At Monroe Street
Arts Center, creativity isn't just encouraged—it's cultivated. With a mission
to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people can learn, make, and
share music and art, MSAC has become a cornerstone of artistic expression in
our community. Their team of over 50 local artists and musicians brings passion
and expertise to fostering creative inspiration for people of all ages.
Growing to Meet Community Needs
MSAC's journey began
in 1996 on Monroe Street, where they spent 25 years building their reputation
and programs. By 2020, their success had outgrown their original space,
prompting a move to their current location at the corner of Monroe Street and
West Lawn, directly across from Trader Joe's.
Carey Zawlocki
stepped into the director role in June 2020, just as the center transitioned to
its new home. The timing proved perfect. With double the square footage of
their previous location, MSAC could expand their programming significantly.
Today, they serve approximately 2,000 students annually, offering everything
from early childhood music classes to adult painting workshops where local
artists share their specialized skills with the community.
Programs That Connect and Inspire
Summer camps remain
one of MSAC's most popular offerings, especially during these warmer months.
Over 10 weeks, they welcome 100 children each week, ages 3 to 14, to
participate in camps focused on visual arts or music. The energy and excitement
during camp season energizes the entire organization.
Private music
lessons represent another cornerstone of their programming. Twenty skilled
musicians on staff teach everything from harmonica and ukulele to piano,
creating meaningful one-on-one relationships between students and instructors.
These personal connections often become the foundation for lifelong musical
journeys.
Breaking Down Barriers
In 2022, MSAC
launched their "Beyond Monroe Street" initiative, a financial
assistance program that makes art and music classes accessible to a broader
community. Through grants, donations, and sponsorships, they provide free
classes to participants who might otherwise face financial barriers.
Community
partnerships have flourished through this initiative. MSAC now offers childhood
music classes at Bayview Community Center and provides early childhood art and
music classes through Aspire Therapies for children with special needs. These
collaborations build bridges with families who previously lacked resources to
access arts programming.
The initiative
addresses a fundamental truth: art and music can feel like luxuries to many
families. By removing financial barriers, MSAC ensures that creative expression
becomes accessible rather than exclusive.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
The benefits of
participating in music or art extend far beyond the hours spent in class or
summer camp. MSAC recognizes that creative activities impact the whole child,
fostering qualities that can be difficult to develop elsewhere.
Making art teaches
frustration tolerance—sometimes it takes several attempts to achieve the
desired result. Group classes develop collaboration skills as children learn to
share materials and space with classmates. For participants of all ages, these
experiences build self-confidence and create a genuine sense of accomplishment.
MSAC encourages
creative curiosity at every age. Art extends beyond drawing ability, offering
adults opportunities to explore creative aspects of themselves they may have
forgotten in the demands of daily life. Taking time for a new hobby or
discovering an unexpected skill can be transformative.
Impressive Growth and Impact
MSAC's 2024 numbers
demonstrate their expanding reach and community impact:
- 245 new music students joined
their programs
- 12 local artists collaborated
to teach workshops and classes
- 560 new art students
discovered their creative potential
- 1,085 total students brought
them to 99% capacity
- 336 new students enrolled
through summer camp programming alone
- $14,481 in scholarships
supported 18 students
Get Involved
MSAC offers multiple
ways for community members to contribute. Volunteers can support programming
directly, while supply donations help maintain and enhance their offerings.
This summer brings
exciting community events, including First Fridays at Wingra Park for Music by
the Water, featuring children's music and park-based art-making open to all
community members. MSAC will also participate in Art Fair Off the Square, with
plenty of summer opportunities still available.
A Creative Future
With a rich history
in the downtown community, Monroe Street Arts Center continues evolving to meet
their neighbors' creative needs. Their hope for the future remains focused on
their founding mission: serving as a welcoming space where creativity thrives
and even more creative minds can discover their artistic potential.
Ready to explore your creative side? Visit Monroe
Street Arts Center to discover classes, camps, and workshops that fit your
interests and schedule.
Park Bank