This organization serves the community in a variety of ways across the entire demographic, creative and entertainment spectrum.
Over the years it has grown its efforts to address the needs and wants of the public it serves. As their needs grow or change the Center for the Arts meets those needs. It also anticipates needs and wants and has addressed those as well.
Serving as Chairman of the Films for Film Lovers I have seen that occur over the past several years. When we began we were showing eight films during the 'high season', one or two each month and none during summer.
Despite attendance beginning at a low level and building slowly the Center supported the program. Now our recently published schedule includes at least two films a month and doing that year round. There will also be several months with three films and a few with a fourth night that includes dinner. So in the 2013/14 season we will be presenting 34 films for those who love films!
Doing all that has seen audiences grow to the point requiring a move to a larger space. And that was accomplished! Attendance continues to increase and another move to a much larger apace has already been planned.
From the area I volunteer to serve in with the Center my experience has demonstrated its willingness and capability to continue bringing the Arts to the people of Bonita Springs and beyond.
The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs has so many worthwhile programs for all age groups in so many different venues and does a fantastic job of delivering classes, concerts, exhibits, and getting the community involved. I am currently on the Board of Directors and was active in the original capital campaign to build the original buildings of the current campus. The Center has continued to grow since that time and is currently in expansion mode to expand the performing arts campus, as well as make more room for the visual arts classes.
I've taken numerous classes there over the years, including stone sculpting, clay sculpting, metal, etc. My husband enjoys the water color classes and our grandchildren have attended numerous hands-on exhibits at the Center. My youngest granddaughter is currently taking a dance class and already talking about signing up for a Cookonomic Class (where she'll learn fractions without even realizing it)!
The Center does a phenomenal job of adding art to the classroom in schools that have lost all art funding, and the children's classes, summer camps, and camps over the holidays are always filled to the brim. That speaks volumes about the quality and fun of the instructors and these classes.
I could go on and on. I am passionate about the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs! It adds so much more to this community than many are aware.
I can not say enough wonderful things about the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs and their youth education programs. My step son comes to visit me in the summer and has attended their summer camps for the past two years. He says by far the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs is the best camp he has ever been to. The instructors are amazing and the camps are not only fun and engaging, but the campers walk away having learned so much. I personally learned that the width of your eye is the same size as the width of your ear, the length of your nose and the width of your mouth. How did I not know that before? I only learned it while overhearing a camp instructor talking to some of the students when I was picking my son up.
One of the things that truly impressed me about this organization is that they give out over $90,000 in scholarships each year so that every student in the community that wants to attend an art, theater or dance camp can, regardless of any financial constraints a family might have. That says so much about the organization and those who have donated to make this possible.
I highly recommend this organization's youth education, summer camps and theater programs to any one in the community looking for outstanding instructors who love what they do and programs that are on par with any private school in the area.
Thank you all for everything you do!
I have taken classes in watercolor, clay and fused glass and thoroughly enjoyed each. Great staff and instructors! They have a small gift store that carries art supplies - really convenient. I have also attended concerts, theater productions, and a few movies from their foreign film series. There's always something on their schedule that interests me...classes, entertainments, etc.
I have been a member for over three years and have taken numerous art classes through the Center for the Arts. I have taken 5 week courses, mini-classes and visiting artist's workshops. They have all been nothing but wonderful. I have had incredible instructors and the staff at the Center was extremely friendly and helpful. Through my membership I have also attended other events that they have held. Every one of those has been great as well. I would suggest to all to check out this organization. They offer something for everyone!
I have volunteered at the theatre to help meet and greet people at some of the live music and theater events. They put on such wonderful shows and such a variety! Kids plays, live Jazz, Blues and classical music to live Murder Mystery Dinner theater. All the people who work there are so nice and the people who attend the vents some of them members and some note are so excited to be there. It is just fun to be around so much excitement for the arts.
I've volunteered for Center for the Arts for over 10 years. A terrific group of people and a great organization. I've helped install exhibitions, checked-in people at a special event; and a personal favorite, helped with community outreach programs for at-risk local youth. Looking into their faces while we're there providing a free art program. Doesn't get much better than that. I know I've made a difference is a young person's life.