In the summer of 2014, it was announced by Chesterfield Arts, the art agency that brought the community together to paint the Chesterfield levee, announced they would be closing their doors. For a lot of people, it meant the memories they made and could make at Chesterfield Arts would be closed as well.

“I think it’s kind of a bummer, because it seems like it’s a really cool place where kids can go and have a good time with art, and they have adult classes too, so I think it’s a loss” Natalie Fabbri, junior, said.

Jenny Donaldson, Director of Education at Chesterfield Arts, explained why the Arts closed down in the first place.

“The building we were renting space [out of] was quite old and getting expensive to maintain,” he said. “The owners decided to tear it down, and we were not able to find a location that could accommodate our needs and budget.”

Recently, Chesterfield Arts announced they will own the facility and remodel instead of renting.  Their new location is on Olive Blvd in Chesterfield, which was previously a Snap Fitness.  Donaldson said they are re-opening with art education as its main focus and they are in the process of planning a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

“We are excited about reopening and being able to devote all of our time to providing quality art education classes. We hope to keep the interest of previous students by continuing to offer new classes throughout the year and also attract new students as we grow. We hope to be the catalyst for people discovering their creativity and bringing access to the arts to everyone,” Donaldson said.

Luba Briginets, art teacher at Chesterfield Arts and at Lafayette High School, told us about her excitement of the re-opening as well.

“I am looking forward to working with CA again this summer and very excited about new classes that I get to teach, they will be very interesting! I believe that everyone is creative. They just need the right environment, an open mind, and good directions. My aspiration is to provide all that to my students in the best possible way, so they may discover their own creativity and enjoy it!” Briginets said.

The community of Chesterfield has also been very supportive. “We have had positive feedback from residents, former students, the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce and the City… Chesterfield has added the arts to their Parks and Recreation Department and will be planning events to engage the community,” said Donaldson.

Briginets said she hopes the community is excited about the reopening of CA

“I believe that CA is doing excellent job in outreaching to the community and promoting arts with the general population of Chesterfield and beyond. Chesterfield Arts are dedicated to encouraging creativity and art appreciation. This benefits all of us, making life experiences richer, creating expressive outlet for the people of all ages.”