Drum corps members Alex Hardin (from left), Geoffrey Baldwin and Michael Hayman practice for a performance, with help from instructor Larry Jones. Photo/Bradley Enghaus
Denise Mimura saw a need. In an area with so much potential, there was no way for the Rainier Valley residents to hone their skills in the arts as well as in life. Other neighborhoods had community theaters, music ensembles and arts centers to accomplish it; Rainier Valley needed something like that. Arts in Motion was the answer.
FILLING A NEED
After 20 years teaching various instruments and music theory in area schools, Mimura, along with a group of families, started Arts in Motion (AIM) in 2004. It is a nonprofit organization that serves the Rainier Valley area by offering arts classes to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to get them. The community's excitement has shown that Mimura was right on about the need for such a place.
"The classes are so fun," said Jonna Lee, an adult student who participated at Arts in Motion. "They're the highlight of my week."
The organization serves about 135 students on a weekly basis with after-school and weekend programs. The bulk of the participants are 400 students from local schools, which bring in Arts in Motion to teach the music curriculum.
As the program's goal is to provide for those who may not have access, the organization subsidizes some fees and provides partial scholarships to people who need assistance.
"It's a huge need," Mimura said. "The challenge has been to provide all of that on a tiny budget. After five years, most of my time is donated. The students are there; it's about being able to provide."
GRASS-ROOTS EFFORTS
The ability to provide has been one of the most important parts of Arts in Motions' continued success. Mimura had the help of families in the Rainier Valley community in setting up the organization, and that continues today.
As it becomes more popular, though, it will take even more to keep Arts in Motion going. The program is always looking for more students and volunteers, and so far, the community has been more than willing to answer the call.
"The goal is to make a real community-involved arts-education program that is here to stay," Mimura said, "and that it will become strong because the community is involved. It has grown really fast, and I think that it is because of the community. It has really been a grass-roots effort."
Despite an annual budget of just $120,000, Arts in Motion is able to offer a myriad of classes - from vocal, instrumental and percussion ensembles to drawing classes and more. There are plenty of opportunities for students to hone their artistic skills.
The organization's funding comes from the registration fees for classes, as well as major donors such as Fred Meyer, 4 Culture, Charlotte Martin Foundation and the Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
Arts in Motion recently received a $100,000 matching-funds grant for capacity improvement to provide more programs.
LEARNING LIFE SKILLS
One of the most popular programs is the drum corps. Started a year ago with help from the city's Youth Arts Program, it is one of the main things that Arts in Motion is known for. The drum corps was formed from students at nearby Franklin High School.
It is a unique opportunity for those involved. They are able to perform in a group, as well as study the New Orleans heritage of the drum line. Due to its popularity, the program has already started another drum corps, this one set up for middle-school students.
Two drum corps allow for mentoring between the two programs. The responsibility of mentorship is one example of the life skills that Arts in Motion supports.
"The main focus for the program is really to have people get engaged in activities that will not only give them music and art skills but really life skills," Mimura said. "We look at this program as being a life-skills program. We are just teaching it through the arts."
"Music teaches children discipline and instills in them self-respect," said Siddiq Abdul-Alim, a member of the AIM Parent Advisory Council. "AIM has the potential to change lives in a very profound way."
Students are able to learn from instruction, as well as live performances in the community. Arts in Motion groups have performed at The Heritage Festival, Sound Transit Safety Fair and the Boys & Girls Club. According to Mimura, the organization's ensembles and drum corps are in high demand.
Events also give students performance experience and sometimes opportunities to play with established professionals.
Although school-age students represent the bulk of the participants, learning opportunities are open to anyone who has an interest, "whether it's just seeking arts exposure, or for international competition," Mimura said. "We have a toddler preschool movement program all the way through adult - we are open to everyone. We provide a lot of opportunity for people who want to learn."
For more information about Arts in Motion and its programs in arts education, visit www.aimschool.org.
