st and performer, but as another member of my community. We don't just work monologues and scenes, we work actors, writers, directors, poets, thinkers, artists: people. In a community where it is so easy and usually rewarded to be selfish, this small company endeavors to explore every avenue that can better our community instead of thinking of ourselves. Unique does not even scratch the surface to what happens because of the Shakespeare Forum.

of helping each other out and teaching the community more about art. TEAC is pretty much the epitome of what it means to have a dream, and to work hard to make that dream come true. And, because it relies mostly on volunteers and members, the organization gives back what people put into it, in the spirit of true cooperation. TEAC deserves to be recognized as a place that's beneficial to the Bloomington community (and formed from it) and to communities everywhere that follow its example."

Street fulfills this mission are astounding. The gallery is a place where artists and the arts come together and work in and for the community, from championing small creative businesses to advocating to stronger city involvement and investment in the arts to bringing the arts and creativity in education for all Kenosha-area students to providing art-making classes and forums on art-making and community engagement.

Lemon Street has spread its reach to its surrounding neighborhood and community overall, with involvement in city initiatives and urban park development. The gallery has been especially involved in the development of the Kenosha Union Park, located near the gallery. The park is a treasure trove of community-created artwork and events that involve the community in creative ways."

same theater company was leasing an extremely small space as a theater, but because of the amazing dedication of the individuals involved, like the artistic director William Russell Lewis, they have now moved into an old school and are making it an amazing community center and expanding the opportunities to bring the enjoyment of and education in the arts to more and more people in our area!"

ambitious project involved creating a house built of cardboard-- designed by two internationally recognized architects from our community--for the stage at Georgia Tech University. The "chimney" of the house was a sculpture designed by a local artist. The performance included original live music composed and performed by a local musician and the dance piece itself was a stunning work filled with humor and humanity that used the structure not just as a prop, but as an integral part of the piece. Scores of community members worked together to build the cardboard structure over a period of weeks. It was the best dance I've seen in Atlanta--and I see a lot. Marlina and Blake work hard to support other artists and arts in the city. We're very glad they're here."

ing a computer lab so they can do their homework, free classes on knitting, circus skills, photography, breakdancing, or pottery, and the opportunity to organize a hip hop festival on their own. They enable youth to be creative, think on their own, and become leaders in their community. Their staff is resourceful, and count on the community's assets to make the organization strong."

ppreciation for composers through historical facts. Students are educated on dress, etiquette, and responsibilities as orchestra members, and parents are engaged in GCYO's goals, fostering a sense of pride and dedication among players and their families. GCYO establishes relationships with community organizations; the Broward County School District accepts rehearsal hours as community service hours. Thanks to GCYO, my daughter wishes to play in an orchestra for the rest of her life."

Why Sharyn thinks they deserve the NEA #NAHM Spotlight:

Folk musicians everywhere love the Freight and aspire to play there. Freight and Salvage has never stopped presenting folk, blues, bluegrass, and the music of traditional cultures, regardless of popularity or lack thereof. The Freight still runs an open mic to give musicians a boost and now presents classes and workshops each month. Free tickets, discounts and life memberships help people on fixed incomes attend shows.