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Beginnings

ABOUT FAME CENTER

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Our Vision

Creating an environment where all of today's youth have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to tomorrow's world.

Our Mission

To provide equitable access to arts education so that the next generation has creative tools to uncover their potential and imagine their futures.

Who We Are

FAME Center was founded in 2018 when Sheila Fortson turned her passion for teaching into a nonprofit dedicated to multidisciplinary arts education. What started as a handful of students quickly grew into a thriving community. Today, FAME offers instruction in six creative disciplines:

🎶 Music  🎨 Visual Art   🎭 Drama   ✍️ Creative Writing   💻 Digital Art   🎶 Art/Music Therapy

At FAME, we celebrate self-expression in all its forms. Whether it’s a music lesson, a theater class, or

a child coloring while their parent enjoys a cup of tea, we create space for creativity to flourish — all under one roof.

Why It Matters

Art is a powerful tool for growth and healing. As a nonprofit, we’re committed to making the arts accessible, providing scholarships and community programs in underserved neighborhoods like Armour Square and Austin.

Our Values

💡 Ownership – We empower students, staff, and partners to take initiative in their creative journeys.
📈 Growth – We foster continuous learning, expansion, and meaningful impact.
🌍 Impact – We use the arts to create lasting change in individuals and communities.
🚀 Innovation – We push creative boundaries to shape the future of arts education.

🎭 Ready to get started? Try a discounted trial lesson today!

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Board Members

Marc Doggett | CEO, Club Consulting 101, Board Chairman

Jodi Koslow Martin, Ph.D. | Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Triton College 


Richard Bloomfield | CEO & Co-Founder, Funkytown Brewery

Elizabeth L. Carter, Esq. | Attorney and Managing Member, Elizabeth L. Carter Esq., LLC (Legal) 

Zachary Day | Co Founder, Funkytown Brewery


Sheila Fortson | Executive Director & Founder, FAME Center

Ken Gibbs | President, MIKK Construction

Courtney Jackson | Social Media Specialist, Rheem Manufacturing (Marketing), Board Secretary


Greg Williams, MBA | Program Manager at WESCO Distribution and Co-Founder at Funkytown Brewery

Pamela Norfleet | Accounts Payable / Receivable Manager, Prosight Financial Association, Board Treasurer



 

Advisory Board Members

Dr. Felecia Thompson (Board Emeritus)

Dr. Stephen Michael Newby (Board Emeritus)

Thomas S. Fortson, Ph.D

Bob Ford | President, B. Ford Sales and Marketing

As Seen On:

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1319 S. State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605

312-469-0667

© 2025 FAME Center

FAME Center is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. EIN: 83-2170757

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