At Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA), we believe creativity is for everyone. Art has the power to inspire, heal, and transform lives—and thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, we’re working tirelessly to remove barriers and ensure art is accessible to all.
Through our Creativity Fund, families in need receive financial aid to participate in a wide range of programs, from dance and clay to digital arts and music. In the past year alone, this fund has opened doors for 45 families, enabling children and adults alike to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and experience the joy of artistic expression.
Expanding Opportunities Across Departments
Art takes many forms, and WCA’s programs are designed to meet the needs and interests of a diverse community. Here are just a few examples of how we’re increasing access to the arts:
- Dance: Recently, 80 young dancers, ages 3-14, performed in The Nutcracker. This production offered not only a magical experience for audiences but also an educational and nurturing environment for the dancers themselves. Accessible programs like these empower children to explore their potential on stage and behind the scenes.
- Clay: Our Clay Department is overflowing with artists of all ages. To meet the growing demand, we’ve added new classes, ensuring more individuals can experience the therapeutic and creative benefits of working with clay. Daily studio activity highlights the program’s vibrancy and reach.
- Digital Arts: With the rise of new technology, our digital arts classes are making creativity more relevant and engaging for teens and pre-teens. Stop-Motion Animation with Lego, for instance, has been a hit, with students producing imaginative short films that combine technical skills with artistic vision.
- Music: WCA’s expanded music program offers private lessons in a variety of instruments and group classes in guitar and piano. These group classes provide an accessible entry point for students exploring music without the financial commitment of private lessons. Our newly renovated Piano Studio is particularly impactful, offering practice hours for students who might not have access to a piano at home.
- Visual Arts: From impasto painting to printmaking, our visual arts classes provide diverse opportunities for all ages. Free workshops in visual arts allow people of all ages to experience an art class in our building. Beyond our campus, our Outreach Program brings art to underserved communities, including Head Start classrooms, Boys & Girls Clubs, and The Village Network, ensuring creative opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access.
Outreach that Transforms Lives
One of the most powerful examples of WCA’s commitment to breaking down barriers is our recent collaboration with the Orrville Boys & Girls Club, supported by the J.M. Smucker Co. During the spring, 24 students participated in 98 music therapy sessions, designed to help them regulate emotions, soothe anxiety, and go to class ready to learn. For children referred by school counselors, this program provided a safe and creative outlet for growth and healing.
Building a More Creative Future
Access to the arts should never be limited by financial or logistical challenges. Whether it’s offering scholarships, creating programs tailored to underserved communities, or providing resources like practice spaces and materials, WCA is committed to eliminating barriers so that everyone can experience the transformative power of art.
If you’re inspired by this mission, consider supporting our Annual Fund. Together, we can continue to enrich lives, strengthen our community, and ensure that art remains a vital and accessible part of everyday life for all.
Thank you for helping us make creativity accessible to everyone—because art belongs to us all.