PHAME Academy of Fine Arts

Family First Site has been featuring over the past few weeks sites that think globally, but act locally. I came across a site that past week that has those same qualities. But before I found the website, I found the organization itself, and the fine work it was doing. So it only seemed natural to feature it as today's Family First Site.

The site is called PHAME Academy of Fine Arts. It is located in Portland Oregon, and is, as the name implies, a school that teaches the arts. But what sets PHAME apart is the students that attend it. They are dedicated to enriching the lives of developmentally challenged citizens of all ages through participation in performing and fine arts. Drama, music, art, writing and other creative expressions, offer new challenges for the students, prove to have a positive impact on self-esteem, social and communication skills and physical ability. PHAME also provides a place to meet new friends. They are a non-profit organization providing fine and performing art opportunities to people with special needs. Age group is all-inclusive; race, creed and color is not a question.

PHAME was founded by Carol Stady in 1984, after she attended a Special Olympics event. She noticed some kids on the sidelines and saw artists. Though these spectators enjoyed watching the games, no doubt because it put their abilities on stage, she wondered if they were not perhaps more artistic than athletic. The rest is, as the saying goes, is history. Over the past 20 years they have produced one and two full scale musicals a year, performing before sold out audiences. Some of the musicals were "South Pacific", "My Fair Lady", and "Barnum". They are currently involved in their latest musical, "Titanic, The Musical". All lines are memorized, all songs sung with no over dubbing. It is incredible to see the joy and pleasure that the magic of the theatre spread to these actors.

I came across this program because of our son, who is autistic. He went to a presentation on this organization this past Saturday, and came away with a part in the play. In talking with the staff, I was surprised to learn that this was the only academy of its type in the country, and they are constantly getting calls on how they were started, and how they operate. It was truly an experience for me, as well as my son. Organizations such as this, that start at the grassroots level with one persons idea, are true examples of acting locally, while thinking globally.

http://www.phameacademy.org/

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