55 Years of Creativity: Celebrating Fairmount Center for the Arts

In 1970, a group of dedicated community members came together with a bold vision: to create a place where the arts could thrive and be accessible to all. What began as an idea soon took root in the heart of Geauga County. Today, 55 years later, Fairmount Center for the Arts stands as a living tribute to that original dream—a vibrant, welcoming space where creativity is nurtured and community is built.

The Early Days: Footnotes and First Steps

Before Fairmount officially opened its doors, its founding energy was already palpable. In December 1970, the center released its first newsletter, filled with hand-drawn illustrations, updates on class offerings, and notes about the progress of its soon-to-open building. A few months later, in January 1971, the center’s official newsletter—Fairmount Footnotes—was born, thanks to a community naming contest won by Judy Shimko. (Her prize? A Kodak Instamatic camera.)

The newsletters reflected the spirit of the time: playful, resourceful, and full of promise. Whether it was joking about the unfinished parking lot or announcing an upcoming children’s performance, Fairmount Footnotes captured the heartbeat of a center on the rise.

On March 17, 1971, Fairmount held its first classes, starting with dance workshops offered six days a week, along with visual art and drama sessions. Performing groups brought dance experiences all over the region, including the iconic Fairmount Spanish Dancers.  From day one, the emphasis was on participation, expression, and inclusivity—principles that would guide the organization for decades to come.

A Home for the Arts

With its distinctive castle-like architecture and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Fairmount quickly became a second home to children discovering ballet for the first time, adults rediscovering their love of painting, and entire families attending performances together. In an era when many arts programs were seen as extras, Fairmount positioned the arts as essential. Over time, the public name evolved—from the original Fairmount Center for Creative & Performing Arts to Fairmount Fine Arts Center, and now to the current Fairmount Center for the Arts—reflecting its growing role and broadening mission in the community.

Evolving With Purpose

Over the years, Fairmount Center for the Arts grew from its grassroots beginnings into a thriving nonprofit arts organization. While the mission—to enrich lives through the arts—remained unchanged, its reach expanded. Programs diversified, enrollment increased, and partnerships flourished. In 1975, Fairmount opened a second campus in Cleveland Heights, which uniquely focused on supporting deaf actors and highlighted the organization’s long-standing ethos of including all individuals in the art-making process. This campus later assumed an independent existence, further contributing to the arts community in its own right. Programs have varied through the years, including some surprising offerings like gymnastics and fencing, reflecting Fairmount’s commitment to exploring diverse forms of creative expression. Today, Fairmount offers year-round instruction in dance, music, theater, visual arts, and more, with offerings for all ages and experience levels. The addition of a second location in Chardon Square and the expansion of community-based programs reflect how Fairmount has continued to meet people where they are—both creatively and geographically.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate Fairmount’s 55th anniversary, we honor not just a timeline of events, but a legacy built by passionate instructors, curious students, dedicated volunteers, and a community that has supported the arts for over half a century. What began as a small, local vision has grown into a dynamic arts center that continues to inspire creativity, connection, and lifelong learning.

Here’s to the past that shaped us, the present that grounds us, and the future we’re creating together.