VAC the ability to develop
new programs, classes/workshops; offer a handful of free community programs, and
enrich partnerships.

Mission
Valley Art Center’s mission is to engage the Chagrin Valley in meaningful visual art
experiences through education, exhibitions, events and partnerships.

Vision
Valley Art Center’s vision is to promote the growth of each individual’s potential and the
advancement of the arts in the community.

Brief history
Valley Art Center is a community based nonprofit visual arts organization. The close knit
community saw a need for opportunities to experience and create art within the
community, so they banded together to form a visual art center in which all individuals
can learn and grow in. It was founded by a group of inspired citizens and officially
incorporated in 1971, when property was purchased just a block up from Main Street in
Chagrin Falls.* Annually, more than 20,000 people from the Chagrin Valley and beyond
are served. Valley Art Center is the prime location of visual arts in Chagrin Valley. Every
year 400 classes to more than 1,400 students of all ages and abilities are offered. From
VAC’s gallery exhibits and programs to its outdoor festival, art awareness and
appreciation is being brought to Northeast Ohio.

Who They Serve

Valley Art Center’s vision truly includes everyone. They support community members,
art students and artists through quality curriculum, programming, and classroom and
exhibition space to all backgrounds, ages and abilities.

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Programs
In addition to being the only non-profit gallery in the Village of Chagrin Falls where
hundreds of regional artists are featured in five exhibitions every year, they also offer a
variety of programs. Each year VAC looks at how their programs can be developed to
make them the most valuable to their students, and support the mission and vision. This
year VAC expanded their program to include new exhibits in its hallway gallery. *
Classes:
Valley Art Center offers about 450 classes and workshops for students, ages 3 to 93,
that range from beginner to professional. Taught by practicing artists, these classes
vary from drawing to painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, metalwork,
textiles, and more. This combination of practicing artists with students allows for an
educational collaboration and great learning experience to occur. This year children's
programming included 42 camps attended by over 250 students, and the Holiday
Workshop was attended by 70 students employing 60 volunteers.* VAC engaged new
instructors that have connections to the regional arts community. With enrollment
increasing, VAC has added new topics like photographing artwork for submission, life
drawing and abstract art, and offering new workshops and offsite classes.*
Workshops:
Valley Art Center offers a variety of workshops for exploring different techniques and
mediums from adults and children.
Summer Camps:
Valley Art Center offers summer camps for children ranging from creating textiles to
ceramics, cartooning, photography, jewelry and more. Camps are available in sessions
of five consecutive half-days.*
Special Event:
Art by the Falls
Each year, during the second weekend in June, Valley Art Center puts on Art by the
Falls, a highly noted fine art and craft festival. The outdoor event features 120 national
artists selling artwork and demonstrating their talents at scenic Riverside Park in
downtown Chagrin Falls.* This festival has been going on for 34 years, and about
10,000 who attend look forward to looking at and buying fine art and crafts that are
collectable and useful.
Artreach Programs:

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Chagrin Falls Park Community Center Partnership: In order to provide job experience
and connections to students, Valley Art Center provides scholarships for the center’s
students to take classes at the Valley Art Center.
Chagrin Falls Schools Partnership: VAC provides volunteer opportunities for Chagrin
Fall’s students to participate in VAC programs and workshops. Chagrin Schools has
partnered with VAC to bring classes to the VAC campus and to raise funds for art
education.*
Senior-to-Senior Art Program Partnership: Valley Art Center gives senior citizens who
cannot travel the opportunity to make and learn about art at Hamlet Village and Arden
Courts retirement homes for free of charge. The instructors design the lessons to cater
to the needs of the residents (vision, hearing, memory and motor skill
accommodations).
Village Arts Commission: Supporting the missions of organizations close to VAC.
Impact of Programs:
The 10,000 patrons who came to Art by the Falls featured the work of over 120 artists
who all got the chance for their work to be viewed and acknowledged by the public, as
well as a way for artists to make connections and network with patrons. VAC’s classes
and workshops have given children the chance to be exposed to art experiences earlier
than most traditional art programs. The Artreach programs and partnerships have
enhanced the community, and helped individuals in need. For example, one of VAC’s
Artreach programs in the Chagrin Falls Schools involved students making artisan hand
soaps to raise funds for a new art school opening in Haiti. In another collaboration with
Chagrin Falls Schools, one of VAC’s instructors teaches special needs summer art
classes in collaboration with Chagrin Schools at VAC, offering an intimate opportunity to
build skills in artistic ability and social interaction.* The Senior citizen program allows
citizens to be able to explore their creativity while socializing with others. VAC’s
programs have shown to make an impact not only Chagrin Fall’s residents, but
individuals outside the community as well. These programs stay true to the mission, and
are all steps to achieving the vision.

