The Spruill Center for the Arts today announced a series of free community-based programming that begins in September and continues through the end of the year. The programs include A Taste of Spruill free art workshops, the first Spruill Social community mixer in conjunction with the center’s 22nd Annual Bowl Sale, and the availability of an unprecedented number of scholarships for every class and workshop offered by the organization. 

In January of 2024, upon the completion of the education center’s 8,300 square feet, $3.7 million expansion, the Spruill Center for the Arts began implementing its three-year strategic plan driven by broad stakeholder input. These community programs mark a pivotal juncture in the organization’s growth and outreach efforts which were outlined in a strategic initiative to increase the nonprofit’s reach and impact. The strategic plan inaugurated the objective of the nearly 50-year-old arts center to engage as a community center based on the arts and includes enhancing the physical environment and programmatic offerings, showcasing Spruill’s culture, art, and instruction, and supporting the community as part of its long-term vision. 

The Taste of Spruill free workshops are open for registration on the first day of each month and feature two workshops on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month. The offerings are intended to allow those that may have previously been unable to engage in the arts community an opportunity to try their hand in one of the 29 different mediums of visual arts offered by the Center. September’s workshops include Blacksmithing with Mike Romeo, Try Your Hand at Pastels with Sharon Weiss, Jewelry Making with Stacy Nathan, and Small Mosaic Trinket Box with Donna Karnak. All workshops run from 2-4 pm, offering a unique opportunity to explore creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment. Registration is open for the September offerings at A Taste of Spruill. 

This year’s 22^nd Annual Ceramic Bowl Sale will feature the traditional Friday evening “Free Beans with Every Bowl” chili tasting and for the first time, will expand into Saturday with the Spruill Social, a free community mixer from 1:00 – 4:00 with music, backyard games, food and drinks. The entire community is invited out to experience the Spruill Courtyard, shop the Bowl Sale, or just spend a fall afternoon with other creative minded neighbors. 

Through the end of the year, Spruill will be awarding an unprecedented number of scholarships for all classes and workshops offered this fall – a total of more than 290 available classes in all. Scholarships are provided through the generosity of funding from Georgia Power Foundation, Aprio Foundation, the City of Dunwoody, and individual donors. These funds are being matched by a Board Designated Fund totaling $20,000 to support the availability of the arts to all, regardless of economic circumstances. A simple statement of need can be completed on the Spruill website for enrollment.