Today we’d like to introduce you to Darl Schaaff
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Left home at 16, finished HS and accepted into college on scholarships. Trained in classical ballet and other dance styles. Worked as professional through Broadway Touring shows, started and managed professional dance company, became theater producer and performer. Moved to Alaska. Purchased event company and built into corporate powerhouse. Trained and competed in Martial Arts. Multi-styles, Gold medalist on national and international level. President of the International Association of GL Martial Artists. Board of directors International Gay Games, authored original theater, musicals and music.
Currently CEO/curator of The Darl Center for the Arts. Owner of oldest existing Andrew Carnegie Library, Cleveland 1904
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Success was the result of tremendous work and the kindness of strangers. My life has been a series of amazing gifts freely given to me. Gifts of knowledge, kindness, appreciation of others and empathy. My challenges included personal loss, poverty and emotional challenges. I assisted my great love with his decision to end his own life. I have watched as an epidemic killed everyone I knew. Through it all those amazing gifts of patience, support and encouragement kept me going. Today I face challenges such as restoring a historic 120 year old building, My biggest challenge is maneuvering the path of raising the operating expenses, connecting with the community and being a good and generous friend.
My life now is filled with opportunity, connection and excitement. Still, the strength that maintains my optimism are those gifts of patience, support and encouragement. This is the best time of my life and I know part of my job is to be that person who hands down those gifts that change lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently the founder/CEO/curator of the Darl Center for the Arts. The 20,000 sq ft former Carnegie Library is home to a private collection of art and artifacts. The lower level of the building is a full theater. My job is to maintain the historic building, restoring it completely and then connect the art, programs and performances to the neighborhood and greater Cleveland. Part of our mission is to reach out to the communities, business, artists and residents, engaging them directly in the creation and presentation of art on all levels.
2025 will see an international Fiber Festival, a full runway show of wearable art, the world premiere of a new play, mini concerts and student performances of music, the American debut of a controversial Spanish language piece, Fund raising for LGBT Community groups, and work with the African Immigrant programs through a project with the Malawi Children’s Orphanage.
Theses are just some of the highlights that will happen along with school programs, specialized tours and other educational programing.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
The entire 400 piece collection was obtained over a 60 year period. Items from all over the world, art in many forms including painting, sculpture and fabric are on display. What is surprising is that unlike most museums, everything at The Darl Center is connected through a life filled with adventure and excitement. The collection represents one journey. At the entrance is a large sign that reads: If you wanted to put on display what your life collected, what would that look like.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedarlcenter.com
- Facebook: the darl center for the arts
Image Credits
drone shot 1418 Ed McDonald
