The Fine Arts Coalition found its roots in a group of parents interested in advancing the visibility and importance of music in the North Allegheny Schools. Joining with school district professionals, the original goal involved soliciting support for music programs. Soon the group was meeting regularly to develop a philosophy, vision and mission statement. But even as this was happening opportunities for impacting the community became viable.

A community outreach program with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was available. In this setting students would be able to not only enjoy a concert, they had the chance to perform with the orchestra. The coalition, using the talents of the school district and interested parents, decided to turn this into a public event that would address part of the group’s mission — to advance the arts. A facility was secured and tickets were priced moderately so that the community could enjoy the power and brilliance of this world-renowned group.

The resulting concerts, over a period of years, became an event that many in the local area looked forward to. It was soon recognized that the potential involvement went beyond the local area as well as beyond music. Soon the coalition included parents and teachers from other disciplines such as theater, dance and the visual arts. While each held a certain interest, the common good of all areas of Fine Arts became the focus.

Along with community involvement came the more practical matter of assuring that today’s students continue to have exposure to Fine Arts in their daily school routine. The existence of such a formal organization became an asset when the school district was preparing plans for a major renovation of the Intermediate High School. While the district was trying to do a complete and thorough job, it was apparent that the Fine Arts areas would not receive much in the way of attention with respect to the new construction.

Working within the framework of school board policy and procedures, members of the coalition assembled and presented information on the number of students participating in Fine Arts, the value of this involvement and the benefits of investing in improved facilities. Working in a positive proactive manner with school administration and the school board, an increase in funding was made to include the potentially neglected areas. These renovations now provide an increasing number of students with quality space where they can learn and grow.

As more people became involved the make-up of the organization spread to embrace more areas of the arts and people from outside the immediate area. It was time to provide an opportunity to truly involve a larger community and as many disciplines as possible.

The Circus of the Arts was first held in 1998. Theater groups, musical acts, artists in action and literature devotees were all invited to join in a celebration of Fine Arts. The weekend agenda included hands on classes, demonstrations and performance for all age groups. This first event and the resultant interest brought about a repeat in February of 1999 that was even more heavily attended. In 1999 and 2000, the most recent Circus, entire families came and participated together.

For an individual cost of $ 3.00 or the nominal fee of $10.00 a family, visitors can spend Friday evening and all day Saturday in classes learning pottery, painting and design. They might try out an instrument, meet professionals or enjoy performances by student and adult groups. They can participate in a dance class or learn the tricks of the most current technology in computer multi-media. The Circus of the Arts has become the keystone of the Fine Arts Coalition but it is only the beginning. The organization will continue to grow and change, as other talented and interested people become involved.

Today the Fine Arts Coalition has a membership of 300 families and individuals. Members receive a quarterly newsletter that contains information about Fine Arts events in the community, updates on Fine Arts issues and information about people in the arts. This is one more way the organization is pulling together those who are interested and concerned about maintaining Fine Arts in our life.