Making Space for Thinking & Creating

Progress on the Stuart High School Arts Campus

People who embrace the creative process have unlimited potential in work and in life. The arts have long been identified with greater academic success and improved interpersonal skills in students. Creativity is also an executive-level skill craved by employers in all fields. Christopher Forbes, Vice Chairman of Forbes, Inc. says, “The success of my family’s business depends on finding and cultivating a creative and innovative workforce. I have witnessed firsthand the power of the arts in building those business skills.” MartinArts provides a supportive infrastructure for the creation and enjoyment of art. In the process, it helps build a sense of place and cultivates a continuum of thinkers from all walks of life.

The vision that is taking shape around the Stuart High School project is exciting for many community residents who are looking for a space to create the art they love. The proposed “maker’s space” and individual artist studios at SHS will provide ample room for the visual artists in our community to reach new heights. The planned space, for example, may play host to IB students from South Fork who need more time than the classroom allows for their creativity. Stuart Middle School students may come with their art club to work with clay and to use the community kiln. Under the watchful eye of the “artist on duty,” students and professional artists alike may gather in the communal space for inspiration. With the establishment of Makers Spaces, the Stuart High School arts center would support, nurture and encourage creatives from all walks of life. The space will serve all types of artists including, visual artists, musicians and authors. The concept will spark collaboration within and among the disciplines in a way our community has never seen, but can be found in renowned programs as far away as the American Academy in Rome and right here in Florida such as the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach and the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. Mike Nelson, MNArchitects, Project Architect

William B. Medellin, Architect, P.A., Consultant for Historic Preservation

Edward Dugger + Associates, P.A., Consultants in Architectural Acoustics

Cornerstone Donors – Thank You!

The Community Foundation Martin St Lucie Sharon and Michael Holt Paula and Wayne Hundt Maureen O’Connor Deighan and Vianne H. Nichols Mr. and Mrs. David and Eileen Kaminsky and Ms. Judith Sargent Stuart High School Strategy Committee Nicki van Vonno Alicia and Marty Weber Women Supporting the Arts To learn more about being a Cornerstone, call Nancy Turrell, 772-287-6676 ext 4.

Hank Gonzalez, Sailfish Realty, Owner’s Representative

Jeff Hardin, Straticon Construction, Construction Management

Article includes excerpts from the Case for Support, written by Julie Hordyk, Kennari Consulting.