By Jeff Ophime

Arts Center Director

Just about everyday we get calls and inquiries from parents that would like to enroll their children in art or music classes but, unfortunately, the monthly tuition fee is not in their family budget. My goal here at the Arts Center is never to turn away anyone due to an inability to pay. Right now we try to limit one scholarship per household. That’s sometimes a challenge because little brother or big sister also wants to join in on the fun. All scholarship applications are reviewed carefully and are awarded based on need. We ask everyone to pay some portion of the monthly tuition to help make the limited available funding stretch as far as possible.

We have received generous scholarship donations in the past and they have all been put to good use. Many young students have been given the opportunity to learn about art and music that may have not had that chance if not for the generosity of others. I am always touched by how appreciative the parents are of the opportunity scholarships provide their children.

There is no shortage of art programs at the Colquitt County Arts Center. Dance, theater, music and the visual arts programs are offered each and every month. The Arts Center has scholarship opportunities available for Youth Studio Classes such as painting, drawing, ceramics and other visual arts disciplines. Music classes at the Arts Center include voice lessons, choir, guitar, piano, drums and violin. I have mentioned in past articles that studies show that music lessons improve math scores and drawing and painting are beneficial to communication skills. Art and music classes build confidence in children which translates into making them better students and future citizens.

It seems that parents are hearing great things about the classes that are offered here at the Arts Center and they want their kid involved. Our students are telling their friends about what a good time they are having learning to play the guitar, singing, dancing, painting or acting in one of the children’s plays. Peer pressure is getting young people involved in our Arts Center. What an improvement over some of the dangerous activities that peer pressure can foster.

I often hear people in the community talking about the need for after school programs and activities for kids and young adults. The Arts Center is filled with programs for young people to get involved in. We have families and their children that would like to come to our Arts Center after school and on Saturdays to take art and music classes but, unfortunately, there are not always adequate financial resources to accommodate everyone. We need to take advantage of and support what we already have in place.

Please contact the Arts Center at 985-1922 if you have a particular student that you would like to sponsor or we will be happy to identify one for you. We can’t meet our goal of not turning anyone away from participating in the arts without your participation and financial help.

Please remember that the Colquitt County Arts Center is not supported by any local tax dollars, although our school system continues to be supportive of arts center programs through scholarships and we are very appreciative of that. I sometimes wonder if we installed a basketball net or some other recreational equipment we could receive some tax based funding. It’s hard for me to understand why the need to offer recreational programs is not questioned, but ensuring that children can participate in the arts seems to be a foreign concept for many. The child that wants to play sports is fully supported; the one that wants to sing or dance is apparently on their own. Athletics are very important, but so are artistic choices.

The only state funding available is from the Georgia Arts Council and that represents less than 2% of our total annual budget. So you can see that your support is essential for the Arts Center to continue offering quality art programs for the people of Colquitt County.

I always feel the need to remind everyone of what an incredible arts facility we have in our community. It is only as good as it is used by kids, seniors and everyone in-between, so, with that said, I hope to see you soon here at the Colquitt County Arts Center. And if you can’t make it, please send a scholarship donation so that a deserving kid can come in your place.