Thanks to a grant from the Rotary of Carroll Creek, the Y Arts Center has a new Makerspace, Ceramics Studio, and Music/Video Production Studio.
The YMCA took control of the former Board of Education building, located at 115 S. Church Street, in May 2020. The building is owned by Ausherman Properties and was completely renovated before the Y took over the building lease. The YMCA Arts Center serves a diverse audience in Frederick County. Programs served more than 5,000 people last year, from pre-K to senior programs, in art, dance, theatre, and music, including a fine arts gallery and nine weeks of summer camp!
These additional studios have created a state-of-the-art space to provide innovative art education for residents and other organizations in Frederick County, including Frederick County Public School System, YMCA Head Start families, and Before and After School Enrichment programs.
“The Ceramics, Maker Space, and Recording Studio are educational tools that will provide both kids and adults the opportunity to explore their creativity at a very high level,” says Anthony Brock, Director of the Y Arts Center. “We are very excited to offer programs through these new studios to the residents of Frederick County and are extremely grateful to the Rotary Club for their vision and support to make this happen.”
The development of the Maker Space Studio will provide programming that incorporates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM education). This integrated approach encourages students to think more broadly about real-world problems and solutions. STEAM education and practices encourage independent thinking, develop problem-solving skills, promote meaningful collaboration, and offer an interdisciplinary approach to academic subjects. STEAM education is considered by researchers to be the new model for developing 21st-century skills where creativity and problem-solving are key components in a technologically advanced workforce. In addition, scientific research shows students engaged in the arts from pre-k through elementary school develop advanced motor skills, accelerate brain development, and build self-esteem.
The ceramics studio has a new full-sized kiln, four pottery wheels, a slab roller, and a wide assortment of clay and glazes for participants to create ceramic works. In addition, the Y Recording Studio incorporates state-of-the-art equipment, including digital recording equipment, an assortment of microphones, and play-back headphones. The Y Recording Studio will offer classes in music production and be available for the public to record any number of projects from audiobooks to podcasts and music. Classes in all three of the new studios began January 2023.
“The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek has a long history of supporting, building, and funding important community projects in Frederick – like the Baker Park Bandshell, Splashes of Hope at Frederick Health, and more. We are excited and proud that our latest big project is in collaboration with the YMCA of Frederick County to support the advancement of education in our community. The recently renovated spaces will increase access to these unique and fun resources and ensure that all of our neighbors have a place to grow their creativity, work together to solve challenges, and have fun,” says Ashley Waters, President of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek.
For questions regarding the Y Arts Center, please contact Anthony Brock at (301) 835-7118 or abrock@frederickymca.org.
