THE FLY Arts Center is abuzz with activity. Community potlucks, professionally catered dinner theatre shows, fundraisers for nonprofits, a quarterly “Maker Market,” plus exhibitions by local artists and collectors are only a few of the events packing their schedule and their parking lot. Recent updates to the facility and museum have been like a fresh wind blowing the dust from The Fly’s handhewn rafters. Pair these thrilling upgrades with a desire to pass down the love of the arts to the younger generation, and the stage is set for a glorious standing ovation.
What started in 2022 as a single children’s theatre production geared toward ages 5 to 16 quickly ballooned into 22 teenagers and 40 children expressing interest in pursuing the stage, with countless more eager to join. This enthusiasm led to the creation of the Youth Arts Program at The Fly, which began in September 2024 with two groups: “Metamorphosis” for ages 5 to 12, and “Emerge” for ages 13 to 18. The core goals for both programs are to provide opportunities and education while building a sense of community. They are currently working to expand their visual arts programs and will eventually dive into literary arts.
Their Youth Visual Arts program, taught by local artist London Marie, includes hands-on learning opportunities through classes and workshops in painting, drawing, and mixed media. They also offer opportunities on the first and third Tuesdays of each month for aspiring artists to create their own masterpieces during their “Open Studio.” Following a grant secured by Crystal O’Neal, they also launched “Art for All,” which makes monthly art lessons accessible to everyone, free of charge, regardless of age.
Marie said, “Learning visual arts fosters creativity, improves critical thinking, enhances self-expression and confidence. It also develops fine motor skills, provides a means of cultural understanding, a connection to history, and supports academic engagement. All of these are essential life skills that these students will carry with them their whole lives.”
On Feb. 19, several young artists displayed their work at the Muse & Mingle event. GN
