Selected works from the 7th annual FOCUS 2012 Photography Competition can be seen in our Jean Bulicek Galleria through the month of May.

FOCUS is part of an exciting collaboration between several communities, but the host galleries, Solon Center for the Arts and Beck Center gallery give the photography a place to shine. Over 200 amateur photographers (adults and students) submitted work for this juried competition, with 75 entries chosen by three distinguished judges.

FOCUS is supported by the generosity of KeyBank, which has selected six KeyBank Community Choice Awards, two of which will be on display at the KeyBank locations in Lakewood and Westlake.

You're invited to join us for the Awards Presentation from 6-7:30 pm on May 31 at Beck Center for the Arts.

This traditional high tea includes delicious finger sandwiches, desserts and assorted teas, as well as musical entertainment, a silent auction and raffle. All guests receive party favors. Wear your best spring hat and bring your daughters and granddaughters to this stylish event. To reserve tickets, call Janice Mastin-Kamps at 330.723.1399.

Established in 1936, the Women’s Board is the Beck Center’s longest standing volunteer group. They are a fundraising and social organization dedicated to supporting the mission of the Beck Center for the Arts. Through the years the Women’s Board has raised and contributed more than $200,000 and provided thousands of volunteer hours to support performances, programs, and day-to-day operations at the Beck Center.

The Women’s Board meets the third Tuesday of the month, August through May, at 12:00 noon.  Meetings are held in the Skylight Room at the Beck Center. For more information about the Women’s Board, call Jan Brundage at 216.221.1108.

Entertainment throughout the event will be provided by students and faculty from the Beck Center’s arts education programs. Attendees can also enjoy an afternoon of hands-on art activities, musical and theatrical experiences including:

• Theater and backstage tours at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
• “Try on an Instrument” by playing various band and orchestral instruments
• Pottery demonstrations in the main lobby
• Art sale featuring the works of local artisans
• Create a new public art sculpture
• Experience the art of dance with Beck’s talented students in the dance studio
• Dress up in theater costumes and take your picture on stage in the Studio Theater
• Learn drumming and music making with the early childhood music staff
• Show off your sidewalk-chalk skills in Beck’s front courtyard
• Create “spinner art” and a clay pinch pot

At 12:15 p.m. students from Beck Center’s adult improv class will join members of the “Something Dada” improv troupe to perform family-friendly comedy sketches in the Studio Theater. Visitors may then enjoy a programming spotlight at 1 p.m. in the Mackey Main Stage theater with highlights of the upcoming 2012/2013 Professional Theater season and featuring a special performance by Suzuki violinists. The afternoon will also include giveaways, prize drawings, and complimentary refreshments.

Additionally, guests can view two art exhibits now on display at the Beck Center: FOCUS 2012 Photography Exhibition presented by the Beck Center for the Arts in collaboration with the Solon Center for the Arts, and Unchallenged Workmanship: the Artists out of Cowan Pottery presented by the Cleveland Artists Foundation.

Sponsored by:

In partnership with The Cleveland Orchestra, the Beck Center for the Arts proudly presents Percussion Partners, the second concert in its series of PNC Musical Rainbow concerts specifically designed for preschool children, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012, on the Mackey Main Stage. Percussion Partners features percussionist Mell Csicsila who will share the wonderful world of percussion with preschoolers.

Children ages 3 to 6 years and their families will enjoy this fun, interactive way to learn about the instruments of an orchestra. Young listeners have the chance to sing, clap, and move to the music as they have fun learning all about a featured orchestral instrument. Actress and singer Maryann Nagel hosts the 30-minute programs for young children, which includes narration, demonstration, short solo selections, and audience participation.

Concert tickets are $5 per person. Purchase tickets online or call Beck Center Customer Service at 216.521.2540, ext. 10.

The Cleveland Orchestra's PNC Musical Rainbow concerts are sponsored by PNC and the PNC Musical Rainbow Series is endowed by the Pysht Fund.

In collaboration with the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club, the Beck Center for the Arts hosted the Rotary Club’s 67^th annual Music, Speech and Visual Arts Contest. This longstanding contest welcomes talented area high school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of music, speech and the visual arts. Participants are students from the five Lakewood and Rocky River high schools including Lakewood High School, Lutheran High School West, Magnificat High School, Rocky River High School, and St. Edward High School.

For the visual arts competition, a jury of artists selected outstanding works of art meeting the contest requirements. From this gallery of art judges chose winners and prizes were awarded for the most outstanding works of art in the contest including a 1^st Prize $500, 2^nd Prize $300, 3^rd Prize $100, and three Honorable Mention Prizes of $50 each. Contest winners in all categories were recognized at an awards ceremony and reception on Tuesday, March 27 at the Beck Center.

