The Berea Fine Arts Club is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1933 and is an active member of the Berea Chamber of Commerce. The club operates out of The Little Red School House on Bagley Rd. in Berea, which is where they host many of their events and activities. Though it is well worth becoming a member of the BFAC, membership is not necessary to enjoy and participate in the wonderful things the club has to offer.
Photographer and president of the BFAC, Roy Jenkins, says “Our goal is to promote the art world and give back to the community where we can.” Whether you’re a seasoned or beginning artist, you want to introduce your child to various art forms, or you simply enjoy and admire art, the BFAC is sure to have something for you.
Classes and Live Demo Nights:
Are you searching for a new art medium to try or a way to improve an existing skill? Consider taking a class with the BFAC. They offer a wide variety of topics, including Drawing and Illustration, Relief Printing, Abstract Acrylic Painting, Silkscreen Made Simple, and so many more. You may also want to attend a Live Demo Night during which you can observe an artist in action. These demos originally began online during the Covid crisis as a way to stay connected and inspired, but are now in person and offered on the last Wednesdays of every month.
Art Shows and the Gallery:
Perhaps you’re looking for a venue through which to sell your artwork or a market from which you can purchase unique treasures for yourself or as gifts. Every year, the BFAC puts on several art shows. The most impending of these is the Mayfest, which is scheduled for May 21st, 2022. For years the Mayfest was located on the grounds near Coe Lake but has been moved to downtown Berea on the Triangle. The BFAC also puts on the Art Market at the Oktoberfest and Home for the Holidays at the Little Red School House. The club also hosts the Gallery at the schoolhouse, where members can display and sell their pieces. The Gallery was temporarily closed due to Covid and renovations, but is scheduled to reopen in April and will be available for viewing on Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm.
The shows are well organized and showcase artwork from some of the best artists in Berea and surrounding communities. They are also some of the best shows an artist can participate in because of the kindness and devotion the club members have for each other. At the end of the day, when it is time for the vendors to buss down their tents and artwork, the BFAC members will always lend a hand. Long-time member, Matthew Richards, says “Jenkins won’t even leave until everyone is packed up and has left.”
For the Kids:
Do you have a child who might be a budding artist or could benefit from exposure to the arts? Check out the Kids Summer Art Camp in July. This is an annual week-long event from 9 am-4 pm each day at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Kids will create arts and crafts using different mediums on Monday through Thursday. Then on Friday, they learn how to display their art and essentially set up an art gallery that friends and family can come to view the children’s creations and performances. This gives the kids a way to proudly show off their hard work. It is also a uniquely educational experience because the ability to showcase one’s art is an important process of being an artist, and many children’s art camps do not include this element in their agenda.
The BFAC also hosts Halloween Night for the Kids at the schoolhouse. This is a free event where kids can don their costumes, trick-or-treat, and make Halloween-related crafts. The attendance of this event has grown over the years from an estimation of 20 children to an impressive 250 that participated in 2021.
Scholarship Opportunity:
The BFAC has awarded a scholarship to an exceptional art student from the Berea High School system or surrounding areas for over 20 years, but this is the first year it has a name. The James B. Hovanec Memorial Scholarship Award was named after blacksmith and BFAC member who passed away in 2016. He was a remarkable artist and an inspiration to many, including Matthew Richards. Before Richards met Hovanec, his artistic focus was pottery and Japanese drums, but because of Hovanec’s enthusiasm and mentorship, Richards has added blacksmithing to his artistic expertise. Richards says Hovanec was his “best influence.” One day Hovanec asked him if he wanted to try blacksmithing. “I did, and I was hooked.” If you are a high school student in the area and a blooming artist, apply for the scholarship by April 6, 2022.
Help Support the BFAC:
The annual Anniversary Fundraiser is scheduled for April 23, 2022 at the schoolhouse. Join the BFAC for loads of fun, games, appetizers, beverages, raffles, and door prizes. You will also have the opportunity to meet the BFAC members, view their artwork, and ask questions, or simply just chat. About four years ago, the president of the Cleveland Institute of Art attended this function, and he was so impressed that he invited every member of the Berea Fine Arts Club for a private tour of the Institute. Roy Jenkins recalls this day as one of his favorite memories of his involvement with the BFAC. “Not only did the club get an exclusive tour, but the tour guide was none other than the president of the Cleveland Institute of Art himself. It was such an honor.”
On the beneifits of being in Berea Fine Arts Club:
“Not only did the club get an exclusive tour, but the tour guide was none other than the president of the Cleveland Institute of Art himself. It was such an honor.”
Roy Jenkins, President of Berea Fine Arts Club
The opportunities offered by the BFAC are so extensive and widespread that there is something for everyone. Jenkins says, “We have a group of dedicated club members—that’s what makes us so successful. And I’ve enjoyed seeing the growth in the club and how we’ve evolved.”
Furthermore, Richards says “the club is a way to collaborate with other artists” and “you shouldn’t be confined to just one medium.” Find out how the Berea Fine Arts Club can help you improve as an artist, discover your own niche, network with other artists, or simply enjoy others’ work.
To take advantage of these opportunities, become a member, or view a schedule of events and activities, go to www.bereaarts.org.
