The Lake Shore Artists are a non-profit organization that culitvates the visual arts through education, exhibitions, demonstrations, critique sessions and painting outings. The group started in November of 1973 as the Professional Artist of Ashtabula County. As membership grew, the direction of the organization was changed. Membership was opened to professionals, amateurs and anyone interested in the arts. In 1975, the name was changed to the Lake Shore Artists of Ashtabula County.

The Lake Shore Artists invite anyone interested in creative visual art to join them the second Friday of each month (except January and February) at the Arts Center. Following a 6:30 p.m. business meeting, demonstrations are held. Dues are $15 per year. Group members also get together at different times during the month to work on their individual projects and share each others company. For more information about joining the group contact Ramona Cotton at (440) 293-7888 or Cynthia Richards at (440) 993-5211.

Gallery hours:
Mon, through Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The gallery is also open before all
theatre performances and during intermission.
Admission to the gallery is free.

A favorite annual exhibit of Arts Center visitors, the Kiwanis Competition, for Ashtabula students in grades 7-12, was established over 20 years ago by the Ashtabula Kiwanis Club as a way to encourage and recognize outstanding achievement in the visual arts. Area teachers are asked to submit the best of their student’s work. Entries are judged and scholarships are awarded which allow winners to register for a class of their choice at the Arts Center. The cost of the classes is paid for by a grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ashtabula. All entries are displayed at the Arts Center.

Over 300 scholarships have been awarded in the history of this competition. The benefits of this type of recognition program can be far-reaching. Many winners have gone on to receive scholarships to study art or a related field in college. All have had the benefit of having their excellence recognized and rewarded. This exhibit is an annual favorite of Arts Center visitors. A common comment is "I had no idea we had so many talented students around here." View this exhibit in our gallery April 2 - 29. Admission is free.

Gallery hours: Mon, through Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The gallery is also open before all G. B. Community Theatre performances and during intermission.

Admission to the gallery is free.

Congratulations to our 2008 Kiwanis Competition Winners!

From Lakeside High School: Connor Dickey, Christine Misinec, Carli Hatfield, Angela DeGeorge and Cameron McClain.

From Lakeside Junior High School: Jordan Manning and Naomi Griggs.

From Wallace H. Braden Junior High: Clayton Ketola.

From Saints John & Paul: Brittany DiMare, Jessica Laurello, Melanie Romano and Taylor Dietz.

From Edgewood Senior High School:Zach Adkins, Caitlin Ashbrook, Courtney Yopp and Savannah Justice.