The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Late chairman’s vision lives on
Fairmount Center for Fine Arts continues to move forward with partnerships, programming
“When Matthew stepped in May of 2016 that was the start of the turnaround for FCA.” — Fairmount Executive Director Jeannie Fleming Gifford, on the late Fairmount Chairman Mathew P. Figgie
It’s been a whirlwind of transition over the last 12 months for the Fairmount Center for the Arts and the community it serves.
Last February, the Fairmount board named Jeannie FlemingGifford, former director of education and lead director at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, its executive director.
After Chairman/President of the Board Matthew P. Figgie interviewed her, he stopped the process, choosing not to see a third finalist for the position. He had his new leader. Fleming-Gifford “hit the ground running,” working to increase programming and awareness of the center, both on- and off-site.
“When Matthew stepped in May of 2016 that was the start of the turnaround for FCA,” she said. “We’re a mission-driven organization and we have the opportunity to collaborate with the community.”
The center last year created and implemented 11 summer camps when it previously held none. As a result of the programming’s success, Fairmount has launched nine additional camps for this upcoming summer, Fleming-Gifford noted.
“They were a huge success,” she said.
Then, the Fairmount community was shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Figgie late last August. The school would form and officially elect a new board in November.
“We were all saddened,” Fleming-Gifford said. “None of us could believe it, but through our loss, we’ve continued to grow and I know Matthew is proud of that. I’m fueled every day by the kids, the center’s mission but also by Matthew. That’s part of his legacy, his gift to the community. For the short time I knew him, he made a significant impact on me personally and professionally, and gave me an opportunity to continue ensuring this organization carries on through his vision.
“For Matthew, Fairmount was so personal because it was about his mom, it was about his daughter and it was about this little iconic engine that could, this arts organization that had been there nearly 50 years. He truly cared.”
Before and since Figgie’s death, Fairmount’s growth has been notable, with earned revenue associated with dance, theater, visual arts and music lessons up 97.3 percent, comparing fall 2018 enrollment to fall 2017 enrollment, the institution
confirmed.
Enrollment numbers have also increased from 302 students to 563 students in the same period.
During Fairmount’s annual meeting last year, the main dance studio, formerly known as Studio B, was dedicated to Figgie and
is now known as The Matthew P. Figgie Studio.
“And that’s just the beginning on what we plan to do to honor Matthew,” said Board President Rick Solon, who knew Figgie since 1975. “He was one of the most generous souls to ever walk the planet and
that’s one of the main reasons he and his father loved giving back. They truly believed in the ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy.
“The school wasn’t in great shape for a time and Matthew knew he could put it back on solid footing, and he has,” Solon added. “He
made sure Cleveland, especially the East side, was a culturally vibrant pillar in the Northeast Ohio arts community. We all have a bond here and despite our loss, we’re in a very good place.”
The 9,000-square-foot facility is comprised of three dance studios, two music studios, recently adding one thanks to the support of the Weiss Foundation, and one art studio, which includes ceramics.
Fairmount continues to partner with many area organizations and schools, creating and fostering arts programs through the community, including Chagrin Falls Continuing Education, Gilmour Academy, West Geauga Library, Verb Ballets, Musical Theatre Project, Resonanz Opera and more.
“These donor-supported initiatives are about growing the community, and that’s what we’re about,” Fleming-Gifford said.
“Everyone brings something to the table. Our growth is evident and my job at the end of the day is to ensure this organization is going to be around another 50 years.”
Fairmount will celebrate its semicentennial in September 2020.
“Even in the face of challenges (we’ve experienced), we’re really in an exciting place in our history and we have plenty of room to grow ahead,” Fleming-Gifford added.
“I work, we all work, for the community. Who’s my boss? Every one of those kids that comes in and every one of their parents because what we’re creating needs to meet their needs, and that will continue.”