The Arts

My family has been involved with the arts since long before my time. By my family, I mean mostly Dad. Mom's role has been patron, supporter and driver. Dad has done it all: acting, writing, producing, concessions, administration, singing, casting and on and on . . . he's still going today, having just completed writing and scoring a musical which will be produced just as soon as he has time with the other dozens of projects he has going on. Even though he's never lived here, Charlottesville is my dad's kind of town.

One of the attributes that attracted us to Charlottesville is the strong presence of the arts community. Music, theater, art and the opportunity to participate in and enjoy quality arts and entertainment are a big draw for those coming to our little town from the big city. I remain confident that there's as much, if not more going on in C'ville than any big town in the U.S.

Today, the Leadership Charlottesville class had the joy of taking a walking tour including Paramount Theater, Live Arts, Second Street Gallery and the Music Resource Center. The behind-the-scenes look at the arts community provides a glimpse one might not otherwise see as a patron sitting in the seats at the Paramount Theater, for example. I'm glad to have learned the history of the Paramount (beginning with vaudeville in the thirties, triumphant resurrection in the early 2000s), learned more about the success of the Pavilion and the current and future plans of the arts at UVA. Knowing these details will enhance the experience and appreciation as a patron of the arts community.

At Live Arts we met artistic director John Gibson. The Live Arts facility is a fantastic variety of spaces dedicated to a variety of performances, primarily for adults. We also were thrilled to meet Richelle Claiborne, a performing artist who performed original poetry and sang for us, a huge bonus to the planned talk she gave about what life is like as an artist in our community.

At Second Street, we went to school with Leah Stoddard, the director of the gallery who provided information on what the gallery offers and some art buying tips.

The Music Resource Center was a thrilling end to our day. As a mom with a teenager inspired above all by music, learning about this program for kids in seventh through 12th grade was very exciting. Finding out that the program costs only $10 a year and is open to all kids (provided they go to school and do well) in the area, was an extra plus. I've asked my son, a high school junior to go with me and visit the Music Resource Center and get involved -- as a kid who aspires to work with middle school aged kids in music programs as an adult, the introduction to this program could provide him lifelong inspiration.

Before we moved to Charlottesville, we knew the arts community was strong, little did we know just how prevalent, supported and energetic it is. What I've learned is that this is not only my dad's kind of town, it's mine, yours and everyone's.