In the Spotlight!

Welcome to The Fine Arts Association’s newsletter on-line!  On this page you will find the latest in student success stories, exciting new projects and special features for your information and your enjoyment. We hope that “In the Spotlight” will keep you personally connected to the magic created by your support of Your Center for Arts Education. Enjoy!

“Fine Arts Recognizes State Legislators at Annual Meeting”

     Rep. Lorraine Fende and Senator Tim Grendell with FAA CEO Linda Wise and Board President      Ronnie Higley.  Both legislators were presented with a bottle of Stop 42 wine, signifying the historic inter-urban Willoughby train stop.

    Representative Lorraine M. Fende, (House District 62) and State Senator Timothy J. Grendell, (18 th Senate District) were recognized by The Fine Arts Association at the organization’s 51 st Annual Meeting. Both were honored for their roles in securing $300,000 in state funds for necessary expansions and renovations to Fine Arts’ thirty-six year old facility. Specifics on how the funds will be allocated are under discussion by FAA’s Board of Directors. More than 60,000 students and patrons annually attend art, theatre and dance classes, music lessons, music therapy sessions, concerts, theatre performances and cultural events at The Fine Arts Association.

      Additional business conducted at the Annual Meeting included the confirmation of new board members Eric Barbe, Jeff Brauer and Lois Davis and the installation of 2008-2009 officers Ronnie Higley, President; Maureen Kelly and Wade Mitchell, Vice-Presidents; Martin Eble, Treasurer and Arthur Baldwin II, Secretary. Staff and faculty were also recognized for their years of service including flute instructor Judith Elias who has taught at Fine Arts for forty years.

      Fine Arts CEO Linda Wise commended staff and faculty for the organization’s achievements during her first year as top executive. The spring performance of Disney’s High School Musical realized record-breaking attendance. Music therapy services tripled resulting in the hiring of a second full-time certified music therapist. And notwithstanding a challenging economic environment, the organization operated within a balanced budget.

      Collaborations continue to be a primary focus for the organization. Partnerships with the City of Willoughby , Lakeland Community College , Andrews Osborne Academy , Willoughby-Eastlake Library System and Barnes and Noble are ongoing, in addition to off-site education programming with Lake Hospital System, Lake Metroparks , area schools and several other organizations.

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Society for the Arts – Sharing Vision and Passion
The Fine Arts Association is pleased to announce the creation of the Society for the Arts! This legacy group recognizes our strongest arts advocates for their vision and passion in making legacy gifts to The Fine Arts Association. Friends who have made a deferred gift, through a will, trust, or other legacy opportunity, become members of the Society for the Arts and are invited to meet annually with the executive director for briefings on key issues. Members are also recognized with distinction in our annual report and enjoy special access to selected events. For more information, contact the Development Office at 440.951.7500, ext. 112.