A home for visual and performing arts in southwest Ohio, the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center has been operating in the community for more than a decade. Southwest Ohio Parent sat down with Michelle Taylor, executive director for the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center, to learn about the history and offerings of this non-profit creative hub.
With over a decade in operation, how has the Center been received in the community?
From our volunteer board of Sharonville business owners and program parents, to our local vendors and patrons, we love being a part of the Sharonville community. Yet it still surprises me how many folks visit us and say, “I had no idea this was here!” We have regulars on both the visual and performing arts sides that make this place feel like home, but we’re always excited to show newcomers who we are.
What theater programs do you offer for the community?
Our theater programs are produced by Performing Arts Inc (PAI). We are one of several of their venues in the Greater Cincinnati area, and they work with people ages 4 and older. We host PAI productions on an ongoing rotation, with each age group (including adult and family troupes) performing roughly four times per year. Sharonville Center Stage is our new adult troupe, which started with parents of our young performers who decided they wanted to play, too! They completed their inaugural season over the summer, and we’re thrilled to see new faces in every production. Audition notices and signups for all age groups, including Sharonville Center Stage, can be found at PAI’s website.
You have artist competitions and exhibits. Tell us how artists can get involved.
The Westheimer Gallery offers solo and group exhibitions monthly from February to June and August to October, typically opening on the first Friday of the month. For several years, we’ve partnered with Princeton High School on a student exhibition in one of those spots, and each November, we present Art North, our juried competition which draws artists in all forms of visual art from across the tri-state. Artists interested in showing with us can visit our website to submit exhibit request forms, which are reviewed by a committee at the end of each summer to select the following year’s season.
What events do you have coming up this fall and winter?
Sharonville Center Stage begins its second season with The Wedding Singer through October 1, followed by an interactive Murder Mystery October 20-21. Art North 2023 opens Friday, November 3 with an opening reception and awards ceremony, and we have many children’s programs left this year, including Elf Jr December 8-9.
How can people get involved with the Cultural Arts Center?
We are always looking for volunteers, from gallery and box office attendants to assistance with maintaining our historic building. Please visit us here or e-mail if you’re interested in lending a hand. To keep up with our events, follow on Facebook and Instagram (@scac_ohio), and sign up for our email newsletter on our website.