Southwest Arts Center Boosts Arts Education Access in South Fulton

Expanding Arts Education and Community Engagement

South Fulton Southwest Arts Center is making waves by expanding its arts education programs and solidifying its role as a creative hub for the community. From traditional drawing classes to spoken word poetry and jazz dance, the center is offering diverse opportunities for people of all ages to explore their artistic talents.

In drawing classes, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of art, including how different pencils affect shading, tone, and texture. Students learn about the behavior of softer, darker pencils on paper and the importance of avoiding overworking graphite to prevent unwanted shine. This structured program is designed to build foundational skills that will serve as a base for future artistic endeavors.

"We do four weeks of drawing, and then we do four weeks of beginner painting. To me, drawing is the foundation for the painting," said Lloyd Harold, one of the arts education coordinators for the center.

The center has also launched a spoken word class as part of its theater programming, responding to growing interest in this form of expression.

"It is a class that, based on high demand, I have decided to create underneath the theater umbrella," said Devin Shaw, theater arts education coordinator at the Southwest Arts Center. "It is also an opportunity for our seniors under our Seniors Arts Programs (SAP) program to come in and share their creative works."

Shaw emphasized that the class provides a platform for self-expression across generations.

"This class, in particular, like so many others, provides a platform for our students to have their voices heard," Shaw said. "The Southwest Art Center is a hub. It brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, experiences."

Classes are designed to meet students at different skill levels.

"We meet people where they are and support them in any way," Shaw said.

The center has also made significant upgrades to its facilities, including new flooring, curtains, murals, and state-of-the-art theater technology.

"Our renovations happened in steps," Shaw said. "Our theater, which has recently been reopened – we had a ribbon-cutting not too long ago. It’s also been newly renovated, state-of-the-art technology."

He noted that the community has responded positively to these improvements.

"They love seeing the improvements in their community," Shaw said. "They want their children and their grandchildren involved."

In another studio, seniors participate in a jazz dance class taught through the Senior Arts Program.

"We focus on precision, technique, making sure that they are moving efficiently and have full range of motion," said dance instructor Algeria Stevenson. "As well as having fun and improving their coordination for day-to-day activities."

Stevenson highlighted the importance of creative outlets, especially for young people affected by community violence.

"We want to make sure that we’re giving those kids and those teens an outlet," Stevenson said. "If you’re upset, if you’re angry, write a book, write a movie, draw a picture. We are even offering podcasting classes now."

Many classes at the Southwest Arts Center are free or offered at a low cost. The center will host a spring event showcasing student work on May 16.

"This is our recital, which is a culminating performance of all the classes," Stevenson said. "Please register. Registration is free, and we have free parking here."

As programming continues to expand, educators say the goal remains consistent: ensuring access to creative expression for all members of the community.