Partner Organizations
Established in 2007, the Arts Commission of the Village of Chagrin Falls is a standing committee of Village Council. Its members include a council member and representatives from the local arts community. Its purpose is to coordinate the efforts of existing cultural assets by exploring grants, resource sharing, and program coordination, as well as synergistic partnerships outside of Chagrin Falls. The goal of the Arts Commission is to assist Chagrin Falls in becoming a regionally recognized artistic and cultural center.
Since its founding nearly 60 years ago, The Chagrin Falls Historical Society has been an integral part of the community. Making its first home in the Chagrin Falls Library, it moved to 21 Walnut Street in the mid-1960s after Lora A. Shute donated the building to Chagrin Falls. In addition to collecting and exhibiting local artifacts and memorabilia, the Society sponsors monthly public programs, publishes a newsletter, and provides educational offerings for schools and groups. All are welcome to join and volunteer.
Chagrin Falls Township contains two distinct governmental units. The incorporated part is the Village of Chagrin Falls (described above) and the unincorporated part commonly called Chagrin Falls Township. Created in 1845, the township’s semi-rural setting is about .5 square miles in size and is home to approximately 40 households. Its three elected trustees and a township clerk meet in the historic Chagrin Falls Township Hall that is located in the Village of Chagrin Falls, but managed by the township trustees.
The Chagrin Light Orchestra
Chagrin Falls can now celebrate its first orchestra, the Chagrin Light Orchestra, established in the spring of 2006. Under the baton of director Steve Eva, the 40-plus member ensemble performs at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre and takes part in many community events. Comprised of talented local musicians, the Orchestra is an exciting addition to the Chagrin performing arts scene.
The Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce is committed to the enhancement of business and business growth within the Chagrin Valley by serving the needs of businesses and individuals in twelve Chagrin Valley communities. More than 400 members strong, the Chamber encourages businesses to relocate to the Chagrin Valley, supports the cultural and civic life of the communities it serves, and works to make the Valley a better place to live and do business.
The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre (CVLT) is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that is one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in the nation. Founded in 1930 as the Valley Players performing at the Federated Church, the troupe opened its second season at Township Hall, and in 1948 made its home in the Colonial Revival-style building that was constructed specifically for it. Since its inception, more than 500 productions have been mounted on the CVLT's Main Stage.
Based on a model from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to preserve small downtown communities, Downtown Chagrin Falls is a nonprofit organization created to maintain a vital community by enhancing the residential, retail, service, government, and institutional foundations of this historically and architecturally significant village. To this end, it organizes promotions for the town merchants, publishes a calendar of events, maintains the visitor center, and creates exciting community events throughout the year.
The Valley Art Center is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting, promoting, and teaching arts in the Chagrin Valley. It provides gallery exhibits featuring works of local and regional artists, fine art and craft classes, and diverse arts programs. Its building includes facilities for pottery, photography, painting, jewelry, and sculpture. In addition, the Valley Art Center promotes a nationally recognized, juried fine arts and crafts festival,
Art by the Falls, every June in Chagrin Falls.
Incorporated in 1844, Chagrin Falls is a picturesque village at the edge of Cuyahoga County, about 40 minutes from downtown Cleveland. Established by the early settlers of Connecticut’s Western Reserve, the town grew quickly around the falls (for which it is named) and its flour, woolen, and paper mills. Many of the town’s mid-19th century homes have been restored to their original glory. In addition to interesting shopping and great dining, the village has an admired reputation as an arts center.
