11 Jun A J Properties Supports the Arts from Home to Hollywood!
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” –Edgar Degas
A. J. Properties is pleased to partner with West Arundel Creative Arts (WACA) by providing studio space, to bring the arts to west county to effect change in our community. The arts transcend race, culture, social & economic mores in a language everyone can understand. Fortunately for west county, WACA, a studio for performing and fine arts, can be found at Academy Junction Plaza in Odenton Town Center.
Brainchild of Executive Director Rebecca Feibel, WACA was an idea without a home. A. J. Properties’ (AJP) president Jay Winer, donated space at Academy Junction and WACA has now been in our Odenton center for half the year. I caught up with her recently to see how things are coming along. She was happy to share the peaks and valleys.
WACA offers a v
ariety of performing and fine arts classes for ages three to teen to adult including workshops consisting of theme study, Shakespeare and Creative Writing. There are currently six instructors, and the variety of classes continues to change with each session. The studio was pleased to open its very first Art Show last month showcasing nine local artists. A free Art Drop In day for children was also held. Rebecca mentioned her joy in watching a shy, three year old transform into a boy happy to express himself in a safe environment.
Along with regular classes, WACA is making waves with some summer fun. Beginning June 14th on a monthly basis, Short Plays Saturday will feature four one-acts by local playwrights. Two upcoming summer camps are planned. The Little Mermaid Jr, a day camp thru Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks, will be held July 7-18 at Meade High School for grades one through eight. There will also be a half day Shakespeare camp in July at Laurel Mill Playhouse for grades six through twelve. Plans are in the works to present a family friendly musical next July (2015).
While there is plenty going on both implemented and planned, there is still much to be done and obstacles to overcome. Rebecca advised that they are continuously looking for opportunities to make the community more aware of what they have to offer but WACA’s biggest hurdle is funding. “The arts organizations have been a supportive network of people helping us stay connected,” she said. While they greatly appreciate the community partners who have stepped up to help, they are still missing the basic necessities for simple operational costs such as electricity and are in need of additional sponsors. A concert fundraiser is planned for November 1st at the Chesapeake Arts Center with headliner Risa Binder (country singer /songwriter), Lindsay Bell (American Idol contestant) and Ashley Forest (notable local country singer from We
st County).
For Jay, once a drummer himself, the arts are intrinsic. Jay and his wife own Artcraft retail galleries with their youngest son Adam. High end craftworks by American artists are available at Historic Savage Mill, a former textile mill converted to shops for artists and antiques, and National Harbor. His oldest son Jason began in the performing arts from an early age and has acted, written and directed for stage and screen to include Modern Family, The Crazy Ones, and the remake of Arthur. Jay also made sure Odenton Town Center was home to fine art when he designed and commissioned the sculpture All Roads Lead to Odenton which is proudly displayed at the Odenton Health & Technology Campus (across from the Odenton Shopping Center) at 1130 Annapolis Road in Odenton Town Center.
If you’d like to know more about WACA’s program, please connect with them on facebook or visit their website at www.wacarts.com. If you’d like to know more about A. J. Properties and other community involvement, you can also find us on facebook or review the About Us section on our website.