Pearl Arts empowers Northeast Indiana youth to become leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs, providing programs and services that instill the mindset and skills needed to chart their own course and shape their future.
Pearl Arts is the vision of a small group of committed volunteers, including local philanthropists Chuck and Lisa Surack, to create a one-of-a-kind community hub for the arts, music education, and entrepreneurship.
The investment into Fort Wayne will foster cultural growth and prosperity to the city, community, and the youth & residents of the Summit City.
I want Pearl Arts to provide every child with the joy of music because the benefits of study, discipline, and perseverance will be life-changing. Anything is possible with the gift of music. Chuck Surack Founder, Sweetwater Sound
Team Effort
Pearl Arts is a non-profit organization that works alongside local leaders and volunteers to bring growth opportunities to the residents and youth of the Fort Wayne area.
The team at Pearl Arts works with an sincere passion to create meaningful connections and opportunities in our community and promote a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment to everyone.
Dr. Fincannon brings over 35 years of experience in education to Pearl Arts. She has extensive experience in higher ed administration, with former roles as Dean of Business, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Director of Athletics, and Professor. She is excited to be back to her roots, which included a start in music education and clarinet performance.
Alyssa Noble currently serves as the Operations Manager for Pearl Arts, Inc. Alyssa received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations from Indiana University. After college, she took a position with the Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and immersed herself in professional sports. When she returned to Indiana, Alyssa started her career at Sweetwater Sound and held many positions within the company during her 5 years there. After working for a local healthcare foundation, Alyssa came on board at Pearl Arts, the perfect blend of music and philanthropy. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting new places, serving on the Board of Directors at McMillen Health and cheering on her Hoosiers!
Rachel Gripp loves to take her Oboe on the road, performing freelance throughout both Northeast Indiana and Muncie, Indiana, home to her alma mater Ball State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree for both Oboe Performance and Business Administration as well as a Master of Music degree. Rachel has no shortage of musical influences, including her talented immediate family. Her mother is a pianist, her father is a guitarist and bassoonist, and her brother is a bassist. She also loves to listen to recordings of her favorite oboists Elaine Douvas and Albrecht Mayer. Rachel says she loves music for its power, as a universal language, to connect hearts and souls in a way no other art form can. When not performing or teaching, Rachel enjoys to cook and bake.
Anna Sewell has been playing piano since she was six years old, but she’s since expanded her repertoire to include proficiency in both the drums and singing/songwriting. Having grown up performing in Bloomington, IL, Anna is now finding opportunities to perform in Fort Wayne, where she is completing a double major in Music Business and Commercial Music at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Anna views music as a form of therapy, connecting people from all over the world and empowering them to process hard times. Her favorite artists include Trampled by Turtles, Dodie, and Cage the Elephant. Outside of her musical interests, Anna loves to spend time outdoors, engage in deep conversations with friends and family, and spoil her cats Maisie and Millie.
Kylee Wilson is in her last year of completing her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Purdue Global University, but she loves to play and teach music! She views rhythm and melody as a way of expressing herself, finding her identity, and connecting with others. When not playing music or studying, Kylee loves to travel, do arts & crafts, and spend time with her friends and family. She feels right at home outdoors, making time for numerous sports, including basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
Pearl Street Arts Center
Pearl Street Arts Center is focused on growth and community enrichment in a location that fosters collaboration, sparks creativity, and acts as an arts incubator for the benefit of the entire community.
Performance Auditorium
Flexible event layouts – up to 400 guests
Public Concourse & Viewing Area Spacious pre-event areas
Corridors & Community Hub
Large hallways, meeting spaces & kitchen area
