Hi this is Nancy Heaton, I am the Executive Director of BAYarts and I’m excited to welcome you to our official BAYarts blog! We’ve come a long way baby – in so many ways!

Many of our newer members may not be aware that the organization was formed in 1948 as “Baycrafters.” Through this blog we hope to regale you with stories of our history and all the people who’ve keep it going for 70 years – where we’ve been and where we are going. It’s an amazing story that just keeps getting better, chapter after chapter.

We will be using the blog to give you in-depth news on how our campus expansion, drawing your attention to new classes being offered and events we are planning. You’ll hear from our teachers, volunteers, board members and staff. Maybe you’d like to say a few words about your experience or share a memory; we’d love to hear from you. (Mail to: jessica@bayarts.net)

Some of my favorite highlights over years are the big projects such as the restoration of the Irene Lawrence Fuller House (2010) – you know, the big green one that got here by barge on Lake Erie and then the construction of The Karen Ryel Ceramic Arts & Education Studio (2015). And now we’ve begun the renovation of the former Huntington Playhouse. A multi part project, Phase one will be opening early 2019 with classes and winter events: the annual SOUPer Bowl, a Mardi Gras Party and Encore 2 with special guest and former Bay Village resident Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle); watch our social media for updates.

We have so many new ideas up our sleeve ready to roll out for you. Keep an eye out for new posts to this blog and join us on social media for up to date news.

To see a timeline of events, click HERE for our Playhouse page. We will be including links to new blog posts in our Wednesday e-blasts. You can sign up for that HERE.

Best, 
Nancy Heaton