The Fine Arts Association: Become Part of Our Story

Empowering the Community Through the Arts

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Create and Discover Beauty

Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

join us as we write the next chapter 2

Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Table of contents Greetings from the Fine Arts Association

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Core Values

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Vision

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Mission

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Where We Are Going - ACCESS

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Where We Are Going - ENGAGE

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Where We Are Going - EXCELLENCE

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Where We Are Going - GROWTH

Become Part of Our Story

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Greetings from The Fine Arts Association!

Do you like a good story? I do! Better yet, I love reading books that are serial in nature. You read one and then the next until there is nothing left to do but wait until the next one comes along. While you wait, you might even imagine yourself as part of the next book or chapter. A good book is a faithful friend. It never lets us down and is hard to put down. We never want it to end.

Included in these pages is the continuing story of the Fine Arts Association which began in 1957 when Jim and Louise Savage opened a school for Fine Arts in their home in downtown Willoughby. Since then, thousands of people, young and old, from all walks of life have been impacted by the legacy of their vision. Times have changed since 1957 but the values and vision they inspired continue to live on through our board, staff, faculty, and students.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Cleveland Foundation and our partners at Thrive at Work, our staff and board were able to engage staff, faculty, parents, and community members in the process of updating our strategic plan from 2019-2021. The goal of the process was to reflect upon the legacy passed on to us and to determine how we can best continue it well into the future. In all, we spent more than 18 months and persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic assessing not only what we do but who we are and what impact we hope to make on our community going forward.

Inside these pages, you will find the resulting framework of our ongoing story. It forms the plot, the characters, and the settings for the chapters we have yet to write. But more than that, we hope that our aspirations will inspire you to join us. The arts can change. The arts can heal. The arts can empower. We invite you to join us as we write the next chapter.

Ready to write,

CEO

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Core Values While we have many more values than are written below, these values best exemplify the focus of the next chapter in our history.

We value Equity.

We value Integrity.

We will express this by providing a welcoming environment and by promoting policies and behaviors that invite diversity, inclusion, acceptance and accessibility.

We will model excellence to build lasting trust in everything we do.

This will be reflected in our hiring practices, our financial development and spend, the diverse types of people we serve and include, the types of programs we offer, the types of partnerships we form, and where we provide services.

This will be reflected in our customer service, our programs, and performances, and by delivering on our promise to funders and partners. We will have the highest aspirations throughout the organization for all we produce internally and externally.

We value Growth.

We value Community.

We will express this by nurturing creativity, innovation and self-discovery in all that we do. We will expect growth from students, clients, faculty, staff, board and patrons and will build an environment that supports and results in growth.

We desire to change lives through the power of the arts; to open new possibilities and create more vibrant communities.

This will be reflected as we consistently set stretch goals and measure our individual and collective performance while providing space and support for personal, professional, enrollment, performance, and financial growth.

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This will be reflected by always asking, “how do we best impact the community around us and make a positive impact within it?” It will be implemented as we intentionally create and experience community and realize and exercise the power of transformation.

Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

VISION Our Vision is a Community Empowered by the Arts

As we re-examined our strategic plan, we could not complete our work without first considering our vision for the arts and the various communities we serve. After considerable reflection about the transformative power of the arts and the myriad of ways we interconnect with a broad range of people and community institutions, we settled on the phrase, “A Community Empowered by the Arts.”

What does a “Community Empowered by the Arts” look like?

A Community Empowered by the Arts is a collection of people able to:

• create • discover • converse • experience life more fully • tackle difficult social conversations

• celebrate • heal • release their inner voice • participate in the arts • be arts consumers

A Community Empowered by the Arts is...

• a community of individuals transformed by the process and experience of creation and discovery.

• a more connected community as members discover and reflect greater mutual appreciation for its diversity and differing forms of expression.

• a more economically robust community as the arts contribute significant dollars directly and indirectly to local economies each year through concerts, art shows, and much more.

