A Note from the Founder/President, Sheri Bestor
Our Performing Arts Department along with our StageKids shows have reached thousands of children and hundreds of families over the years. We are continuing to work on improving our performing arts offerings through developing our dance department, refining our StageKids curriculum and setting a goal of upgrading our theatre, music room and recording studio.
We are focussing our energies equally towards the Visual and Literary Arts Departments and are excited to move forward toward one of our goals of having studio and gallery space to showcase art work and host special events.
I am proud to announce the expansion to a brand new NSAA “sister site”, The Arts Mill, a division of NSAA. This will be located in the Historic Grafton Mill on the second and third floors. Not only is the river setting beautiful but the historic character gives it an “East Side” or “Third Ward” feeling. The new location is conveniently just a few blocks from NSAA and will help bring a focus of the arts to the Grafton area.
I am equally as proud to announce that NSAA Programming Director, Paula Christensen is taking on the position and title of Director of this site. Her background, talents and experience in the visual arts will be an integral part of the success of this development along with the fantastic team of staff, board members and volunteers at NSAA.
Ten years ago, we began NSAA at the Historic Grafton Mill. We have come full circle to reside there once again, as we move into our second decade of service to our community. We are especially grateful to the Village of Grafton, Kapco, Neil Willenson and others who have and are supporting us in this journey.
The current Broad Street facility will remain the home site of NSAA. The new facility will contain an emphasis on the visual arts, special events and will be available to cooperating organizations such as Balancing Arts and other community groups.
While we are excited for this venture, we realize that this growth is not only a wish but a necessity. Due to the current economic climate, NSAA is struggling in ways it hasn’t before. We believe this expansion of The Arts Mill will not only help offer much needed opportunities to the community but will aid in helping NSAA move to the next level. Please stay tuned for updates on this project.
We are looking forward to working together to make NSAA a strength to the community for years to come. If you’d like to get involved or are interested in studio space please contact Paula paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Thank you for your continued support.
Sheri Bestor