Our History

How We Got Started ...

Friends of the Arts originated in 1994, when parents concerned about cuts to music programs in St. Louis Park's public schools joined together to make their voices heard. Soon they were joined by other St. Louis Park residents interested in supporting all the arts—theater, music, dance, drama, and visual art. The group began to meet regularly and in 1995, Friends of the Arts was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission to organize, promote, and enhance the arts in St. Louis Park.

Our Accomplishments ...

Since 1995, Friends of the Arts has sponsored:

• Our Town: Faces & Places: A community photography project that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and cooperative spirit of St. Louis Park through photos
• Creative Writing Classes for Teens the St. Louis Park Library, taught by instructors from the Loft Literary Arts Center
• Family Art Activities including a model city building project and free concerts and children’s art activities at Oak Hill Park
• Theater in the Park: community-based children’s theater productions
• Celebrate the Arts: community festivals connecting local artists with the community
• Gift of Music Program: free musical instruments and lessons for students in need
• Habitat for the Arts: visual arts exhibits involving local artists
• Student Music Concerts at Orchestra Hall
• Public Art Projects

Gift of Music

The Gift of Music Program makes musical instruments available to students who are not financially able to rent or purchase one for participation in instrumental music programs at school. If you interested in donating either an instrument or funding to support this initiative, contact Jim Rhodes at (952) 933-1325 or via email.