We recognized that the highest aspiration for FAA would be to go beyond a simple view of art shared as a transaction to the compelling vision of engagement through art that leads to transformation.

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

MISSION Our Mission is “To Create and Discover Beauty” Our mission at The Fine Arts Association is “to create and discover beauty.” This reflects our highest aspirations for our organization as we strive for artistic excellence and represents the pedagogical principle underlying our educational programs and performances.

We use this statement provocatively, understanding that beauty is a subjective concept.

We see beauty in much more than the art itself.

• We see beauty in the process of creation and discovery.

• We see beauty when a child learns how to make their first sound on a flute or paints their first picture.

• We see beauty when a shy student delivers their first lines on stage.

• We see beauty when a child struggling with emotional or communication challenges can positively express themselves and what they feel because of music or art therapy.

• We see beauty in the inspiration our students, teachers, therapists, performers, and clients provide and the aspirations they hold.

• We see beauty in everyone and the potential they have to inspire and be inspired.

• We see beauty in art and in the humanity that creates art.

Our hope is that as each person creates and discovers beauty, they discover and affirm the beauty we share in our common humanity. This is often found in the diverse talents we bring, the skills we develop, and the rich cultural heritages we share.

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Where We Are Going...

Improving Access to the Arts through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Acceptance Everyone has an artist, musician, dancer, or

While we are grateful for what we have

thespian within them. However, not everyone

accomplished, we want to do so much

can afford to attend classes and performances,

more. In the coming years, we will continue

or invest in instruments, performances, or

to purposely build more community

transportation to get them there.

partnerships. We will continue to realign our

At The Fine Arts Association, we have worked hard for decades to provide opportunities to many aspiring artists through our Sarah Weeden Richardson Minority Scholarship Fund, Our Creative Art Therapies Scholarship Fund, and our Need Based Scholarship fund. Each year, approximately 80 students attend FAA as result of generous donors who

program offerings to ensure more people can access arts education and performances at The Fine Arts Association. In addition, we will increase the number of scholarships we can provide and implement new program delivery models that will bring arts programming into the homes and neighborhoods of many who cannot access FAA’s programs today.

support them. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we transitioned most of our programming to a virtual or hybrid format to overcome the barrier of social distancing and to keep our community connected.

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

When I come to Music Therapy at Fine Arts, it makes me feel good and I am happy. I love playing instruments and singing and can play whatever instrument I want to including the iPad, drums, piano, and singing into the microphone. My favorite memory is singing in the Christmas Cabaret! I sang “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!” My favorite song to sing with my teacher, Danielle, is “Here I Go Again” (Whitesnake) and “Hickory Dickory Dock.” I like Miss Danni because she is good. I feel like I can be myself - like I can do anything.

Evan Creative Arts Therapies Client

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During my first lesson, I remember Miss Bea speaking life into me. She helped me to get out of my shell and helped me grow not just in my confidence, but as a person. After a community center performance, Miss Bea told me I was a principal dancer. She said she wanted to work with me and that she could give me a scholarship. That’s how this came to be. I was at FAA from the ages of 12 to 18. I took African Dance classes and was able to assist Miss Bea with her younger dance for five years and I loved it.

Nickayla (Nikki) Wiggins FAA Dance Alumni and Sarah Weeden Richardson Minority Scholarship recipient

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

“ At Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, we believe that quality of life is as important as length of life. As such, OLBV has been partnering with The Fine Arts Association through contracted services for numerous programming options. Together we strive to provide older adults services that meet their unique individual needs and promote their highest level of life satisfaction thus increasing both emotional and mental health of our residents.

Debora Erksa Director of Program Services, Ohio Living Breckenridge Village

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Where We Are Going...

Create Engagement Built upon our value of community, we

process. At The Fine Arts Association, you will find

seek to foster an arts community where

a community of individuals cheering you on.

everyone is free to be themselves and express themselves through the creation and discovery of beauty. The arts are uniquely suited to do this providing visual, kinesthetic, aural, and experiential possibilities that can be studied individually and interconnectedly.

