“One of the best parts about creativity and artistic expression is that there are no age limits,” says Jill Paulsen, executive director of Cleveland creative arts grant maker Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC).

CAC’s dedication to culture spans generations—from pre-school age to retirees. As the county’s funder of arts and culture programming, CAC works to enrich all residents seeking merriment in their lives.

“From age two to 102, the nonprofits we fund provide opportunities for everyone to connect, learn, and create—exactly as you are,” says Paulsen. “CAC’s dedicated tax resource ensures that our vibrant community of nonprofit arts and culture organizations have consistent support to invest in the lives of residents of all ages, in all places, for years to come.”

Age does not stop performers in virtually every creative expression, and plenty of Northeast Ohio arts and culture organizations share Paulsen’s lifelong philosophy. In doing so, these outlets offer classes specifically tailored for the lifelong learners who say age is just a number.

FreshWater found three great examples of arts education and expression—From the seasoned performer looking for a new outlet, to a singer looking for a chorus, to the youngest novice just discovering the wonders of the world.

Just dance
Clevelanders of a certain age may remember Laura Farrell—or at least her voice—from her days giving traffic reports for 100.7 FM radio WMMS. Farrell also sang with The Pop Tarts, a ‘60s-inspired girl group that belted out harmonies from acts such as the Supremes and the Chiffons.

At age 69, Farrell’s performing days are not behind her. She is currently taking ballet lessons at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, with classes culminating in a recital each May. While Farrell does not have a dance background, she says her experience with The PopTarts, at the very least, taught her how to move her body in time with music.

Singer and dancer Laura Farrell enjoys dancing at the Beck Center for the Arts with daughters Clementine and Cali,It’s not like participants are expected to learn “Swan Lake,” she argues. Instead, classes are livened by selections from Frank Sinatra, Green Day, and the Jonas Brothers. Sharing the studio with her daughters, Clementine and Cali, only adds to Farrell’s enjoyment, she says, even if ballet is a more delicate affair than renditions of Mary Wells’ “My Guy” or The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.”

“Learning dances for recitals is fun, though you’re supposed to have this serene smile on your face,” says Farrell. “I’m more of a Lucille Ball type, where my face will betray me. But ballet is very good for balance. I do a little yoga at Beck Center, too.”

Beck Center offers adult dance classes in ballet, hip-hop, tap, and jazz, with additional age-appropriate offerings in preschool dance and pre-ballet. Adult programs are for ages 18 and up, though age doesn’t stop anyone from pursuing what they enjoy, says Beck Center president and CEO Ed Gallagher.

Gallagher remembers two 70-something gentlemen who not only took hip-hop classes, but they also displayed their skills onstage.

“They had been taking a shared lesson for two years,” he recalls. “When they danced, the audience loved it. People were blown away by these two guys being out there and putting it all on stage.”

Besides its mental and social benefits, Beck Center dance programming is a boon for physical health, Gallagher adds.

“You’re always warming up and cooling down, and stretching out your entire body,” he says. “Moving to the beat gives you a full-body workout. It makes you pick your feet up and be aware of your surroundings.”

A harmonious community
North Coast Men’s Chorus maintains its own joyful rhythm—acting as a drumbeat for Northeast Ohio’s queer community.

Founded in 1988—when sanctioned social activities for gay people were basically nonexistent—the chorus became a sanctuary of friendship and belonging, says Shawn Belt, president of the Men’s Chorus Board.

A North Coast Men’s Chorus performance.Today, the chorus remains true to its founding mission, providing musical entertainment along with a supportive environment. This season will feature 120 singers, a lineup encompassing trans and nonbinary performers, as well as straight allies, says Belt.

“Anytime our community becomes more diverse, it’s a real growth opportunity for all of our members and our community as a whole,” Belt says. “We are always on the lookout for people looking for community and who desire to be part of a singing organization.”

Upcoming shows include “Underneath the Tree” at Maltz Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. The holiday-themed extravaganza celebrates togetherness, whether it’s with your natural-born family or the family you found.

The chorus values enthusiasm as highly as it values technical skill. Live performances are viewed as a fun night out, while also providing a communal connection for people seeking something deeper, Belt says, adding that the group can serve as a support network.

“There are countless stories of the chorus giving audience members and singers hope to continue,” he says. “Every community needs to see itself reflected in the arts, and we are so proud to be able to do that for countless queer people in our region.”

Natural education
CAC doesn’t just fund programs held within four walls. The Lake Erie Nature & Science Center (LENSC) preschool program, one of the first nature-based preschools in the region, uses LENSC’s 100-acre parkland as a natural learning lab for children ages one to seven.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center's 100 acres of parkland a natural learning lab for children.Curriculum blends science, math, and literacy with outdoor education, fostering young participants' appreciation for the outdoors, says marketing specialist Travis Gates.

Created by Elberta Fleming after the founding of the main nature center, the LENSC preschool combines traditional play-based programming with live animal encounters, planetarium visits, and outdoor exploration along Lake Erie.

“Stories may relate to a Great Horned Owl, and a wildlife specialist will bring that animal to class,” Gates says. “Seeing an animal up close is not something every preschool can offer.”

“Or we’ll go outside and show kids Icarus the bald eagle,” adds Gates. “As kids get older, they can walk around the nature center and see an owl’s nest or the trees we talked about in class.”

Colder weather may have students studying maps indoors or creating simple crafts. Older children explore interdisciplinary connections among science, literacy, math, technology, engineering, and nature—cultivating a love of learning in a natural setting.

Without CAC's support, the nature center could not provide students with this critical living link to the natural world, says Gates.

“It’s vital for us,” he says. “Looking at our mission statements, they go hand-in-hand. The alignment with CAC is unprecedented.”