From studio to spotlight

Have you ever wanted to discover your inner artist or introduce your child to an artistic medium, but you weren’t sure where to start? Fairmount Center for the Arts has locations in Novelty and Chardon offering classes in the visual and performing arts for adults and children. And now is a great time to get started. 

“We offer something for everyone, and registration is open for the fall schedule,” Fairmount Director of Marketing Katelyn Gainer says. “Many of our visual arts classes are returning along with some new ones for children as young as 3 all the way through adults. From beginners to skilled artists, we only ask you bring your curiosity and enthusiasm and be ready for some fun.”

Fairmount Center for the Arts has been offering arts programming for children and adults in the visual and performing arts for more than 50 years. And for 49 of those years, the Fairmount Art Exhibition, a juried art exhibition open to Northeast Ohio artists aged 18 and over, has been held every August. 

“Fairmount Art Exhibition 2025 will highlight a wide variety of mediums from paintings and graphics to sculpture, fibers and more. And there’s still time to enter,” Katelyn says. “Art lovers from all over visit the center in Novelty for the exhibition and immerse themselves in the arts. You might just be surprised by what you’ll see and experience.” 

“We’re also hosting two happy hour events, Fridays at Fairmount, during the Fairmount Art Exhibition run,” Katelyn says. “On Friday, Aug. 8 and Friday, Aug. 15, from 5-7 p.m., enjoy drinks, live music, and mingling with the artists and other art enthusiasts. These events are free and open to the public.”

The Art Exhibition concludes with a reception on Friday, Aug. 22. The reception is also open to the community. 

Find Your Inner Artist 

Fairmount Center for the Arts is gearing up for fall with classes spanning the arts, with old favorites returning and exciting new additions in visual arts, dance and fitness, theatre, music and creative arts therapies making their debut. 

“Our ceramics program will offer five different classes, including an introductory class all the way up to studio ceramics,” Katelyn says. “We’re also partnering with Big Creek Clay for an adult class held at their ceramic studio in Chardon.”

For the kids, there’s a new toy design class where kids work with a professional toy designer and learn sewing and stitching to create their own plush toys. 

“In the teen embroidery class, students will create custom embroidery for jeans and other clothing,” Katelyn says. “With our variety of classes, you’ll find something just for you and your child.”

Fairmount Center for the Arts classes work around busy schedules with weekday, evening and weekend options. 

Fairmount Center for the Arts is located at 8400 Fairmount Rd. in Novelty, and 101 Main Street, Suite 105, in Chardon. Call 440-338-3171 for information on both locations or visit the website FairmountCenter.org for details and registration.