Arts center appoints new chairman

In May, Matthew P. Figgie was asked to take over as chairman of the Fairmount Center for the Arts by the former head of the center. In September, he was officially appointed to the position at the school’s annual meeting.

Figgie’s appointment, he said, is the first in an exciting transitional period for the Russell Township-based center, which was founded in 1971 by Ron and Jan Kumin.

“Our enrollment has increased 44 percent from this time last year and we’re in the process of hiring a new executive director. We’re building a new three- to five-year plan with new money and new resources. We want to get this bigger and better.”

In addition to his new role , F i gg ie is currently t he chairman of Clark-Reliance, Figgie Capital and The Figgie Foundation.

“The Fairmount Center for the Arts is truly a gem, filled with the most talented instructors and students, and offers the ver y best of art, dance, music, theater and fitness,” Figgie said. “As the new chairman, I am so very humbled, privileged and quite honored to collaborate with the utmost talent to continue to enhance the Fairmount Center for the Arts’ success as a regional crown jewel of performing arts.”

According to the center, Fairmount Dance Theater offers a progressive, curriculum-based program of ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and contemporary with an introduction to acrobatics.

Figgie announced that he w ill personally host the “Autumn Celebration” performance for the Fairmount Center for the Arts at the Connor Palace theater in Playhouse Square at 8 p.m. Nov. 17. The show is free and open to the public.

“A long w ith our re - cent, prestigious recognition, I want to thank the most wonderful and supportive parents, awesome students and amazing instructors and staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment,” he said. “My most sincere and heartfelt gift will allow Fairmount’s f inest performers the opportunity to dance on this nationally acclaimed stage at Playhouse Square. As an eighth-generation Clevelander, I truly look forward to leading this iconic center to help realize its next level of success.

“Fa i r mou nt C ent er for the Arts has been an iconic place for more than 45 years, and it’s not just for the local area, but for all of Cleveland to enjoy. We feel we need to be there in arts education and awareness from K-12. It’s a good story and it’s something that needs to be saved and preserved.”

For program information or to reserve tickets, call 440-338-3171 or visit www.fairmountcenter.org.

Figgie