This old Chinese proverb sums up the Center of Fine
Arts’ philosophy and reason for making today’s announcement.
The Center is formally announcing that it will undertake a new renovation
project, which will enrich the lives of children and families, senior
citizens,
artists and art enthusiasts - in other words “all the above.”
During the upcoming year, the Center will completely
revamp its sublevel floor and build a Creativity Center. When complete,
the Center will be the only one of its kind within the region –
and in fact – the only one of its kind within the state of West
Virginia.
The end results of the renovations will include the
development of an interactive gallery, designed to be an engaging
learning environment. The gallery will nurture the imagination and
allow for self-discovery. Hands on activities will encourage visitors
to touch, listen and explore. There will be two state-of-the-art studios
where participants will learn a variety of skills,
enabling them to express themselves artistically. These studios will
increase the Center’s ability to offer more classes and workshops.
Renovated areas will meet ADA standards, thus guaranteeing
participation by those with physical challenges. Visitors will be
able, for
the first time at the Center, to retrieve the elevator independently
and to move throughout the area without assistance.
Also, renovations will limit access to the rest of
the building and thereby permit more programming within the Creativity
Center
(sublevel floor) during off hours, since security will not be compromised.
The entire space will be a place where residents can
meet and exchange ideas. Seminars, featuring specialist on art, child
development, and other topics will enlighten visitors. It will be
a tool for schools – a resource for teachers that will complement
their curriculum needs.The Center will increase tourism to the area
– it will be a destination.
It
is my personal mission to make art intellectually accessible to
all by de-mystifying it. This Creativity Center will not be just
for those interested in art. It will introduce diverse methods of
learning with the intent of teaching how to perceive the world in
new and different ways, while learning to apply necessary problem
solving techniques.
In affect, The Creativity Center will reinforce the
notion that our institution is more than a mere repository for works
of art. It will proclaim that we are a people oriented rather than
an object oriented place.
So, where are we right now? The Center has come a
long way, but we are a dynamic institution. To better serve the community,
growth is – not only desired – it is required. As the graphic*
illustrates, we have raised a total of $196,500 of a $354,000 goal.
Of course, we need you to help us make this project
become a reality for the community. Please consider contributing in
anyway you can. Spread the word, volunteer, and pledge a donation.
"I
hear and I forget"