The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC) was founded in 1934, and is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization which is self-supporting through its memberships, auxiliary, class registrations, art shows, and workshops. The Center is governed by the Board of trustees which is elected each year by the membership.

Classes and workshops for beginning, intermediate and advanced students in many different media are conducted by experienced instructors, including nationally known artists. Educational opportunities are many and include children's classes and adult classes in drawing, charcoal, pastel, oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pottery, and collage.

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Organization History
Date Organization Formed: 11/19/1934
The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center was founded in November 19, 1934 under the name of The Arts and Craft Club. The original meeting place was on Cook Street in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio where they held their first painting class.
In 1936, they became the Falls Institute and had outgrown the Cook Street location.
In March 1937, they relocated to the Apollo Building on the corner of Front Street and Portage Trail.
In February 1939, the Institute relocated to the Plum Building on Portage Trail.
In the 1940’s, they were called The Art and Study League. They relocated to the Schoner Building and changed the name several times.
In 1945, the name was changed to the Falls Civic Art Center.
In 1946, the Center moved to North Front Street and changed the name to the Falls Art Center.
In 1956, they incorporated and received non-profit 501 (C3) statuses.
In 1959, they moved to the second floor at 1886 Front Street and changed the name one more time to the Cuyahoga Falls Art Center. Patsy Sigler was elected as the first President.
For more than 35 years, the Women’s Auxiliary Board has provided essential financial support.
In 1987, the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center purchased the building at 2131 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls.
In 2000, because of the organization’s growth and increased services to its members and the community, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center hired Linda Nye as their first Director.

The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC) is committed to the advancement of the arts through quality exhibitions, advocacy and educational programs for Summit County and its environs. The mission of the CVAC is primarily educational: to foster and develop interest in the arts among people of all ages and backgrounds, whether that interest is in the creation of artwork or the appreciation of art. Since its 1987 move, the historical building in which CVAC is presently housed was actually the first bank located in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. CVAC is the only facility of its kind in Summit County providing daily art classes by a professional staff and free monthly exhibitions which are open to the public 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. CVAC is a strong advocate for artists. Artist opportunities include exhibitions ranging from juried statewide competitions to invitational and student shows. CVAC presents two annual events; an annual art auction, and an open studio day with instructors demoing and displaying their medium; and a gift shop, all of which generate income for our artists.

Facilities:

The main floor consists primarily of gallery space with some space for classes, and is also used for workshops. The lower level includes additional classroom space, combined with a ceramics working area. The second floor contains a smaller classroom space, along with the office.

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