Through the arts, we can tell stories, share our common and unique experiences, approach difficult topics with grace and understanding, and stretch our thinking. The arts teach discipline, teamwork and the creative process, and encourage us to push boundaries as we

The Fine Arts Association is also heavily invested in the communities we serve. We do so by working with: •

local governments to help make the arts essential drivers of economic development

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schools to help integrate art into language arts, science, and social studies

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hospitals, schools, senior living centers, veterans centers, community centers, and social service agencies to promote

stretch ourselves.

individual and community wellness

The arts create community through theatre,

experiences

dance, choir and music ensembles, and through the collaboration of the creative process. Some of the best friends you will ever have are discovered through the creative

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through Creative Arts Therapies and arts

The Fine Arts Association is at the forefront of improving quality of life for Lake County and the surrounding region.

Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

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The Wickliffe Public Library has been fortunate to collaborate with The Fine Arts Association as featured guests in our monthly ARTuesday program for young children. Melissa Sexstella provided art instruction virtually for our patrons, and Ann Marie Raddell joined in with a music program. We look forward to future in-person programs which will also serve our tween patrons. Working with FAA has been a wonderful experience as they demonstrate endless knowledge and enthusiasm for the arts. We are proud to feature them in our programming and educate our patrons on this wonderful resource available to children and adults in the community.

Linda Sowko

Children’s Outreach Librarian, Wickliffe Public Library

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The most amazing thing about theatre is that you may not see a fellow cast member for 20 years, but as soon as you see each other again, it is as if no time has passed between the two souls. I have been blessed to have created many, many, many cherished relationships at The Fine Arts Association.

I will never be able to adequately describe my love for all those amazing people.

Jason-Michael Kulnane

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

“ I love that my daughter calls the Fine Arts her “second home” just like I do. Everyone there is like family to us. I am grateful every single day for the people the Fine Arts has brought into my life. I grew up at the Fine Arts. Heck I’m still growing up there. And now my three children are thriving there as well. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing my kiddos love this place and the people in it as much as I do.

Mary Britta Shirring

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Where We Are Going...

Impact through Excellence Building upon the value of integrity, we are working to build an organization where everything we do, we do with excellence.

Excellence in Programming

Honoring Your Investment

To accomplish this, we will continue to create

Because your investment of time and

the best possible instructional models and

resources is valued, we will work hard to

support an empowered faculty. We will

earn and keep your trust through wise fiscal

provide excellent performances in community

investments that provide excellence in service

theatre and musical performance. Building

today while ensuring sustainability tomorrow.

on this foundation, we will create added

We will do our best to provide our staff,

value by leveraging the four disciplines we

faculty, and customers with the best possible

teach - dance, music, theatre, and visual arts

experience by utilizing efficient administrative

- to create experiences that are unique to

and communication systems, opportunities

The Fine Arts Association and build lifetime

for training and professional growth, and

memories for our students, performers,

recognition for the great work they do.

clients, and patrons.

Customer and Community-Centered Focus Our students, clients, patrons, and community partners are the reason we exist. As valued partners, we will work with you to create a Community Empowered by the Arts.

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Sarah LaMantia is a multi-talented, award-winning recent graduate of Barbara Klonowski’s piano studio, who also studied trumpet and dance at Fine Arts. Sarah fondly remembers FAA as a “second school” of sorts and appreciates how Ms. Klonowski inspired her to reach her potential. Having been awarded a number of sizable scholarships for both music and academics, Sarah now studies Music Education with a focus in piano at Miami University. She says that it is so important that “students are given the opportunity to express themselves in a different way” than is afforded in traditional academic study. She is excited for her future students to be able to use music and their experience through music to benefit the rest of their lives.

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I started taking ceramics classes at FAA after my wife passed away in 2015. It was something to do with my hands to keep my mind busy. I have always enjoyed art and how it challenges me to learn new things. I like the challenge. To work on technique, I work on ceramics both in class at FAA and at home. I continue learning how to use different tools and knowing which ones to use when. Eventually, I get the tools to do what I need them to do.

