From the Desk of the Executive Director

What an extraordinary summer it has been at Pearl Arts. The energy, creativity, and community support surrounding our work have made these past months truly unforgettable—and August gives us even more to celebrate.

This summer, Pearl Arts was awarded a $4 million READI 2.0 grant, a transformational investment that will accelerate our efforts to address Indiana’s workforce gaps. Through the Pearl Arts Innovation Institute, we will develop forward-looking educational programs in music industry fields—creating new pathways for youth and adults to gain skills, earn credentials, and step confidently into high-demand creative careers. This milestone represents years of vision, partnership, and persistence, and we are thrilled to begin the next phase of this work.

We are also deeply grateful to the Don Wood Foundation for their continued belief in our mission. Their support—now in its second consecutive year—strengthens our music and entrepreneurship programming within the Innovation Institute and fuels the kind of hands-on learning that empowers emerging creators to build sustainable futures.

In addition, the Windswell Foundation has once again invested in Pearl Arts, marking their second consecutive year of support. Their funding ensures that our Music Therapy programs will be available throughout the upcoming fall, spring, and summer sessions, led by our board-certified music therapist. These programs provide high-quality programming that promotes healing, connection, and well-being across our region.

We are also celebrating a wonderful response to our first Scholarship Dinner & Concert this August. We are officially at capacity—a powerful testament to the enthusiasm of our community and the shared commitment to expanding access to music education.

August is also the month when families apply or reapply for tuition support for the upcoming year, and I want to express my deep appreciation to all of you who have donated to make lessons possible. For the second consecutive year, English, Bonter, Mitchell has generously provided a grant for student scholarships, helping ensure that young musicians can continue their studies regardless of financial barriers. We are equally grateful to the Rick and Vickie James Foundation, Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation, Wilson Foundation, O’Rourke-Schof Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, Mr. Larry Lee, Scott and Melissa Glaze, Mark Hagerman, and the many others whose generosity sustains our mission and opens doors for students across our community.

As we begin our second full year of lessons, I hope you will join us as a partner in providing the gift of music opportunities for students. We are growing quickly, and each month more children reach out hoping to enroll, but many families simply cannot afford lessons without support. Your generosity makes it possible for these young musicians to learn, grow, and thrive, and we are deeply grateful for every donor who helps open the door to music education.

The momentum of this summer is only the beginning. Thank you for believing in Pearl Arts, for investing in our students, and for helping us build a vibrant, creative future for Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.

–Dr. Angie Fincannon, CEO and Executive Director, Pearl Arts