Autumn is traditionally known as a season of transition, abundance, and colorful beauty. Cleveland creative arts nonprofit Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) is keeping with that theme as the weather cools, funding hundreds of arts and culture events throughout Cuyahoga County.
Last year, CAC granted $12.3 million to 275 organizations, with nearly 55% of supported programs provided free of charge.
This fall’s cornucopia is overflowing with creepy treats and family-friendly delights—a veritable feast for a community hungry for new experiences, says CAC executive director Jill Paulsen.
“Cuyahoga Arts & Culture funds events in every zip code in the county,” says Paulsen. “Taxpayer support for local arts nonprofits makes these types of festivals possible, for the benefit of all residents.”
Paulsen says the variety of fall programming is impressive.
“We proudly support BAYarts, University Circle, Inc., Upcycle Parts Shop, Dunham Tavern, and hundreds of other arts organizations of all sizes,” she boasts. “The work they do makes Cuyahoga County a place where everyone can connect to creativity.”
Here’s a look at just a few of the October events coming up—many of which are this weekend.
Legend of Sleepy HollowThe ghost with the most
This Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20, Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens will host a reading of Washington Irving’s 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Visitors to the 182-year-old museum and taproom can enjoy Washington Irving’s famous ghostly tale along with season-appropriate cider, treats, and baked goods.
The performance features actors from The Lantern Theatre, with modern-day songs sprinkled in for a comical punch, notes Dunham Tavern executive director Lauren Murray.
“It’s a minimalist performance with a set and bit of costume,” says Murray. “We see a lot of repeat guests for the program.”
Dunham Tavern, the oldest buildng in Cleveland still standing on its original site, was built as a Colonial farmhouse and tavern by Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham. Located at 6709 Euclid Avenue, the structure was eventually converted into a private home, and ultimately designated as a Cleveland landmark in 1973.
The five-acre plot features a walking path, assorted gardens, and cutouts of period items such as farm animals and trail wagons. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy a chilly re-telling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” or a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Murray says she appreciates CAC’s role in making this fun and historical experience a reality.
“There’s an old timey feel and appeal to history,” she says. “CAC gives us [more than $15,000] of operational support, which is the rarest kind of support. It’s not just a grant for fancy project, so their work is really important.”
Fall Fest – BAYArtsFun in the afternoon
BAYarts will host its second annual Fall Fest this Saturday, Oct. 19, providing an afternoon of family-focused fun where children can stroll the Trick-or-Treat Trail in their best costumes. Face painting and autumn-themed crafts are designed to celebrate everyone’s favorite aspects of the season, says executive director Nancy Heaton.
“There are different trick-or-treat stations throughout the [Irene Lawrence] Fuller House porch,” Heaton says. “These stations are sponsored by local businesses. It’s a nice way to kick off the season, because it’s a low-key event during the day.”
Parents can have their share of responsible amusement with specialty cocktails from Thyme Table restaurant and bar. Last year’s Fall Fest welcomed 150 visitors to Cleveland Metroparks’ Huntington Reservation.
The sprawling site encompasses BAYarts, Fuller House, the John Huntington House, the former Huntington Playhouse, and a historic caboose.
The 100-acre park is the former summer estate of Cleveland industrialist John Huntington, also one of the founders of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Acquired by Cleveland Metroparks in 1925, it soon became the home of Baycrafters, the predecessor to BAYarts.
More than $42,000 in general operating support from CAC ensures the long-standing organization stays on mission, says Heaton.
“CAC strengthens the community, and we want to do the same thing here,” she says. “We offer free gallery receptions, art markets and different events that empower visitors to be involved with the arts.”
YAY Fall – University Circle Inc.Hooray for fall
University Circle, Inc.’s YAY! Saturdays program was recently moved from its usual summer slot to become YAY! Fall Fun on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Like Yay! Saturdays, the autumn-tinged event invites families and children to explore various interactive zones—each zone presenting an arts, education, or leisure component.
Sticking to the fall theme, a STEM zone lets guests decorate plywood pumpkins with LED lights and laser-cut designs. In the more direct arts and culture realm, creative kids can build clay creatures or design costumes for a scarecrow.
A costume parade, along with a showing of spooky season favorite film “Hocus Pocus,” will provide even more autumn excitement.
CAC’s $13,580 programming grant guarantees the thrills won’t stop anytime soon, Hudak says.
“YAY! Fall Fun promotes UCI members’ neighborhood and community engagement agendas, while strengthening the collaboration among Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the neighborhoods, UCI members, and other arts and community organizations,” says Heidi Hudak, UCI chief marketing and experience officer. “I am most looking forward to seeing the joy and wonder that these experiences bring to our attendees. Having over 20 partners that each bring something unique is so powerful for our community.”
Art Creation Classes – Upcycle Parts ShopEnvironmentally-friendly art
Upcycle Parts Shop’s fall calendar of events is courtesy of, in part, a CAC $4,265 project support grant for an ongoing series of creative reuse workshops.
The nonprofit creative reuse center in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood has a trove of treasures this autumn, including a Pumpkin Party & Craft Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 26, when participants will craft pumpkins from second-hand materials in the studio while enjoying fall snacks. Those who complete a pumpkin-themed craft will be entered in a drawing for seasonal goodies.
Then on Saturday, Nov. 9, the Scrap Fabric Basket Weaving Workshop invites participants to make baskets from repurposed materials. Both events cater to both experienced makers and novice crafters, says programming director Frankie Conti.
“Our focus is on what’s topical and happening, so [these classes are] an excuse to celebrate fall,” Conti says. “We also have everything that matches with the theme of the season.”
Upcycle’s mission of sustainable crafting could not happen without help from community supporters like CAC, says Conti.
“Outside the funding, which is huge for us, CAC allows us to keep our classes accessible and provide people with a pay-what-you-can model,” she says. “CAC also connects us with other organizations that they fund, so we can collaborate with them as well.”