Allens Lane:  Living together in the community through the arts

Since its founding in 1953, Allens Lane Art Center has been a cornerstone of the Mt. Airy community by bringing the residents together to participate in and enjoy the arts.  Whether its a children's acting class, a photography exhibit or a cutting edge play on the mainstage, there is something for everyone at Allens Lane.

Programs

Allens Lane Theater - five thought-provoking, alternative plays each season

Classes - visual and performing arts classes for children and adults

Allens Lane Gallery - exhibiting local artists working on a variety of media

Summer Day Camp - arts-based, 8 week camp for 5-12 year olds

Live @ Allens Lane - a music series featuring emerging and established local talent

Vision Thru Art - a weekly sculpture class for blind and visually impaired adults

Allens Lane after the 2007 renovations.

Facility
Located in a former carriage house on 7 acres in beautiful Fairmount Park, the art center has several art studios, a dance room, a professionally equipped theater, an art gallery and a kitchen.  In 2007, the facility was renovated to create a much more attractive, functional and safe place to enjoy the arts.  The grounds include a newly refurbished playground and four tennis courts, a basketball court, an open field and plenty of free parking near the building.

Brief History
Allens Lane Art Center was founded in 1953 by an interracial group of Mt. Airy residents who were concerned about the dangers of increasing community tension.  Most were parents of children attending local schools who felt that increasing access to the arts would be a way to bring people together as well as develop individual talents.  "Living Together Through the Arts," a program of The Ford Foundation and the Henry Home & School Association, originally sponsored ALAC.  It was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization on June 29, 1953.  (See the 50th Anniversary page!)

ALAC's founders saw creative activities as an effective avenue for channeling the energy of youth in a constructive way.  Developing artistic skills and appreciation for the arts would help round the education of local youth and build self-esteem in a non-competitive way.  Most importantly, creative activities would bring people of diverse backgrounds together and help them overcome prejudices.  Today, Allens Lane still promotes "living together in the community through arts" by offering programs and activities that enrich the lives of numerous children and adults.

Mission
Allens Lane Art Center (ALAC) provides programs and activities that bring our diverse community together to experience and support the arts.  The Art Center offers opportunities for people to explore their creative potential.  These programs and activities are important because artistic experience and expression enhance the quality of life.  ALAC strives to make its programs available to those who might otherwise be unable to participate.  In carrying out its mission. ALAC is committed to acceptance of social diversity, promotion of a collaborative environment, personal empowerment, freedom of expression and openness to new ideas.