2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS

MUSIC

1^st Place: Jiale Peng (violin), Lakewood High School, Violin Concerto by Sibelius

2^nd Place: Abby Boland (soprano), Lakewood High School, Se tu m’ami, se sospri by Pergolesi

3^rd Place: Jacob Short (trumpet), Lakewood High School, Hummel Trumpet Concerto, Movement 1 by J. Hummel

SPEECH

1^st Place: Connor Hooper, Rocky River High School

2^nd Place: Steve Saed, Lakewood High School

3^rd Place: Alaina Valkoff, Rocky River High School

VISUAL ARTS

1^st Place: Bram Myers, Lakewood High School, Forest in Charcoal (charcoal)

2^nd Place: Montague Cockrell, Lakewood High School, Cleveland Born (acrylics)

3^rd Place: Mike Benesh, St. Edward High School, State Champ (clay/colored pencil)

Honorable Mentions:

Michael Todaro, Lakewood High School, Stun E. Cuffs (ink)

Hannah Frimel, Lakewood High School, Under the Sea (batik)

Blakes Trumbel, St. Edward High School, Croc (clay)

Selected entries from the visual arts contest will be on display in the Rotary Student Art Show in the Jean Bulicek Galleria now through April 29. This exhibit is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours. Call Beck Center Customer Service at 216.521.2540, ext. 10.

The artwork below is representative of selected entries from the five participating high schools.

For more information about the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary, visit www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.

We offer classes for students of all ages and abilities on different days and times of the week to accommodate your busy schedule. Don't miss out on the fun learning. Bring your family to Beck Center and spend some quality time developing a talent, learning a new skill and making new friends.

New this Spring!

Register for our newest VA class, ArtSmart Artist for ages 8 to 14 on Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This 4-week class begins April 19. Instructor Hallie Spooner Coughlin teaches this art history-based class with each session concentrating on a specific artist such as Picasso, Dali, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Students learn about the chosen artist’s life and the techniques used to create his/her art, with students utilizing similar techniques to create their own fabulous art.

Our complete winter/spring 2012 catalog is available online or click here to register today.

See you this spring at the Beck Center.

Entree to this exclusive evening is $125 per person. Dress is elegant casual attire. Reservations are limited. RSVP online or call Heather Johnson at 216.521.2540 x19.

Thank you for supporting the arts in our community. Cheers!

Beck Dance Education and MegLouise Dance present the Spring 2012 Dance Intensive, for students ages 13 to adult, March 30 through April 1, 2012 at the Beck Center.

Classes are open to teens and adults of all skill levels who are interested in strengthening their bodies. Dancers will move with confidence as they increase their stamina, dynamic range and artistic potential.

Experienced professionals instruct students in the following classes:

• Ballet Technique
• Bartenieff Fundamentals
• Contemporary/Ballet
• Improv Toolbox
• Jazz
• Modern Technique
• Partner Work

For more information, see the complete brochure including tuition, class dates and times. A special discounted rate is available for unlimited classes and early registration. Sign up today!

Looking for something fun to do this summer and be creative too? Beck Center for the Arts offers half- and full-day camps and classes for students ages 6 to 19 in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. We even offer an Arts Sampler for campers who want to experience a variety of arts activities.

NEW this summer! Artists, ages 13 to 15, can develop their talents at our Visual Arts Camp for Teens in July. Beck Center is also pleased to collaborate with Lakewood High School to offer four exciting summer camps for high school credit through the Credit Flex program.

Registration is now open for all summer camps and classes.

Camps fill up quickly. Don't delay, sign up today! In addition to camps, we have classes, lessons and programs in dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

Check out the complete summer catalog online and register today.

Cast your vote for the Beck Center before March 9 in Scene's Best of Cleveland 2012 under the "Carousing" (Arts & Entertainment) category. Last year with your help the Beck Center won the Best Local Theater Company award and Beck Center's Artistic Director Scott Spence was named Best Director for 2011. We sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you! 

Click here to vote.

The Beck Center for the Arts approves this message.

Born in Poland, Godfrey studied at the College and Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow. He now resides between Paris and New York City. His work has been displayed at numerous exhibitions throughout Poland, Germany, France, Canada, and the U.S. 

Godfrey’s work is sensual in nature, mainly focused on the female form. The beauty of his art is realized in a subtle, monochromatic color scheme that is his trademark. His work has been commissioned by many famous families throughout Europe earning him international respect, as well as inclusion in several museums.

Click here for more information and to view some of Godfrey's work.

