Last week, fine art teachers from the Putnam County Charter School System came to perform and display their art at The Plaza. I stayed that night as the attendant for the theater, but I sure am glad I was working that evening.

I left the theater inspired by those teachers. It made me so hopeful that the arts are alive in Putnam County.

See, I grew up in Oconee County where I danced competitively and performed in Show Choir and theater, so the arts have always been prevalent to me. All of my best friends were somehow involved in the arts as well.

Growing up close to the performing arts gave me a community — a tight knit friend group.

I fully believe that every single student could benefit from taking part in the arts. Football players can develop core strength and balance from taking ballet classes, chess team members can gain confidence and creativity from painting, mechanic classes can practice customer service skills by volunteering at a theater…I could go on.

Basically, anyone and everyone can benefit from seeing a performance, taking a drawing class or even working on costumes for a play. The arts bring so many wonderful things to a community and without the teachers, students, local theaters, venues, etc. we wouldn’t have an arts community.

I urge you to take some time and research ways to get you or your kids involved in the performing or visual arts. The Lake Country has great resources such as The Artisans Village for viewing and learning the visual arts, Steffan Thomas Museum for viewing art and, I am biased, but my favorite local theater, The Plaza Arts Center for seeing a performance, learning song and dance with The Arts Barn or volunteering as a theater usher.

There are plenty of ways to get your feet wet in the arts and the arts need you in order to survive. Support your community by giving everyone a chance to see how the arts do good. Thank your kids’ music, theater and dance teachers. Donate to your favorite arts organization. Let’s keep the arts alive in our community.

For more information about shows at The Plaza, donating to The Plaza or volunteering at The Plaza, visit plazacenter.org or email moreinfo@theplazaartscenter.com. We can’t wait to see you come through those theater doors soon!

Taylor Surman is marketing director of The Plaza Arts Center. She can be reached at marketing@theplazaartscenter.com .