Significant Achievements
The Art of Preservation launched at the Mural Celebration made just under $20,000
including merchandise sales, which met VAC’s goal. Valley Art Center's mural is the first
sanctioned mural in the Village of Chagrin Falls. It was painted by Chagrin Falls resident
and artist Charles “Bud” Deihl, whose design was selected in a 2014 juried competition.
The mural incorporates hyperrealism and surrealism and depicts pieces of Chagrin
Fall’s visual arts.

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The “Senior to Senior Art” program is now in place at 3 senior living facilities: Hamlet
Village, Arden Courts and South Franklin Circle.*
Valley Art Center has continually received grants for the past 15 years, including one
from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and one from Ohio Arts Council. VAC has relied
heavily on those two grants in order to pay for its expenses. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
and OAC have granted VAC with $372,883.*

Governance
Valley Art Center has twelve board members, with an advisory board of twelve. The full
board meets 6 times, every other month. The executive committee meets in between,
every other month, and Committees meet quarterly or on a project based as needed. All
board members approve the budget, and give financially to our organization. Leaders
include Deb Perry (President) who graduated from Cuyahoga Community College and
had education at the Cleveland Institute of Art, as well as teaches classes at VAC, and
Mary Ann Breisch (Executive Director,) who is an arts educator with many years of
experience and works in the development of programming at VAC.
Strategic planning: In the past few years VAC has focused their strategic planning on
development and marketing and are now looking to re-design the logo, website, catalog,
and create a new sign in the front of the building as well producing a promotional video.*
As of this year, the new strategic plan requires revision and evaluation of the plan every
12-18 months. A new strategic plan should be developed by 2017-2019. VAC has
redone their mission statement so that their work remains prevalent today.

Leadership
Valley Art Center has twelve staff members.
Key Leaders:
Deb Perry (President): Deb is a graduate of Cuyahoga Community College, with
continued adult education from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She uses mediums of
painting, drawing and jewelry design. She is a certified Precious Metal Clay® artisan
who is able to share her insight and professional experiences in the classes she
teaches at VAC.
Laurie Dean (Vice President): Laurie has a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from
Cleveland State University and has authored and presented papers related to her field.
Laurie is an enthusiast art student, and has many mentors she looks up to at VAC. She

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worked as an artist’s assistant alongside Master artist Bud Diehl on VAC's mural
project.
Mary Ann Breisch (Executive Director): Mary is a seasoned arts educator and nonprofit
executive who provided leadership and instruction for nonprofit education and arts
organizations for more than 15 years. She has in depth experience in the development
of arts programming and visual arts education. Mary previously served as Education
Director at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, also Fine Arts Administrator and
Associate Head of the Lillian and Betty Ratner School in Pepper Pike where she
successfully oversaw the curriculum, program design, and community partnerships. She
also has prior experience as Program Facilitator at the Valley Art Center in the late
90’s. Mary began her career as a studio artist and art educator in private schools,
residencies and community partnerships throughout northeast Ohio. She received her
BFA with a teaching certification from Bowling Green State University.*

Collaborations:
Valley Art Center continues to increase the number of partnerships with local
businesses and non-profits each year. Last fall, VAC hosted the Chagrin Documentary
Film Festival’s “Director’s Meet and Greet” in their gallery. This year, they have fifteen
partnerships ranging from educational to a mix of partnerships in the community.
Chagrin Falls Park Community Center Partnership: After school and summer programs
located at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center. VAC also provides scholarships
for the center’s students to take classes on the Valley Art Center campus and provides
options for students to have job experience.
Chagrin Falls Schools Partnership: VAC provides volunteer opportunities for Chagrin
Fall’s students to participate in VAC programs and workshops. This partnership helps to
raise money for more students to be able to learn and participate in the arts.
Senior-to-Senior Art Program Partnership: Valley Art Center gives senior citizens who
cannot travel the opportunity to make and learn about art at Hamlet Village and Arden
Courts retirement homes for free of charge. The instructors design the lessons to cater
to the needs of the residents (vision, hearing, memory and motor skill
accommodations). This program has brought many beneficial aspects including the
socialization of senior citizens, and inspiring seniors to get in touch with their creativity
and experience new things.
Valley Arts Commission: Valley Art Center is one of seven non-profit arts organizations
in the Village who support each other. The six other non-profits that support each other
include Chagrin Documentary Film Fest, Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, Chagrin Falls
Historical Society, Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society, Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra
and Chagrin Arts.
Local Business Partnerships:

