Photo Flash: Houston Mayor's Assistant for Cultural Affairs Pays Visit to KVPAC

Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) on Wednesday had a visit by Minnette Boesel, Mayor Parker's Assistant for Cultural Affairs.

In a statement of the event KVPAC states: After hearing about the rapid growth and the expanding arts scene in Katy, Boesel promptly came to take a look for herself. KVPAC can be somewhat difficult to find because it is tucked away in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center complex and not visible from Mason Road. Although she had to make a couple of u-turns, Boesel arrived at KVPAC and was immediately impressed with the welcoming space that KVPAC has spent the last five years renovating and refining for their preschool, storybook stage area, and main stage.

As Gregory Magyar, KVPAC's Executive Artistic Director, gave Boesel a tour, she remarked that it was delightful to see a preschool specifically designed for 3 to 5 year olds with an academic curriculum based on artistic principles. Children learn math, science and language concepts all while having fun with art. Lisa Connolly, KVPAC's Public Relations Manager, explained to Boesel that KVPAC is the only preschool in the area with an arts-based academic program. Boesel agreed that children learn best when engaged in hands-on activities and she was impressed with the school's approach to teaching with creative projects while providing students with kindergarten readiness. With art, young students gain experience in collaboration, sharing, as well as planning and execution of a project. Public school teachers have noticed that KVPAC's preschool students are well prepared to enter their classrooms, paving the way for a smoother transition into public school.

Gregory Magyar also gave Boesel a tour of the ExhibitForce Main Theatre at KVPAC, a 120-seat theatre with a proscenium stage. He apologized for the entrance area, which was somewhat in disarray due to slight flooding from Monday's Heavy Downpour. Fortunately, the ExhibitForce Main Theatre was spared any water damage and artists were busily painting sets for the upcoming production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, opening this weekend.

"This area has grown so fast. I'm really impressed with the way you've been able to keep up with the growing demand. It really must be sometimes overwhelming with the rapid influx of students," said Boesel, amazed that KVPAC has done so much in the past few months, even registering with the state so that KVPAC can offer Texas teachers continuing education units for attending events.

Boesel had some useful insights for growing KVPAC's services including partnering with local businesses and inviting corporations in the area to help with funding. She also suggested that KVPAC begin offering more services for adults in the area – not only community theatre but also advanced art classes, speaking engagements, fundraising galas and the like. "It would be a great way to support adults and give them a place to meet like-minded arts patrons. For parents whose children are now older it would be a wonderful venue for social events that would bring adults together, ultimately providing a community bonding experience."

Gregory Magyar was honored to have Mayor Parker's Assistant for Cultural Affairs make the trek to Katy specifically to see KVPAC. "It really means a lot that we are being recognized by the Houston arts scene," he acknowledged. "I am hoping that Minnette comes to see one of our plays, and I would love for her to bring Mayor Parker along." Their front row seats await them.

KVPAC is a 501c3 non-profit arts education organization since 2001. Visit our website at www.kvpac.org for more information.

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