About GBYA
Our Mission
To provide opportunities for children to discover and nurture a passion for the arts, allowing them to experience the joy of artistic expression and social interaction that gives them a sense of belonging and strengthens the community.
Why The Arts?
The arts are fundamental to our humanity. Arts education in our youth can support their social and emotional learning and can help children manage their feelings and emotions. The arts support mental health wellness and provides an outlet for children to deal with any stress, anxiety, sadness, and/or depression they might have. The arts also provide children multiple avenues to interact and socialize with one another, which not only builds a stronger and accepting community, but gives our children a sense of welcome and belonging.
Arts education also develops many strong character traits in our children. We are happy to endorse The Positivity Project, which teaches kids about 24 different character strengths. The arts help build TEAMWORK as many music and theater performances are done in an ensemble setting. Performing in front of others develops BRAVERY and confidence in our children. The arts help develop CREATIVITY as children have the freedom to create and express themselves through their art choice. Children work on PERSEVERANCE as they practice and develop their craft. Many children also use OPEN-MINDEDNESS as they might try something new. The arts are a great way to build these character strengths in our children, which is proven to make them happier and healthier as they get older.
Our History
Grand Blanc Youth Arts was established in 2024 after a group of local arts educators and community members in Grand Blanc, Michigan met together with a common goal to provide more arts experiences for children in their community.
With a history of successful arts programming such as school choirs, marimba bands, music theater productions, and the "Summer Arts Academy" program, demand for more youth arts programming has grown substantially in the Grand Blanc community. Surveys taken by both parents and students in Grand Blanc show there is a need of additional arts programs in the community. Our goal is to provide fine and performing arts opportunities for children residing in, or attending schools in, the Grand Blanc community.