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The Popcorn Shop: VAC collaborated with The Popcorn Shop to host a Popcorn Tin Art
Contest. The competition calls for all artists of all ages to create a work of art relating to
popcorn and Chagrin Falls. The Popcorn Tin Art Contest encourages and promotes
local artists and gives them an opportunity to display their talents to the community as
well as providing The Popcorn Shop with an original product.
Village Martini and Wine Bar: Beginning last year, the Village Martini and Wine Bar
displays art by VAC members. Organized by Kate Bruner, in her role as the manager of
the Valley Art Center Gift Shop, the project allows for the art of those artists to be able
to gain a wider audience. It also is a great way to expand VAC’s networking in the
community.
Lowe’s Greenhouses, Florist and Gift Shop: VAC worked with Lowe’s Greenhouses,
Florist and Gift Shop to produce the first Early Bird Art and Craft Show. Artist vendors
brought works they created ranging prints, paintings, drawings, ceramics, jewelry, to
textiles, and more.*
Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce: Being connected with the Chamber allows for
the opportunity of VAC to be involved with over 500 local businesses. They will
collaborate with local art galleries for the annual Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce
ArtsHop.*
Art of Cloth: Art of Cloth partnered with Valley Art Center to host a Common Threads
Sale, a collaborative shopping event at their studio to benefit programming at the Valley
Art Center, increase awareness and build relationships between artisans in the area.*

Budget:
50% of Valley Art Center’s revenue comes from classes, with the remaining percentage
relying on support from individuals and grants. VAC’s main grant funders are Cuyahoga
Arts and Culture, and Ohio Arts Council. A large percentage of individual contributions
come from VAC’s partnerships, and the amount varies through each program year to
year. There are 990’s for this organization available online from 2011-2015.
Revenue and Expenses
Fiscal Year 2015
Revenue
Contributions $60,636
Government Grants $46,246
Program Services $271,327
Investments $2,655
Special Events $6,943
Other Revenue $2,144

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Revenue
Total Revenue $389,951
Expenses
Program Services $161,577
Administration $255,589
Fundraising $0
Payments to Affiliates $0
Other Expenses $0
Total Expenses $417,166
Balance Sheet
Fiscal Year 2015
Source: Self-reported by organization
Assets
Total Assets $578,566
Liabilities
Total Liabilities $107,051
Fund Balance (EOY)
Net Assets $471,515
In 2015 and in 2013 VAC has experienced a loss, with expenses exceeding revenue.
VAC has had some chaotic changes in leadership just about each year which has
contributed to the loss. VAC is taking a hard look at the revenue and expenses of the
past years and evaluating and analyzing what needs to be done differently in the future
when developing its new strategic plan. *Chart taken from Guidestar*

Competitive Landscape:
Valley Art Center is the only non-profit gallery in the village. They offer classes that are
inclusive to everyone ranging from all ages and abilities. VAC offers gallery exhibits
showcasing works by artists ranging from local to around the globe. It also offers a gift
shop filled with unique crafts made by artists and many other opportunities for artist’s
works to be exposed.

Challenges:
Challenges include constantly reevaluating the strategic plan to make sure it is up to the
standards of the mission, vision, and constantly changing world. They are always trying

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to get more students to register for classes, as well as finding ways to change the
classes and workshops to adapt to the interests of students. Another challenge would
be obtaining the necessary resources for a building renovation of upgrades and repairs
including HVAC improvements, significant drainage work in the basement, repaving the
parking lot and sidewalk, and putting a new roof in place in the next 5-10 years.* It is
estimated that these costs will be $200,000.

Conclusion:
Valley Art Center encourages art appreciation in people of all ages and backgrounds
through educating, inspiring, and providing opportunities to experience the visual arts.*
They believe in serving those outside their community as well as their own, and helping
those out in need. VAC’s Artreach programs have immediately shown positive impact
on individuals, and have had plenty of encouraging feedback from the community and
partnerships to continue serving them. VAC encourages all individuals to be inspired by
art and channel their inner creativity, and provides them with the means to do so. It is
important to continue serving the historic village, and giving future generations a chance
to express and educate them in a meaningful way.
*Information came from Valley Art Center’s website, annual report, and Guidestar