Ideas Plentiful as Arts Group Continues Push

A new group pushing for more arts opportunities in the area got a flurry of suggestions Monday night as it looks to roll out classes and other programs this January. 

West Arundel Creative Arts held its first information meeting and got feedback from about a dozen residents. By the end of the evening, ideas filled four large pieces of paper on the wall. 

"We have a great core group of people who have all different types of talents and see the need for more arts in the community," said Rebecca Feibel, a founding member who serves on the non-profit's board. 

Currently, WACA has arrangements to use vacant space at the Academy Junction shopping center on Piney Orchard Parkway. It is also working with the advocates of the Crofton Regional Community Center about including theater space in their plans.

WACA hopes to begin offering classes in January for children and adults. There appears to be a strong interest in theater acting classes—most WACA board members have a theater background—but the group said it will have offerings in the visual arts. 

Seven Oaks resident Kevin Brennan said he'd like to see classes in the technical aspects of theater, including lighting and set design.  

Susan Neal of Odenton said she and her family has taken classes at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, but would like something closer. She said her daughter would like to see classes in visual arts, including stained glass and even welding.  

Other ideas from the community included: 

• Increasing visibility by attending community events and posting information in public places
• Working with local businesses to offer space for live musical performances
• Partnering with the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, homeowner's associations and senior centers. 
• Exploring ways to partner with the Maryland State Arts Council and Maryland Humanities Council.
• Offering free or low-cost single-day workshops in addition to weekly classes.