A handful of students quickly multiplied…

 

FAME Center was established in 2018 when a talented young woman hit her limit in teaching music lessons as a side hustle. Sheila Fortson taught for years as she pursued her Master’s in Interdisciplinary Art at Columbia College Chicago. What had begun with a handful of students quickly multiplied and exposed her calling to facilitating creative growth and skill. Sheila began to hire other talented musicians to help teach what was then only violin and piano. 

 

It never stopped evolving.

 

She had no choice but to expand or fold; so Sheila took the leap. She established a nonprofit that would make space for people to experience a variety of artistic and creative disciplines. Sheila earned a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance, but it was her Master’s program that directed her future endeavors. The interdisciplinary encounters she had there inspired the establishment of FAME Center.

 

FAME is an acronym for:

 

Fortson Arts and Music Education.

 

FAME Center bases its efforts on six creative disciplines expressed in our logo: 

Music

Visual Art

Drama

Creative Writing

Digital Art

Music /Art Therapy

 

We all prefer to express ourselves differently, and we want to make space for that.

 

If you stopped into FAME Center today, you would see music lessons in one room, a drawing class in another, a mother sipping from her complimentary hot tea, her little one coloring from our stash of projects, and our theater teacher setting the stage for her students (quite literally!). 

 

Unlike most art studios, we have designed FAME Center to accommodate the unique needs of your family. We know that each of your children may not want to take drawing lessons. Perhaps drums would be a suitable alternative. Because we understand that self-expression is unique, FAME Center aims to make space for each of your family members to try their own thing. And you won't have to shuttle your children all over the city to do it!

 

Art is a powerful tool for healing!

 

As one of the few multidisciplinary arts centers around, we focus on creative expression. That focus gives us a unique position to serve those who are hurting. Art therapy is one of Sheila's passions; she believes that art is a powerful tool for healing and growth. In fact, as a 501(c)3 registered organization, FAME Center is dedicated to serving communities with limited resources and access. Year over year, we donate tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to families who are passionate about the creative experience. Around Chicago, that also may include programming in neighborhoods like Armour Square and Austin. FAME Center focuses on using creativity as a superpower. We make certain that young people in these areas get a good look at their own strengths and creativity and have the space to cultivate it!

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Come visit us!

 

If you haven’t visited the FAME Center yet, there are so many ways to get plugged in. Attend one of our free-to-the-public nights out events. Try out a free class at our next Open House. Take a trial lesson to see whether the saxophone really is the right instrument for you. Join us for spring break or summer camp.

Parents, don’t be shy! FAME Center isn’t a place just for your children. Remember, creative expression is an interwoven part of our souls–that means this is a space for you to learn too! Moms, dads, and grandparents have all taken advantage of our phenomenal teaching artists. Let your soul relax a bit; the work is healing.

 

Our Values

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Ownership:

 

At FAME Center, we believe in cultivating a sense of ownership among our students, staff, and community. Ownership means taking personal responsibility for our creative journeys, goals, and growth. Whether it’s a student mastering a new skill, a faculty member leading an innovative program, or a partner investing in our mission, everyone at FAME is encouraged to take initiative and lead with purpose. We foster an environment where individuals are empowered to make decisions, solve challenges, and drive forward their own artistic and professional development.

 

Beyond individual growth, ownership at FAME Center extends to a collective commitment to our community and the future we’re building together. Every member of the FAME family plays an integral role in shaping our success. This value drives our collaborative spirit, encourages accountability, and ensures that we all contribute to the long-term vision of transforming lives through the arts. It’s through this shared ownership that we create sustainable impact and foster a legacy of creativity, education, and community enrichment.

 

Growth:

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At FAME Center, growth is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe in nurturing both personal and professional development, helping individuals expand their skills, creativity, and confidence. From students taking their first steps in the arts to experienced professionals pushing the boundaries of their craft, growth is an ongoing journey that we actively support. Our programs are designed to challenge, inspire, and provide the tools necessary for continuous learning and artistic evolution.

Growth at FAME Center also reflects our commitment to the expansion of our organization and its impact on the community. As we evolve, we are dedicated to creating new opportunities for engagement, building meaningful partnerships, and expanding our reach. By fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation, we ensure that our programs remain relevant and transformative. Whether through individual achievement or the collective success of our organization, growth is the foundation of our future.

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Impact:

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Impact is at the heart of everything we do at FAME Center. Our programs are designed to not only teach the arts but to create lasting, positive change in the lives of our students and the wider community. We measure our success by the influence we have on personal growth, educational advancement, and the cultural enrichment of Chicago. By offering opportunities for artistic expression, mentorship, and performance, we empower individuals to unlock their full potential and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

Our impact goes beyond the classroom, as we strive to be a catalyst for social and economic growth in our neighborhoods. Through partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organizations, we ensure that our work resonates far and wide, touching lives and inspiring action. Whether it’s a single student discovering their voice or an entire community rallying behind a new arts initiative, FAME Center is dedicated to making a lasting difference through the transformative power of the arts.

 

Innovation:

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Innovation drives everything we do at FAME Center, shaping our approach to multi-disciplinary arts education and community engagement. We believe in pushing creative boundaries and continuously exploring new ways to inspire and connect with our students and partners. Through cutting-edge programs, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the integration of technology, we foster an environment where fresh ideas thrive. This commitment to innovation ensures that our offerings are dynamic, relevant, and reflective of the evolving arts landscape. We are striving to be a thought leader in arts education, not only in Chicago but across the country and around the world.

Beyond the classroom, innovation at FAME Center means reimagining how multi-disciplinary arts education can impact lives and contribute to the community. We challenge traditional models of arts education by creating programs that address real-world needs, such as mental health, cultural inclusion, and social equity. By thinking outside the box, we not only elevate the learning experience for our students but also expand the role of the arts in shaping a brighter future. Through innovation, we ensure that FAME Center remains a leader in empowering individuals and communities through creativity.

 

​​​Ready to plug in?

Try a discounted trial lesson today!