Who we are/
What we do
What we do
Arts Renaissance Tremont was founded in 1991 to enhance the quality and diversity of life in Tremont by providing the fine arts a greater presence in the community. In addition to establishing a venue for artists to share their talent, our goals are to:
• Support the rebirth of the Tremont neighborhood.
• Create community and foster greater appreciation for the arts.
• Promote the use of Pilgrim Church as a performance space.
We are an all-volunteer board fueled by our passion for two things: 1. Music 2. Tremont.
We produce concerts, most at Pilgrim Church, but sometimes also in outside venues like in Tremont’s Lincoln Park for Tremont’s Summer Art Fest.
Who we are/What we do
Arts Renaissance Tremont was founded in 1991 to enhance the quality and diversity of life in Tremont by providing the fine arts a greater presence in the community. In addition to establishing a venue for artists to share their talent, our goals are to:
• Support the rebirth of the Tremont neighborhood.
• Create community and foster greater appreciation for the arts.
• Promote the use of Pilgrim Church as a performance space.
We are an all-volunteer board fueled by our passion for two things: 1. Music 2. Tremont.
We produce concerts, most at Pilgrim Church, but sometimes also in outside venues like in Tremont’s Lincoln Park for Tremont’s Summer Art Fest.
Pilgrim Congregational
United Church of Christ
2592 W 14th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
Website: pilgrimalive.org
Phone: 216-861-7388
The Tremont Neighborhood
Located on a high bluff overlooking the Cuyahoga River, with spectacular views of Cleveland and just five minutes from downtown, is the neighborhood we call Tremont. Formerly known as “the Southside,” this historic neighborhood has been home to Civil War encampments, Cleveland’s first university and public art gallery, a “millionaire’s row” of 19th century mansions and streets of humble workers’ cottages, numerous historic churches including Pilgrim Congregational UCC (founded in 1859), St. Augustine (1893), St. John Cantius (1898), St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral (1912), and ethnic social halls, and today hosts a widely diverse mix of downtown urbanites, working folks, artists and families.
A “small town in a big city,” . . . upcale boutiques, galleries, cafés, bars and some of Cleveland’s finest chef-owned and operated restaurants can be found along Professor Street and tucked away throughout the neighborhood. Central to Tremont and providing a welcome community gathering place, is Lincoln Park with its turn-of-the-century style gazebo hearkening a bygone era. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tremont is one the oldest parts of Cleveland.
Paluck & Pilgrim: ART’s Tremont roots run deep
OUR FOUNDER:
Chris Haff Paluck
In addition to founding ART, Haff Paluck was an educator, mentor to young musicians, concert presenter, and arts manager a The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ms. Haff Paluck nurtured countless young people on their musical journeys and provided memorable music experiences to Northeast Ohio audiences of all ages. In addition, nearly thirty years ago Ms. Haff Paluck founded Arts Renaissance Tremont, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for established and aspiring young artists to showcase their talents.
Through her dedication and generosity, Ms. Haff Paluck tirelessly encouraged generations of musicians across the Cleveland area.
OUR VENUE:
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
Organized in 1859, Tremont’s Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ is a cornerstone institution and a Cleveland icon.
In 1865, members began constructing a brick church on West 14th Street, which was completed in 1870. (This historic first building was later sold to the Catholic Diocese and is now known as St. Augustine Church.) The building was finally finished and dedicated in 1894.
When it was build, it was one of the first “institutional” churches in the U.S. and the first building on Cleveland’s west side to have electricity. The massive facility was unique because two-thirds of the structure was devoted to educational and recreational spaces, including a gymnasium, kitchen, and library.
Board of Trustees
Erica Brenner
President & Executive Director
Owner, Erica Brenner Productions
Feza Zweifel
Artistic Director
Co-founder, Burning River Brass
Former principal timpani, National Arts Centre Orchestra
Curt Hancock
Treasurer
Former General Manager, Apollo’s Fire
Former Director of Operations, Chanticleer
David Adams
Secretary
Associate Director, Global Markets, EY
Evan Collins
Music Director, Old Stone Church
Former Music Director & Organist, Pilgrim Church
George Faddoul
Audio Recording & Archivist, Arts Renaissance Tremont
Freelance Audio Engineer
Khari Joyner
Cellist
Faculty, Baldwin Wallace
Sarah Megenhardt
Licensed Psychologist & Counselor
Formerly with Youth Opportunities Unlimited,
Babies Need Boxes, Hard Hatted Women
Claudia Mier
Photographer & Vocalist
Kenneth Noetzel
Teacher (retired)
Carries the legacy of his late wife, Lynne – a long time friend, supporter, and trustee of ART
Nicha Poolpol
Executive Assistant, John Glenn College of Public Affairs
Former Manager of Academy & Public Programs, Cleveland Institute of Music
M.A. in Arts Administration & Policy, School of Art Institute of Chicago
Former Violist & Alumna of The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra
Rees Taylor Roberts
Organist & Arts Administrator
Development Manager, Apollo’s Fire
Associate Organist, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Barbara Sper Conte
U.S. District Court (retired)
Former Treasurer, Arts Renaissance Tremont
Christopher Venesile
Educator
Former Faculty, Kent State University
Rev. Dr. George R. Graham
ex-officio
Pastor, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
Ben Malkevitch
ex-officio
Director/Organist, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