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Open Space Arts strives to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults by providing an opportunity for creative expression and development of artistic skills and talents. We celebrate art making as a means of building communities, fostering self-esteem, and respecting diversity.

Description:
Open Space Arts is a non-profit community arts organization based in Reisterstown, MD. We offer classes in theater and writing to youth. In the past we have offered classes in visual arts and new media. We also have an adult improv troupe. Open Space Arts performs 2 theatrical productions a year which is open to members of the community of all ages. We are a small organization run entirely by volunteers. We have a very small budget and are always looking for ways to get donations or secure volunteer services.

History:
Open Space Arts was created in 1989 by Beth and Alden Phelps as a way to create community through creating art. Open Space Arts has used the talent of their artists to create art and to pass it along to others. Beth was known for her skills in puppetry and theater and Alden for his gifts in visual arts and music. They started productions with puppets in a small rented space in Reisterstown. Eventually with other artists, they organized, wrote, directed, and produced a summer show called "Great Doings Days" that incorporated the use of giant puppets. "Great Doings Days" had as many as 100 cast members performing the outdoor show. Open Space has had a long history of doing original theatrical shows. In 2007, Open Space is producing the original production, "The Nightingale Dream" written by Annie Montone who is one of our current resident artists. In addition, we have had classes for youth ages 10 through 18. These classes have been organized as companies. We have a theater group for 13 through 18 year olds (Studio Company) that meets weekly during the school year and we have Children's Theater Company that meets semi-weekly during the school year for 10 -12 year olds. Our Writer's Guild has met semi-weekly for 12 through 18 year olds. In the past we have had art guilds, movie guilds or new media guilds meet weekly for 10 through 18 year olds. All of our youth guilds have been free of charge to the youth members. There is usually an audition to get in but most youth who want to be a part of the organization are included. We also have an Adult improv company called, "The Thundering Typhoons" . They meet on a regular basis and try to perform in the Baltimore area whenever possible. We offer classes for adults when we feel there is an interest and we can provide an instructor who is willing to work with the group.

We have theatrical productions twice a year. Usually one in the winter months and one in the summer on our outdoor stage. These productions are open to all people of all ages. We try very hard to make sure at least one of our shows is a family oriented show that encourages people of ages to perform together. We are interested in building people's relationships and confidence in themselves and each other.

We have other events throughout the year including coffeehouses, movie nights as well as fund raising events. These events vary each year but showcase our artistic talents.

Beth and Alden Phelps left the organization to pursue other job opportunities around 2003. We have had to downsize our groups and our artistic endeavors due to funding decreases. Our artistic and administrative staff is now completely volunteer which is a change from our past. The volunteer staff feels that Open Space offers a valuable service to the community and a valuable mission so it has pledged to keep Open Space open. We do have our own building in Reisterstown with an outdoor stage. Our house is small and old but provides us space for our classes and administrative offices. For indoor performance space, we look for space at churches and other community locations.

Contact people:

Sharon Baldwin, Vice President, (phone), (email) Nina Knoche, President, (phone), (email) Diane Appel, Secretary, (phone), (email)

Address:

16 Hanover Road Reisterstown, MD 21136 (See a map)

Directions:

Open Space Arts is located at 16 Hanover Road in Reisterstown. Directions: From Reisterstown: Follow Main Street until the light next to the Food Lion and Royal Farms. Continue straight onto that street, which turns into Hanover Road. The. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Owings Mills ,   Walk distance (in minutes): 60

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court appointed volunteers?
	No