We are devastated by the loss of our dear friend Cheri Mitchell, who served for more than 13 years as our Executive Director. She was a beloved member of the BalletMet family, fearlessly leading the company through times of hardship and growth. We cherish the memories we have of her, and our hearts go out to her family in this difficult time.
Obituary | Fox28 News Report | Dispatch Article
A Celebration of the Life of Cheri Mitchell
Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. | Capitol Theatre
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Cheri Mitchell.
Hear memorials from Cheri’s friends and family, listen to music in her honor and watch special performances at this celebratory service honoring our longtime Executive Director and friend. A reception will follow in the Capitol Theatre atrium.
Cheri worked at BalletMet for 17 years, 13 of those as our Executive Director. She served under three artistic directors during her tenure, including David Nixon, Gerard Charles and current Artistic Director Edwaard Liang. Throughout her time with us, BalletMet thrived through good and challenging times due to Cheri’s leadership and enthusiasm.
Ms. Mitchell was a fervent supporter of the arts in Columbus and a bright and uplifting presence here at BalletMet. We will miss her dearly.
This event is free and open to the public.
So very shocked and saddened to hear this news. She was lovely to work with and always had a smile and time for a chat with me. Condolences to her family and the BalletMet family
Cheri was such a kind and supportive force during my time with the company. What a great loss for the organization and community. Sending love and peace to all that knew her.
Condolences to Cheri’s family, friends and BalletMet Family. What sad news about such a dear soul! Cheri was a kind, humble and steadfast leader and had such a warm smile which she openly shared with all. Sympathy especially to her mom Mary, dear neighbor from my dancing days.
The entire BalletMet family is in my thoughts and prayers. What a tragic loss to the arts community and Central Ohio. Cheri was such a graceful and positive force.
I am devastated to learn the news about dear Cheri. Cheri was an extraordinary person full of energy, devotion and passion for the arts. She worked tirelessly rarely loosing the belief that it would all work in the end. I loved working with Cheri during my Balletmet time she supported me and inspired me even after I was no longer there. My thoughts go out to her wonderful husband at this unbearable time. She was a friend, a colleague a wonderful person I will never forget her.
We were so incredibly saddened to learn that Cheri’s life was cut short in this tragedy. Cheri was a long-time friend and colleague in the arts in Columbus and she will be missed by all. Our hearts go out to Cheri’s family and all in the BalletMet family and in the community.
My heart is breaking over this senseless tragedy. Cheri was a sweetheart and she dedicated her life to the Arts in Columbus. She was so passionate about BalletMet and never lacked enthusiasm or love with everyone she worked with. Her quick smile, laugh and sparkle will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of not only working with her, but knowing her. My deepest condolences to Frank, her mom, dad and sister, and the entire Arts community that loved her.
A Cheri thought.
25 years ago we worked for 10 or 12 years closely together. I was a CATCO board member. A job I loved.
I was lucky enough to get to help with CATCO in its infancy, as hands on as a board as you could ever be on. Basically a start up, there was this wonderful spirit and positive energy around the place. Geoff and Cheri together, Fred and Howard too were both important early guiding forces. A lot we were figuring it out as we went. Everyone worked hard. It was an amazing team. Cheri though was the one who made it hum.
I was too young then to appreciate if someone was particularly talented. Cheri did her 3 or 4 jobs well, again typical start up, was good at managing others and getting stuff done of course with no budget. She was passionate about her work. Something she naturally radiated, it was infectious. You knew she loved what she was doing. She worked hard crazy hours, but like I said earlier everyone did.
Startups have amazing energy and it is hard work to corral. It’s always all hands on deck and up against huge odds. Half of new businesses fail by year 5.
CATCO / Cheri thrived. She navigated the art, staff and board parts of her work effortlessly. And yet none of this can really be appreciated until you’ve worked with 20 start ups and compare. Managing the “crazy” of a startup is one thing, but it’s hard for people to grow in their roles as the organization matures. Not all make the leap. Many burn out. Cheri got better as CATCO got better.
The jump to BalletMet was the perfect next step for her, an older more stable place. Bigger budgets more people. Her success there allowed those of us who knew her to see her transition again seemingly effortlessly, from successful manager to leader.
While our paths only bumped into one another occasionally, more recently, I’m really just now to the point where I understand, how truly rare and special she is/was. Now suddenly I can’t have that beer with her to catch up and tell her.
I’m sad for our city too. Her loss will be deeply felt. A place only has so many Cheri’s. To lose one early leaves us stuck playing at a big disadvantage.
To Cheri… Wendy and I send our love.
I was not able to attend the Celebration for Cheri. I have been trying to view it, but it is stating that it is blocked in my Country. I am in the US. Is there a way to view it? Thank you
Sorry about that, Kathy! You should be able to view it now.