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To provide quality accessible arts education programs for Jackson County youth regardless of their financial means.
Jackson School of the Arts is a vibrant welcoming inclusive place that provides arts education programs for all ages and abilities.
Over the next 3 years Jackson School of the Arts will transition into a prominent arts and cultural center, expand programming and further sustain our standing as the largest provider of arts education in Jackson County and the region.
Jackson School of the Arts was established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2001 by a woman named Leslie Montgomery who saw that many of her children’s friends and peers had no access to arts programming because it wasn’t offered during school, and they could not afford the high cost of after school classes and programs.
She believed that all children regardless of their financial means should have a means to discover and experience the arts. With this vision Jackson School of the Arts was created and it’s mission remains the same today: to make the arts accessible to all children in Jackson regardless of their financial means. What started as a very small program serving 40 children has grown into a center for arts that serves 700 children each week with long term classes and is also a resource to the community for arts education programming.
Jackson School of the Arts enables children to discover their creative potential with out-of-school programs in dance, art and theater. Classes have always been taught by paid instructors, and we have always based class fees on income.
There is no other organization in our community that provides in-depth on going arts programming that is inclusive to all. Our organization has been successful to date because we focus on the people and the community we serve and also pay close attention to current trends both locally and at the national level.
Offered private piano lessons for 15 children at the Martin Luther King Center, the Boos Recreation Center and the Word of Light Outreach Center. Ballet for 25 students was offered at the McCulloch Elementary after school program.
The office moved out of the founder’s house to 804 S. Milwaukee and an administrative assistant was hired. Partnered with the Martin Luther King
Center to put on The Wiz. The theater production included 50 children and 250 people attended the performance.
Ballet classes were offered at Northeast Elementary as part of the Jackson Public School Project Success Program and culminated with a ballet recital and spaghetti dinner. K.A.S.T was also offered (kids after school theater) at Northeast Elementary School and 35 children participated. A K.A.S.T. also ran at Hunt Elementary serving 17 students ages 6-10 and the group produced “Big Bad Wolf on Trial.”
Jackson School of the Arts created a week-long summer arts camp for low to moderate income children the summer that ran 2002-2006. The cost per camper was $40. The camp grew from 48 children in its first year to 65 and served youth, ages 9 – 15.
The Jackson School of the Arts moved to an old elementary school building on Longfellow where it rented an office and 2 classrooms. Here the first dance classes outside of the school system were offered.
The partnership with Jackson Public Schools continued wherein JSA provided before and after school arts programs at area elementary, middle schools, and the alternative high school serving approximately 100 kids each year. We formed new partnerships to provide arts programs to youth including the Florence Crittenon Services, the Court Reporting Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts
The Board of Directors adopted a “Renewed Plan-New Future Plan.” In an effort to avoid duplication of efforts in our community, we consolidated our piano program with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Community Music School. After a short and successful fundraising campaign we relocated the Jackson School of the Arts to the up and coming arts and cultural district next to Armory Arts Village. We renovated 2,300 square feet of an old factory space to include 2 studios suitable for dance and theater, an art classroom, a parent waiting room, reception area and administrative office. As a result of an effective marketing plan, we tripled student enrollment. Added a part time administrative assistant.
Tough economic years for the Jackson community. We saw many nonprofits close. Our enrollment was not affected and in fact we grew.
We added a third dance studio. 2 full time staff.
Expanded our waiting area to accommodate more parents and siblings.
Added Saturday programming to accommodate growth and demand for classes.
We added a 50 seat theatre and dance store. 3 staff (added receptionist)
Added a small café and a “mini museum.”
Added a 4th dance studio, Friday and more Saturday classes to accommodate program growth. Hired a part time Assistant Director and a new Artistic Director. We added a pre-professional dance company. The board formed a relocation committee to address organizational growth.
“Providing the arts for our children is vital to the health and development of our community. I’m honored to serve the Jackson School of the Arts as a community member and as a parent of a current student.”
“In my role at JTV, I have been able to help shine a light on the great people and organizations in our community, and Jackson School of the Arts is one of my very favorites. I’m also a student of JSA, and so impressed with their staff. This is my opportunity to give back, to an organization that has given so much to me. I look forward to doing my small part as JSA transitions into the historic downtown Masonic Temple Building.”
To this day I am so thankful for being involved in dance from the age of four on. I am passionate about dance as dancing taught me:
Why would I not be passionate about sharing these types of lessons and experiences with the World?
“Growing up with a crayon always in my hand and a love for drawing and art I’m honored to be a part of the Jackson School of the Arts and to serve an organization that provides such meaningful and accessible programming to our community. I feel as though I get to be a part of coloring brighter futures for our kids!
Philip J. Curtis is a partner and managing attorney of Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski, P.C., which was founded by his grandfather, former Jackson County Probate Court Judge George H. Curtis, in 1901. As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, Mr. Curtis enjoys his family, giving back and serving his community by, among other things, serving on the Board of Directors of the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, the Jackson School of the Arts, and the Spring Arbor University Foundation in Spring Arbor, Michigan, and supporting many worthwhile organizations.
