The Wyoming Fine Arts Center has been part of the Cincinnati community for three decades, offering private lessons, camps, classes and performances out of a restored 1910-era home just outside the city. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke with Brianna Matzke, executive director, about what the center offers families and what’s coming this fall.
The center has been around for 30 years. What has it been, and what is it now?
We are a place where neighbors have taken their first piano lessons, discovered a love of drawing, or found their footing on a stage. We’re a nonprofit, and our mission is to make high-quality arts education accessible to everyone. We offer private lessons, group classes, camps and performances across music, visual art, dance and theater. The building itself is part of the story, too — it’s a historic home that has been lovingly maintained and adapted so it can keep serving the community for generations to come.
What can kids, teens and families sign up for?
We have something for just about every age and interest. Private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwinds and more, taught by working musicians who genuinely love to teach. Group classes and workshops for adults, families, teens and children in visual art, dance and theater. And every summer, a full season of arts camps for kids and teens. Whether a child is picking up an instrument for the first time or an adult is getting more serious about their craft, we try to meet them where they are.
What’s coming up that families should know about?
This summer’s camp lineup is something I’m really proud of. One I keep talking about is called The Making Of: Sets, Props, Costumes & Special Effects. It’s hands-on, it’s theatrical, and it lets kids see the full picture of how a production comes together behind the scenes. We’re also aiming to launch a free Sunday concert series in our ballroom this fall — good live music, open to everyone, no ticket required.
How do you keep programs accessible to families who can’t afford full tuition?
We take that seriously. Thanks to support from ArtsWave and our community, we keep tuition affordable. This fall, we’re expanding our scholarship program for private music lessons to include after-school art and theater programming as well. Our building is also in the middle of an accessibility improvement project — we’re fundraising for a ramp and restroom renovation — because we want our space to reflect our values. We also try to program across the widest range of interests, abilities and backgrounds so students see themselves reflected in what we teach and perform.
How can families get more involved beyond classes?
Come volunteer. We just launched a program called the Care Crew, made up of community members who help us steward the building and garden. Follow us on social media, tell a friend, or just walk in. You can find everything at musicartdance.org.
