BAYarts: Weathering the storm, and onward

It's all a blur now: a year of shut downs followed by year of gradually reopening, a challenge many small businesses have faced and we hope is behind us. 

For the past two years, BAYarts had the challenge of serving our community in new ways. It quickly became clear how very fortunate we are to have the vast open Cleveland Metroparks campus to gather, connect and learn. Art-to-go, virtual classes and shopping online became the norm. Although we did offer all of these things, the majority of the community wanted to safely connect, in person, in the sanctuary and beauty of the campus.

In 2021, the Sunday concerts and Cleveland Shakespeare Festival brought the return of friends and neighbors we hadn't seen in way too long. The Farm + Art Market had record attendance and vendors were able to once again sell their goods. Art was bought in the gallery and shop providing income for local artists. Weddings and reunions that were postponed over and over were rescheduled and friends and family reunited. 

So what's next? BAYarts' Capital Campaign for renovation of the former playhouse is back on with hopes of a grand opening of the flexible theater space in early 2023. The quarterly newsletter is back in print and will be available this spring so you can save the dates for all the upcoming classes and events. The Annual Art & Music Festival returns and the Thursday Market will extend well into fall. Plus lots of new programming: Plein Air Festival in October, family fun programs, youth and family yoga and fantastic regional art in the galleries. Until we meet again: thank you for your continuing support; wishing you happy and safe holidays.

BAYarts will be closed Dec. 25- Jan. 10. Follow BAYarts on social media or join the weekly e-newsletter at bayarts.net.

Nancy Heaton

Nancy Heaton is Executive Director at BAYarts

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:51 AM, 12.21.2021