About the Elyria Arts Council
Located in Elyria, Ohio, the Elyria Arts Council is a gallery and community devoted to making “Art Happen” in our city. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, we strive to better our community through art, starting with the colorful murals on our building that were painted by our member artists. Our gallery showcases the talent and creativity of over 30 local artists.
We offer classes in painting, photography, and pottery. During the school year we offer 2 after school programs. Art After school for ages 5-10 years old, and Art Club for ages 11-17 years old. During the summer months we have “Art for Everyone” activities. These activities are free to participants through the generous donations of our sponsors.
Come and see the wonderfully creative spirit found in Elyria, it is a destination you won’t want to miss!
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Elyria Arts Council reaches approximately 800 people yearly through its classes, events, programs, and contests.
We offer free art activities for Elyria’s 3rd Thursday on Ely Square during June, July, and August. EAC also goes on the road with “Mobile Art projects” for summer camps, after school programs, and low income communities that have transportation challenges. We work with other non-profit groups such as The Lorain County History Center, Invest Elyria, The Elyria Public Library, Leaders of Today, Elyria Community Partnership, Save Our Children, and Youth Challenge on a variety of community projects.
The Elyria Arts Council curates, organizes, and provides supplies for The Elyria Public Library’s Central Library Art Walk. The Art Walk allows community groups to illustrate what they do by painting a 4 x 8 foot mural that is displayed on the West wall of the Central Library.
Annually we hold a Creative Christmas Tree Contest asking community members to create a unique tree to enter in our contest. This contest helps us raise funds for our children’s programs. Each year we have an average of 20 creative entries made from array of unique items. The opening night for this contest is an exciting and well attended event. The participation and viewing of the contest has become a yearly family tradition for many.
We hold informational programs about various topics such as Grandma Gatewood, and The Underground Railroad in Lorain County. During the Spring, Summer, and Fall we hold special Art Shows in our rear gallery. We hold book signings by local authors. During the Covid-19 pandemic we created and distributed over 1200 art activity packets and produced over 80 “At Home” art how-to videos (posted on our Facebook page) to continue our work in the community. We value the creation of art, and the beauty and pleasure it brings to the lives of those who view it.