Although the winter/spring semester has begun, our Music and Creative Arts Therapies (CAT) programs offer open enrollment throughout the year.

Through the use of music and art as a therapeutic tool, Creative Arts Therapies provide private sessions for individuals of all ages with special needs. Participants are encouraged to maximize their potential through successful and accessible experiences designed to meet their specific goals and objectives. An assessment is required prior to registration. For further information or to schedule an assessment, contact Brittany Lesch, MT-BC at 216.521.2540 x34.

Private music lessons are offered to anyone who wishes to learn an instrument or to improve their ability on an instrument they are studying already. Our music staff is an accomplished group of instructors who have years of experience helping musicians of all ages discover their true potential on a wide variety of music instruments and in singing. For more information or to schedule private lessons, contact the Music Office at 216.521.2540 x37.

Unique Contemporary Fiber Art On Display Through March 19

Beck Center for the Arts presents Material Matters, an exhibit of unique contemporary fiber art in the Jean Bulicek Galleria February 17 through March 19. This exhibit features the work of six Northern Ohio artists who each use different types of materials and processes in their distinctly personal work.

Material Matters includes the art of Liz Burgess, Si-Yun Chang, Linda Grashoff, Sue Copeland Jones, Ruta Marino, and Kathleen Van Meter. These women who reside across Northern Ohio, from Beachwood to Wakeman, have been meeting monthly for several years to provide each other with artistic criticism and support. While clearly divergent in their choice of materials, processes and expression, they all share a common passion and commitment to the creative process.

Meet these amazing artists at an Opening Reception on Friday, February 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. and be the first to see this inspiring exhibition.

For more information about the artists and a calendar of other upcoming art exhibits at the Beck Center for the Arts, visit beckcenter.org.

Bike Your Art Out! on Saturday, May 19!

Beck Center for the Arts presents the first annual Bike for Beck bicycle tour fundraiser for arts education programming at Beck Center. Cyclists from beginner to advanced can choose from various route lengths including 12-mile, 25-mile, 60-mile routes, and a 1/2-mile bike parade with the theme "Music in Motion."

Bike for Beck kicks off at the Beck Center at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood and continues through the Cleveland Metroparks. The tour ends at the Beck Center campus with Bike for Beck Fest, an afternoon of art, workshops, exhibits, local fare, and entertainment!

Pricing:

• $40 per tour cyclist (includes t-shirts for first 200 registrants)
• Parade Participants: $5 per parade rider (t-shirt not included) NOTE: Ages 12 & under FREE, maximum 3 under the age of 12 per each paid adult, all children under 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult
• Online registration ends Friday, May 18, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.
• In-person registration is from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, cash only.
• Registration fees are non-refundable
• T-shirts available for $10 and August Wicking shirts are $20. Check out the cool t-shirt design below (shown in gray color) and then click the Register Today button to order.

Tour Info:

• Bicyclists may begin at their convenience between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
• Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and riders begin their route through the Metroparks
• Water and snack stops are provided along the routes
• "Music in Motion" bike parade begins at 11:45 a.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes in artistic ways and enjoy a 1/2-mile parade through Beck's surrounding neighborhood
• Event t-shirt prices $10 and $20, plus fee

Tour Routes:

• 12-Mile Route - North Mastick picnic area and back
• 25-Mile Route - to Berea Falls and back
• 60-Mile Route - to Brecksville and back

Bike for Beck Fest: Post-parade & tour activities until 6:00 p.m.

• RTA Community Bus with bike rack loading demonstrations
• Safety education provided by Bike Lakewood
• Display of antique collectible bicycles from 1900 to 1960 provided by SPIN Bike Shop
• Bicycle corral with valet bike parking by Bike Lakewood & Ohio City Bicycle Co-op
• Bicycle maintenance demonstrations
• New bicycle-themed gallery exhibit presented by the Beck Cafe
• Window display provided by Virginia Marti College of Art & Design
• Super Saturdays @ Beck (9:30 to 11:00 a.m.) children ages 10 and under can enjoy a free hands-on arts experience with our community partner, Usborne Books
• Beck Center's Music Student Showcase (3:30 p.m.)
• Raffles for community baskets, bicycle baskets, and Beck Center basket of goodies

Red Stage Events:

• 11:45 a.m.    Beck Center Festival Band (parade kick-off)
• 12:15 p.m.    Interactive drum circle
• 2:00 p.m.     Fireside
• 4:30 p.m.     Revolution Brass Band

Food trucks, local fare, drinks, and much more!

Interested in volunteering at Bike for Beck? Click here for information!

Participants will work with instructor Darrelle Centuori who will guide the class and its activities while creating, learning, growing and expanding their knowledge and experience in the arts.