Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Transforming Lives Through Arts Education
Arts+ is a community organization dedicated to transforming lives through accessible arts education. Founded in 1969, we connect children, adults, and families to visual art and music programs that foster lifelong skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Our mission emphasizes inclusivity, offering outreach programs and financial aid to ensure accessibility for all socioeconomic backgrounds.With over 4,500 students annually, we provide private lessons, group classes, summer camps, and community initiatives like the Charlotte Youth Choir and Studio 345. Our values prioritize excellence, diversity, and sustainable growth, driven by a team of passionate instructors and advocates. We measure success through the transformative impact of arts education on individual lives and the broader Charlotte region.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Adult Art Classes
Youth Choir Programs
Summer Camps
Studio 345 Courses
Outreach Programs
Group Music Classes
Visual Art Workshops
Suzuki Instruction
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer 54 years of experience in community arts education
- Our programs serve 4,500 students annually with 50% receiving financial aid
- We provide unique partnerships with local institutions like Studio 345
- Our faculty includes 30+ professional artists and music instructors
- We combine arts training with life skills development for all ages
Services
Private Music Lessons
Customized music training for all ages and skill levels. Students receive personalized instruction on instruments like piano, violin, guitar, and voice. Our 30+ professional instructors use proven methods to develop technical skills while fostering creativity and self-expression.
Studio 345 Courses
Free digital media programs for high school students. Courses include photography, music production, filmmaking, and graphic design. Taught by professional artists, these classes combine technical training with personal development to build creative and professional skills.
Charlotte Youth Choir
Three-tier choir program for grades 1-12. Participants develop vocal skills, music literacy, and teamwork through weekly rehearsals and public performances. The program emphasizes community building and individual growth within a supportive ensemble environment.
Adult Art Workshops
Skill-building visual art classes for adults. Options include painting, printmaking, screen printing, and mixed media. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels with both weekly series and one-day workshops available at community studios.
Outreach Programs
Financial aid and reduced-cost programs ensuring arts education accessibility. Half of our 4,500 annual students receive subsidized training through partnerships, scholarships, and in-school programs that remove economic barriers to participation.
People
Devlin McNeil
President and Executive Director
Leading Arts+ since 2020, Devlin brings 25+ years of nonprofit management experience. He oversees strategic operations and community partnerships while maintaining the organization's 54-year commitment to accessible arts education.
Wes Smith
Director of Music Programs
With 18 years at Arts+, Wes directs all music initiatives including the Charlotte Youth Choir. A professional choral conductor, he focuses on musical excellence and community engagement through performance-based learning programs.
Caroline Tippette
Director of Visual Art Programs
Caroline leads visual arts education with 15+ years of experience in arts administration. She develops curriculum and community partnerships to expand access to painting, drawing, and mixed media instruction across all age groups.
Angela Grauel
Director of Studio 345
Angela manages the free digital media program for high schoolers. With a background in youth development, she connects Charlotte-Mecklenburg students to professional artists and technology resources for career-ready creative skills.
Marissa Keener
Carolina Suzuki Strings Artistic Director
Marissa oversees Suzuki music education programs, teaching violin, viola, and cello. She implements the language acquisition-based Suzuki method while directing group classes and performance opportunities for young string musicians.
Questions
What age groups do Arts+ programs serve?
We offer programs for all ages from infants through adults, including preschool music classes, youth choirs, teen digital arts courses, and adult art workshops.
Are financial aid options available?
Yes, half our students receive financial aid or reduced-cost programs through our outreach initiatives, merit scholarships, and community partnerships ensuring accessible arts education.
What instruments can I learn through private lessons?
Private lessons cover piano, strings (violin/viola/cello/harp), guitar, voice, drums, woodwinds, and brass. Instruction styles range from classical to contemporary across all skill levels.
How do I register for group classes?
Register through our website for fall and spring sessions. Summer camp enrollment opens annually in March. Class options and schedules are updated seasonally with early registration discounts available.
Does Arts+ offer performance opportunities?
Yes, students participate in recitals, choir performances, and community events. Rock+Blues students have gig opportunities, while visual artists showcase work in annual exhibitions at our community campus.
What is Studio 345?
Studio 345 is a free digital media program for Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schoolers offering courses in photography, music production, filmmaking, and graphic design taught by professional artists.
