Friday Feature — Blackbird Academy of Arts

This is one of a series of posts where I feature local businesses or organizations that I believe are working to better Conway, Arkansas. I wanted to sit down with each of them and hear their story.

Jessica Rutherford
Aug 25, 2017 · 6 min read

Sandwiched between the Downtown Farmer’s Market and Blue Sail Coffee, is Blackbird Academy of Arts. For the last 8 years, the staff at Blackbird Academy have been offering quality art education to people in our community. Jennie Strange, Executive Director, sat down with me to share the history and accomplishments of the local non-profit.

Me: How did your personal background influence Blackbird Academy?

Jennie: I started dance at age 3, but grew up doing all types of arts and loving it. Ever since I was a little girl, I would have told you I was going to be a dancer and a writer. To graduate from the UCA Honor’s College, you have to do a thesis and rather than write a sixty page paper, I decided to create a production. I took a story that I had previously written, called Blackbird, which was autobiographical but written in a fairytale-style format. I incorporated about forty other college students; filmmakers, dancers, singers, musicians, actors and created an hour long show that used all of those arts to tell one story. It was performed at Reynold’s Performance Hall and about 400 people showed up to a production that college kids made. Through that process I realized how much the arts, when combined together, could impact people.

Me: What is the meaning behind Blackbird?

Jennie: The Beatle’s song, Blackbird, says ‘take these broken wings and learn to fly.’ We wanted a place where people could take the arts with the broken things in their lives, and learn to fly with that. For me, growing up with the arts were a lot of how I was able to take those negative experiences throughout life and turn them into something positive and productive. I think it’s really important we give people that opportunity. On one hand, it’s beneficial for the artist personally and on the other, it can impact someone in the audience, just watching the performance.

Me: Why is Blackbird a non-profit?

Jennie: I wanted to create a place where students from all financial backgrounds could come together to share their love for the arts, to get quality arts education, and to get creative encouragement. I started this as a non-profit from day one, because I wanted a way for everyone to be involved. We now have students from all different backgrounds, from all over Central Arkansas. It’s a melting pot and that’s what we want.

Me: What are some of your struggles?

Jennie: Funding is always an issue. We try to provide programming at the highest quality. We have professional teachers, we have professional supplies, and we try to keep our facility top-notch. We do our own costumes, sets, and props with volunteers and staff. We try to do all of those things, but in a way where our students and parents don’t have to pay for near the amount of what they’re actually getting. In addition to normal tuition, we offer a scholarship program for students who can’t afford those rates. We’ve given away over $160,000 in our eight years. So we’re always trying to find funding to help with those costs and still keep our quality high, while we continue to grow.

Me: What are some of your accomplishments?

Jennie: Well, I started a non-profit arts academy in the middle of Conway, Arkansas in a recession and we’re still here! Ok honestly, every year we learn how to better meet the needs of our community. One thing I’m really proud of is our Arts Access program, which we’ve been doing components of the whole time we’ve been open. Over the past year or so, we’ve moved it into one program we call the Arts Access program. There are three components. First is our scholarship program, which I mentioned. We are always looking for ways to grow that. The second component is our student engagement initiative. We do free public school performances throughout the year for two of our biggest productions. We’ve had anywhere from 400–1000 kids bust in during the school day to see a production live for free. The third component is our community partners. In the time we’ve been open, we’ve partnered with 10 other non-profits that are working to reach low-income students or at-risk teens or those with disabilities. We provide programming specifically for their clients. We’ve done camps with the Boys & Girls Club, scholarships and workshops with Soaring Wings Ranch, Haven House, Conway Cradle Care, and a variety of other non-profits.

Me: What are some of your current programs?

Jennie: We have our dance program. One thing that makes our program different from others in the area is that we don’t compete. Our focus is on getting the students a quality, technical foundation from day one, but in a way where that’s balanced with creative encouragement and artistry. We’re not trying to build just performers, we’re trying to build artists. We have our sewing program, which is open to kids and adults. It’s really neat to see a mix of ages in a class and what they learn from each other. We have our theatre program. Right now we’re gearing up for auditions. We have a visual arts program, painting, drawing, and ceramics. We do a kid’s workshop throughout the year and also a 16-adult class. We have music classes and do private lessons in piano, violin, voice, and guitar. We also have a Homeschool Arts Enrichment program. Students come in one day a week, either Tuesday or Thursday, and they get to cycle through creative writing, music, and visual arts classes. It’s a lot! In just the last year, we’ve had over 400 students involved in classes, workshops, and camps.

Me: How does someone get involved?

Jennie: On our website, there is a link to volunteer. You fill out a form with your interests or skill set and it goes to one of our staff members, who will then reach out to you. We look for volunteers all throughout the year. We also offer internships in a variety of areas.

Me: How do you plan to grow and what do you think of Conway’s future?

Jennie: We are always looking for ways to be more innovative. Every year we strive to do better for our students than we did the year before. How can we enrich their experience and their education? We’ll continue to work in that direction. As far as Conway is concerned, I’m very excited. I think the city has really started to embrace the arts more so in the last few years. There are a lot of wonderful arts organizations in Conway, working with both kids and adults. We’re glad to be a part of that group.

Jennie Strange and her staff are always looking at ways to grow the academy and impact the lives of their students. Just yesterday, a story was shared about their decision to name Ann Turney the new Development Director. She will serve as liaison between the academy and the community and oversee development and fundraising. [you can read the article here] If you are interested in enrolling, you can view the schedule on their website here. You can give them a call, send an email, or go by and visit!

Jessica Rutherford is a Conway native who uses her customer service background to provide a customized experience for each of her clients. If you are looking to buy, sell, rent, or invest in real estate, let her be your neighborhood agent. To see the difference, call today at 501.908.0037 or email jessicarutherford@kw.com.

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Jessica Rutherford

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Local Realtor | DIY nerd | Conway, AR

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