Fountain Square Arts Council.... building momentum.

Fountain Square Arts Council... building momentum.

By: Kelli Safford and Nita McCormick

This past year several resident artists from the Fountain Square area came together to create the Fountain Square Arts Council (FSAC). Born out of Study Circles conversations, the group seeks to form a connective bond between artists and residents in the Southeast, make all forms of artistic expression available to residents and youth, and continue to enhance awareness of Fountain Square as one our of our city's premiere arts and cultural destinations in Central Indiana and beyond.

Since its formation, FSAC has been working hard towards achieving the mission and goals which were established early in the planning phases. Showcasing these efforts, FSAC was recently involved in coordinating the children’s art activities in conjunction with Masterpiece in a Day, sponsored by Big Car Gallery. Children of all ages could engage in textile workshops, musical instrument activities, storytelling, painting, and drawing. Children had an opportunity to provide their talent to a mural which will be on display in the Fountain Square Library, as well as contribute their thoughts to talking walls throughout the day.

The momentum of the group continues with the next event for FSAC being Santa in the Square; 2008 will be the second year in a row for participation from the council. Future events which are in the works are fundraising activities for the council and continuation of the Arts Parade held by IMA in the Spring of 2008. FSAC is looking to expand and provide further inclusion of the Southeast neighborhood in such events either in late Spring or Summer 2009. FSAC will also be working to develop ways in which the youth throughout the Southeast area can develop their skills in various forms of arts through workshop participation.

FSAC is currently seeking 501(c)(3) status and regularly meets on a monthly basis. The next public meeting will include establishing the leadership of the council, as well as to brainstorm for FSAC future events. This meeting will take place on October 29th, 6:30 pm at Wheeler Arts Community. For more information on FSAC, and to sign up to receive announcements/updates, please contact the Fountain Square Arts Council at fsacouncil@yahoo.com .