We recently connected with Darl Schaaff and have shared our conversation below.

Darl, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

relocated,purchased a historic building in terrible need of repair in Cleveland’s poorest neighborhood completely renovated the building into a private art museum and full theater ambition to create new art, develop programs not yet happening and transform the neighborhood

Darl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

began classical ballet training at age 4 drama in HS and college. Competitive speaking including debate and extemporaneous, oral interpretation broadway touring shows, writer and producer. Visual artist including painting, costume/fashion design.Produced video series sold worldwide Corporate event planner founder of professional dance company wrote children’s story that was produced as full length musical dance production ran 12 years Currently producing new works in my theater.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For over 60 years I collected art, artifacts, curiosities and people. My one goal was to create a place where all of those things and all that experience would find a home. This home would be a place where art was created, people would share and grow in their art and the public would see an example of the power of art. Less than two years ago I fully retired from my business and began the journey. It includes the purchase of an important location; the oldest existing Andrew Carnegie Library in Ohio. Over a year to renovate and restore the grandeur of that building. It involved transporting, curating and presenting my private collection of over 500 pieces in a way that was both accessible and understandable to the public. It is designed to touch the emotions, engage in conversation and become an example for creative spirit. As this project reaches levels of completion, there has been a coordinated effort to engage artists, theater groups, dance and all aspects of visual art. The result already is a change in the neighborhood, a slight variance in the art world of Cleveland.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My greatest reward is to see others inspired by my work, to connect with artists on a gut level that gives them permission to be and do what they dream. Much of the planned programing will come from an artists vision. I am presenting a blank canvas and inviting creatives to play.
There was an important lesson in my life as I journeyed towards understanding and embracing my creative self. Getting past the stereotypes, dismissing the criticism, understanding my place and the true nature of my art. Now I can think of nothing more important than to share those lessons and do it through encouragement, recognition, connection and assistance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thedarl.org
• Facebook: darl schaaff

Image Credits

all personal photos