Community School of the Arts

Counting Down: FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

On my first day as Executive Director of Community School of the Arts, I accidentally locked myself out of the building and into the courtyard — an inevitable conclusion to the fact that I wanted to explore every inch of the available space at First Presbyterian Church Knoxville, TN. Back in 1992, the elevator hit five floors, from the lower parking garage to the 3rd floor where CSA offices, the Sanctuary, and the Chapel were all located. But there were spiral staircases and separate wings and nooks and crannies that took years to reveal themselves, and for 25 years we utilized every inch of space we could find.

On the lower level, the main Art Room was shared with the church’s FISH program, and it and Jesus’ Friends were the only rooms that had direct access to the parking lot. Piano lessons took place in 6 different rooms on 3 different floors. The violin and guitar studio was on the 3rd floor next to our two staff offices, but lessons also took place downstairs and in the Chapel. Children’s Choir, drama, voice class, and string ensemble met in the James Park Room, legendary for its bilious green carpet (we say that with love because for a few years that same carpet adorned our offices). Dance and creative movement took over the gym twice a week. Culinary Arts in the kitchen. Trumpet and percussion ensemble on the 4th floor in what was called the Purple Room, which was, we thought, the furthest you could get from the rest of humanity. Turns out there was also a 5th floor, and that’s where we established the Senior Studio/Printmaking Room, a.k.a. “the happiest place on earth.”

Carol Z Shane (a.k.a. Ms. C’url) had her own studio in the “piano wing” underneath the Chapel because she generously lent the School her very expensive electric piano as her teaching instrument. The studio became her second home in as much as she was Principal Keyboardist for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and was running back and forth between the School and the Tennessee Theatre nonstop.

Spring Recitals were held in the acoustically-perfect Chapel, and twice a year, students performed in the glorious Sanctuary for the Holiday Concert in December and the end-of-year Awards Banquet. The energy in that sacred space was unmatched. One of our alumni petitioned to wed in the Sanctuary because her home church wasn’t large enough to hold her guest list, and she considered First Presbyterian Church a second home. It was a beautiful wedding. They jumped the broom.

It was inevitable, of course, that renovation had to come to First Presbyterian Church. Parts of the building were ancient and inaccessible, the layout was unwieldy, and repairs were becoming increasingly more costly. But for 25 wonderful years, the Community School of the Arts was privileged and blessed beyond measure to call it home. And to me, it will always will be.

Thank you, our dearly departed Carswell Hughs. Thank you, John Bell. Thank you, First Presbyterian Church.

Support the School: An anonymous donor has generously pledged a $50,000 matching grant through June 30. Every dollar matched. https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/give2csaknox

COUNTING DOWN! Ms. Willard here. I’m counting down to my retirement from Community School of the Arts (June 30) by looking back on some of my favorite moments from the last 34 years. I didn’t anticipate that this would be such a monumental task, but stay tuned and bear with me as I blubber my way through such highlights as Side By Side at Bennett, Big Ears Festival, Dogwood Arts, WDVX, “Goldie & Da Bearz” at Bijou Theatre, First Presbyterian Church, and many more.

And if you’re so inclined, please commemorate this time with a gift of any amount to our $50,000 Matching Grant!

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/give2csaknox

Join us in wishing Lacey a Happy Birthday! 🎉🎂🎺 -Jennifer & Jenn

MATCHING GRANT IN HONOR OF JENNIFER WILLARD

For 34 years, Jennifer Willard has been the heart of Community School of the Arts, serving as our one and only Executive Director since the School’s inception. Through her extraordinary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment, she helped build an organization that has changed the lives of countless young people in our community.

We are thrilled wo announce that in Jennifer’s honor, an anonymous donor has generously pledged to match every donation to the Community School of the Arts dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000.

That means your gift today can have twice the impact:
• A $100 gift becomes $200
• A $500 gift becomes $1,000
• A $1,000 gift becomes $2,000

The greatest tribute we can give Jennifer is not simply to celebrate what she built — it is to ensure that her work continues for another 34 years, and more. Please consider making a gift today in honor of Jennifer Willard and in support of the bright future of Community School of the Arts. https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/give2csaknox

Community School of the Arts Community School of the Arts is proud to provide no-cost art + music lessons in Knoxville because every child deserves access to the arts.

MATCHING GRANT IN HONOR OF JENNIFER WILLARD

For 34 years, Jennifer Willard has been the heart of Community School of the Arts, serving as our one and only Executive Director since the School’s inception. Through her extraordinary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment, she helped build an organization that has changed the lives of countless young people in our community.

We are thrilled wo announce that in Jennifer’s honor, an anonymous donor has generously pledged to match every donation to the Community School of the Arts dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000.

That means your gift today can have twice the impact:
• A $100 gift becomes $200
• A $500 gift becomes $1,000
• A $1,000 gift becomes $2,000

The greatest tribute we can give Jennifer is not simply to celebrate what she built — it is to ensure that her work continues for another 34 years, and more. Please consider making a gift today in honor of Jennifer Willard and in support of the bright future of Community School of the Arts.

To make your tax-deductible gift, please click here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/give2csaknox

Community School of the Arts Community School of the Arts is proud to provide no-cost art + music lessons in Knoxville because every child deserves access to the arts.