Ronnie Kimble FAA Ceramics student

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Theatre is the most collaborative of the art disciplines. You are working with a cast, or a “team,” to achieve the goal of creating and delivering a cohesive story to the audience. Each member of the cast is important, just as each word is important to a story. That is ultimately what made me come back to start teaching. I knew that there had to be children out there that felt like me. Those that had a hard time discovering where they belong.

The Fine Arts Association gave me the tools and instructions to tell my story, and it will certainly help you tell yours.

David Malinowski Student, Faculty, and The Roger and Anne Clapp Chair of Performing Arts

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Where We Are Going...

Sustainability Through Growth Growth is an essential element of our success

programming, and devising new ways to

at The Fine Arts Association. We continually

empower people throughout our community.

foster an atmosphere of growth for our

We hope to contribute to the growing

students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to

conversation around diversity, equity, and

constantly find innovative ways to provide

inclusion, and how the arts can contribute to

the best possible experience for everyone

community wellness through arts experiences

who calls The Fine Arts Association their

and creative arts therapies.

home for the arts.

By leading in these areas, The Fine Arts

However, we also recognize that in a rapidly

Association will continue to create and

changing world growth is essential for our

support “A Community Empowered by

ability to thrive. The Fine Arts Association

the Arts.”

must be more than a destination for arts education and performance. It must operate in manner that supports the work and growth of the entire community.

We will increase the sustainability of our mission by entering new partnerships, developing innovative ways to deliver

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Being from a differing country, it is important to find that sense of belonging. At FAA we found an organization that respects diversity, promotes culture, and contributes to the development of our kids. One of our daughters, Andrea, has been learning piano with Mrs. Feroza LaBonne, who has become a source of learning for Andrea not only in piano. Andrea has also improved her focus, learned how to manage pressure, and has also improved attention to detail in multiple activities beyond piano.

Andrea also thinks that piano lessons are fun as her teacher makes the sessions enjoyable. For all the above reasons, I also decided to join the FAA as a board member. I truly believe that this organization can make a big impact in society.

Reinaldo Martinez Board member

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The vitality of cities is identified with the ability to foster connections between residents and with local businesses and institutions. Willoughby is fortunate to be a community that values the arts as a way to connect, stimulate, and energize. From small ad hoc performances in our historic downtown, to planned events, lectures and performances, FAA has been a valued partner in the economic growth of our city. With the foresight and cooperation of the FAA administration and board, we are looking to establish our downtown as an arts, entertainment and cultural district. Our partnership with FAA is critical to realizing this goal.

Bob Fiala Mayor and Safety Director, City of Willoughby

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

“ The arts played a huge role in both my personal and professional growth. I became a piano and voice teacher for kids, am dancing in an amazing company, and I perform as much as I can. I believe the arts are incredibly important because they serve as an outlet for personal expression.

The arts give a voice to someone who may not have one. The way I’ve seen the arts impact people’s lives is truly something special. It creates community, encourages self-expression, and builds confidence.

Rachel Nash FAA Dance Alumni

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Become Part of Our Story Does being part of a Community Empowered by the Arts resonate with you? Would you like to Create and Discover Beauty?

There are many ways that you can help write the next chapter of our story. Consider some of the many examples below: • Attend a performance

• Join our Board

• Take a class

• Become and business or nonprofit

• Volunteer • Invite a friend • Share Our story • Become a performance season subscriber • Sponsor a program or performance

partner • Donate to a scholarship fund to assist those in need • Create a donor advised fund • Endow a Program • Contribute to our capital projects fund

For more information...

Visit our website at fineartsassociation.org, contact us at (440) 951-7500 or thefineartsassociation@gmail.com.

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Empowering the Arts - The Fine Arts Association

Create and Discover Beauty

fineartsassociation.org 38660 Mentor Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

This publication made possible by the generous support of the Cleveland Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council.