Lake Erie College Announces Upcoming Arts Season Featuring Celebrated Exhibitions, World-Class Guest Artists, and Vibrant Theater
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Lake Erie College is pleased to announce its upcoming arts season, featuring a rich array of visual art, dance, music, and theatre. Unless otherwise noted, events are free and open to the public, offering the community an engaging opportunity to experience premier local and guest talent.
Visual Arts Exhibits
Tikkanen Winner’s Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: August 17, 2026 – October 16, 2026
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Artist Reception: August 30, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: BK Smith Gallery, 150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 44077
Details: Celebrating past first- and second-place winners of The Paul and Norma Tikkanen Painting Prize. Established in 2022 through an endowment from Ashtabula artist Paul Tikkanen to the Ashtabula Arts Center, the annual October competition highlights painters across Northeast Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Fall Student Art Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: November 12, 2026 – December 11, 2026
Location: BK Smith Gallery, 150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 44077
Opening Reception: November 12, 2026, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
From Woman 20 (Curated by Mary Urbas)
Exhibition Dates: February 4, 2027 – March 25, 2027
Location: BK Smith Gallery, 150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 44077
Artist Reception: February 14, 2027, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Gallery Talk with Mary Urbas: Thursday, March 18, 2027, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Spring Student Art Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: April 8, 2027 – April 30, 2027
Location: BK Smith Gallery, 150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 44077
Opening Reception: April 8, 2027, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Music & Dance Performances
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
Date & Time: August 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Location: Rickle Theatre (150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 4407)
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Dueling Divas – Showpiece for Strings, Voice, and Piano
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Performers: Featuring Andrew Sords (violin), Mari Sato (violin), Elizabeth DeMio (piano), and Daniel Singer (baritone).
Storm and Splendor – A Romantic Festival
Date & Time: November 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Details: Experience the drama, passion, and beauty of the Romantic era as Organist in Residence, Todd Wilson, joins Italian pianist Francesco Binda, to showcase the magnificent Skinner organ and Steinway piano. The program includes the sweeping lyricism of the second movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 and the exuberant charm of the Brahms Hungarian Dances for piano four hands. The Ave Maria by Brahms with its soaring soprano line, brings an intimate moment of splendor in a duet featuring Lauren Feola and Mr. Wilson. The power of the Skinner organ takes center stage in solo works by Widor and Reubke, completing a festival that celebrates the full emotional range of Romantic music.
Holiday Vespers Concert
Date & Time: December 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Details: Featuring Broadway star Jenn Gambatese (known for her iconic Broadway roles, including Glinda in Wicked and Jane in Disney's Tarzan) alongside the Lake Erie College Choir.
(Note: Gambatese will also lead an exclusive Master Class on December 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM for area high school and Lake Erie College students).
Lake Erie College Student Music Showcase
Date & Time: December 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Details: Featuring LEC voice and piano students.
The Singers Club of Cleveland Concert
Date & Time: March 7, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Artistic Director: Dr. Christopher Clark
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Details: Established in 1891, The Singers Club of Cleveland is a historic men’s chorus renowned for performing a diverse repertoire written for male voices and featuring both local and internationally acclaimed guest artists.
BlueWater Chamber Orchestra
Date & Time: March 14, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Admission: Ticketed event (BlueWater Chamber Orchestra charges admission for this event. Find updates about tickets here.)
Lake Erie College Student Music Showcase
Date & Time: April 24, 2027 at 6:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Details: Featuring LEC voice and piano students.
Spring Choral Concert
Date & Time: April 25, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Location: Morley Music Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Details: Featuring Metropolitan Opera star Heidi Skok—whose distinguished career spans performances at the Met, Carnegie Hall, and Pittsburgh Opera—performing with the Lake Erie College Choir.
Theater Season & Auditions
The Rocky Horror Show
Production Dates: October 30 – November 8, 2026
Location: Rickle Theatre (150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 4407)
Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM | Sundays at 2:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Creative Team: Directed by Paul Floriano, Musical Direction by John Krol, and Choreographer Nicole DiBiase.
Auditions: September 8 & 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the C.K. Rickel Theatre. Performers should arrive prepared with a song and wearing movement-friendly clothing.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Production Dates: April 15 – April 18, 2027
Location: Rickle Theatre (150 Gillett St, Painesville, OH 4407)
Showtimes: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM | Sunday at 2:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public. Get tickets here.
Creative Team: Directed by Lisa Ortenzi (Director of Educational Programming at Great Lakes Theater).
Auditions: February 15 & 16, 2027 at 7:00 PM in the C.K. Rickel Theatre. Performers should arrive prepared with a song and wearing movement-friendly clothing.
For event updates, ticket details, or media inquiries, please contact the Lake Erie College Public Relations department or visit lec.edu
