Fenton, MI — February 4, 2020
In a joint news release, local organizations representing the visual and performing arts in
the Fenton area announced they each received a matching grant from the Share Art Genesee program from the Greater Flint Arts Council totaling more than $74,000.
- Fenton Village Players (FVP) awarded the Tier II Programs and Services grant for $27,000
- Fenton Community Orchestra (FCO) awarded the Tier II Programs and Services grant for $27,000
- Kidz Theatre Company (KTK) awarded the Tier II Programs and Services grant for $7,936
- City of Fenton Arts & Culture Commission (FACC) awarded the Tier II Programs and Services grant for $7,700
- Fenton Arts Council awarded the Tier I Programs and Services grant for $4,500
The Fenton Village Players, founded in 1972, is a performing arts organization that exists to provide the community opportunities and facilities to study, appreciate and participate in the arts, including professional quality theatre. “We plan on using the grant to improve the quality of the productions and programs we provide to the community while keeping admission prices affordable for everyone,” said Daniel Ragan, Chairman of the FVP Board.
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the Fenton Community Orchestra’s purpose is to provide a place for musicians of all ages to connect through music by providing an educational and entertaining musical experience for both its members and community. According to FCO Board Chairman Eric Szczepanski, the FCO, founded in 2010, has grown to 120 members across its three orchestras: FCO’s Symphony, Simply Strings, and Prelude String. “This grant will allow us to demonstrate our commitment to music education by offering opportunities for students in grades 3-6 interested in learning to play the violin,
viola or cello through our Prelude String program.”
The Kidz Theatre Kompany, founded in 2001, exists to provide K-12 children the unique experience of utilizing their creative abilities through studying and performing theatre. “We plan to expand our summer programs for our membership and enhance our current main stage productions,” said KTK Producer Patti Lee.
The City of Fenton Arts & Culture Commission was established in 2016 by the Fenton City Council to support the initiative and promotion of art and cultural opportunities in the Fenton area. “We intend to expand our summer arts camps program for children,” said FACC Chairwoman Patricia Lockwood, Mayor Pro Tem. “In addition, this grant will also support the 2020 Cabin Fever winter concert series and Meet the Author series.”
The Fenton Arts Council, founded in 1997, is an all-volunteer organization that promotes all forms of art and culture in our community: visual, musical, performing, literary and technology integrated arts. According to Board President Joan Horcha, the grant will support the Arts Are the Heart series, a free event that encourages awareness and exploration of visual arts, musical and dance performances, and STEAM connected experiences.
Each organization would like to thank the voters of Genesee County and the members and businesses of our community for their continued support of the arts. The Share Art Genesee grant program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council and made possible by the Genesee County Arts and Cultural Millage fund.
