The Cultural Arts Division, at home at the City of Mentor’s Wildwood Cultural Center, offers many programs, courses, and special events throughout the year to support and encourage the development of cultural arts in our community.

The Cultural Arts  Division also supports many clubs and organizations including the Basketry Guild, Bridge Club, Garden Club, Quilters Guild and the Wildwood Singers. The Cultural Center is also the meeting place for the Creative Artists Association .

To help support cultural arts in the Mentor community, Wildwood Cultural Center offers a membership program, offering special discounts and promotions.

Courses in art, drawing, painting, cooking, writing, music, language and more are offered throughout the year. Classes are available for children and adults.

Mentor’s Community Arts Commission assists Cultural Arts through fundraising.

The Cultural Arts Division also coordinates many special events throughout the year.  Event information is updated here regularly.

Old Village Market
Fridays, July 30 through August 20,  4 – 8 p.m.
James A Garfield National Historic Site
Mentor’s Old Village Market is a market with a festival atmosphere, attracting more than 3,000 visitors annually. It includes fresh farm produce grown locally, homemade refreshments, juried arts & crafts, children’s activities, music, strolling performers and old-fashioned fun and games. Admission and parking are free. Call Wildwood Cultural Center at (440) 974-5735 for more information. Vendors applications will be available in mid-March.

Dorothy McNamara Maloney Memorial Art Contest
Artwork Drop off – Tuesday, September 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Opening Reception – Friday, September 17, 7 -  8:30 p.m.
Mentor Senior Center
This county-wide, juried art show introduces some of the best local artists to the community. Artwork submitted for the contest is on display at the Mentor Senior Center, Friday, September 17 – Wednesday, October 6. One (1) piece of artwork may be submitted to be juried for an entry fee of $5.00 per artist payable to Wildwood Cultural Center. An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 17
Accepted works include: watercolor, oils, pastels, acrylics, photographs, drawings and pottery. Watercolors must be matted, framed and under glass.  Artwork must be produced within the last year.
Contact Wildwood Cultural Center at (440) 974-5735 for details. Registration form is available online at www.cityofmentor.com/play/upcomingevents Sponsored by the City of Mentor’s Wildwood Cultural Center and the Community Arts Commission.

Fall Bridal Gala
Sunday, October 10, 12 – 4 p.m.
Cappelli’s @ Comfort Inn / Comfort Inn Hotel – 7701 Reynolds Rd.
Let experts help you plan your wedding! Over 25 wedding professionals specializing in Bridal Wear * Catering * Formal Wear * Invitations * Photography * Music * Floral Designs and more! Enjoy hair and makeup demonstrations before the fashion show courtesy of sponsor Ladies & Gentlemen Salon & Day Spa. An elegant fashion show will begin at 2:30 p.m. courtesy of sponsors Expressions Bridal & Formal Wear and Jesse Webb Entertainment. Enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Cappelli’s, near Billy’s Martini Bar as you register for door prizes and meet each vendor. Interested vendors should call Wildwood Cultural Center at (440) 974-5735. This event is also sponsored by the City of Mentor’s Wildwood Cultural Center, Community Arts Commission, Cappelli’s @ Comfort Inn and the Comfort Inn Hotel. Admission $2

Porcelain Treasures Show
Sunday, October 10,  11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wildwood Cultural Center
If you enjoy fine china and hand-painted porcelain, you’ll love taking a visit the Porcelain Treasures Show. Members of the Erie Shores Porcelain Artists Guild create, display and sell hand-painted one-of-a-kind porcelain during the show. Call Wildwood at (440) 974-5735 for more information.

Wildwood Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show
First Sunday in November,  10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mentor Senior Center
Held at the Mentor Senior Center the first Sunday of November, visitors to the show can see and bid on award-winning quilts made by the talented members of the Wildwood Quilt Guild. Shop for small quilted items made by our members in our “Gifts Sew Special area.” Area quilt shops are also available for your shopping convenience. Call (440) 974-5735 for more information. $2 donation requested at the door.

Wildwood Holiday Display & Craft Show
Sunday, December 5 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wildwood Cultural Center
Many wonderful holiday items are offered for sale including wreaths and swags, gingerbread, live greenery, baked goods, ornaments, stockings and much much more. More than 25 vendors fill the Wildwood Cultural Center including the Wildwood Garden Club who will be selling live arrangements. The Wildwood Singers perform holiday carols throughout the afternoon. Vendor applications are available in mid-August.

Wildwood Singers FREE Annual Holiday Concert
Friday, December 10, 7:30 p.m.
Mentor Senior Center
To help get you into the holiday spirit, the Wildwood Singers present a collection of traditional holiday songs for you to enjoy! Listen, and sing along, to the holiday favorites at this annual free concert. The concert is sponsored by the City of Mentor’s Wildwood Cultural Center and the Community Arts Commission. For more information, please call the Wildwood Cultural Center at (440) 974-5735. No tickets required!

For information on other special events offered by the City of Mentor, click here.