Beck Center Opening an Outpost in Tremont

While it’s a cultural staple in Lakewood, the community will now have to share Beck Center for the Arts with Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood.

The Beck Center was named Tremont West Development Corporation’s recipient of the 2013 Storefront Incubator Program.

That means that the Lakewood cultural institution will open up shop in a storefront at 2406 Professor Avenue on May 15.

The outpost will offer a series of adult arts education classes in visual arts and improvisational theater.

“Beck Center welcomes the opportunity to expand its footprint into the Tremont community which has a long-time commitment to arts and culture,” said Lucinda Einhouse, the president and CEO of Beck Center, said in a prepared statement.

“Developing strategies to attract new, diverse audiences is a priority for our institution and one that has been encouraged through our participation in Cleveland Foundation’s ‘Engaging the Future’ initiative.”

According to the Beck Center news release, Tremont West views the “mutually beneficial collaboration” as an opportunity to act on its commitment to provide a creative, family-friendly neighborhood and celebrate the contribution of the arts to this renaissance.

Arts in August, Arts Renaissance Tremont and the Tremont ArtWalk, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, continue to provide opportunities for residents and friends to experience quality arts programming in the Tremont neighborhood. 

“We believe Beck Center builds on this long tradition and helps to reinforce the fact that the Tremont neighborhood is a hub of artistic energy into the future,” remarked Cory Riordan, Tremont West executive director.

A grand opening reception will be held from 6 to 10 pm on Friday, May 10, to coincide with the May Tremont ArtWalk.

“Improv Games,” led by Russ Stich, founding member of Something Dada Improvisational Troupe and “The Art of Drawing,” taught by Alastair James Stockdale will be the first adult courses offered at Beck Center’s Tremont location.

The will launch with a four-week introductory session running from May 14 through June 5. Additional adult classes in visual arts and theater education will begin the week of June 10.

Students can register for the May session online or by calling Customer Service at 216-521-2540 x10.