ABOUT
The Center
Our Mission
The Wyoming Fine Arts Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to educate, create experiences, and nurture appreciation in music and other creative and performing arts across all ages, races, abilities and backgrounds. We do this through excellence in teaching, creative programming, interdisciplinary experiences, community partnerships and engagement.
Our History
The Wyoming Fine Arts Center is located in the historic downtown district of Wyoming, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. The building is a beautifully restored 1850s home that once served as the Wyoming Masonic Lodge for much of the 20th century.
In 1995, local businessman Paul Bartel purchased the 1850s-era former Masonic Lodge from the city of Wyoming, aiming to transform it into a community arts center. He conducted a massive renovation at his own expense for what would become the nonprofit Wyoming Fine Arts Center.
We are proud to continue and expand upon the generous legacy of our founder. We offer a comprehensive array of creative arts programming.
Our Founder, Paul Bartel
Paul Bartel (b. 1952 - d. 2019) was a violinist, music educator, owner of the Baroque Violin Shop and founder of the Wyoming Fine Arts Center.
Known for his quiet generosity, in 1997 the Paul and Jan Bartel Scholarship Fund was established to help underwrite music lessons for under-served students.
Our Values
The Wyoming Fine Arts Center values the development of an individual’s full potential through the arts. We believe individual expression makes stronger, better communities.
We work to provide a vibrant community hub that enriches lives through the joy of learning, creating, and experiencing all forms of the arts, by and for all people of varied ages, races, abilities, and backgrounds.
We seek to nurture these unique voices and be equitable in our decisions; being mindful of their impact on other groups and people. We expect our actions demonstrate our care for others and for our community as a whole.
Outreach
For over a decade The Center has provided Art Outreach Programs to underserved Cincinnati neighborhood libraries. These programs are free to the public and are supported in part by ArtsWave and your donations. Afterschool Art Outreach efforts include programs at five area Cincinnati Public Libraries; Avondale, College Hill, Reading, North Side, and Elmwood Place.
Our Commitment
Diversity
The differences in our backgrounds, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, race, religions, ethnicities, and unique perspectives and talents.
Equity
The fair treatment of all and abundance of opportunities, leveling the field for all populations.
Inclusion
Feeling welcome, a sense of belonging, where voices that have been historically excluded are heard and all feel a part of the creative community.
Access
Being open to all regardless of differences such as socio-economic barriers and physical abilities, making it easy to express unique voices.
