By John Pacenti
Amid the gathered Delray Beach glitterati — including the mayor, the commissioners, and the city manager — Brandon Lai hung in the background with his daughter Ava, 13. They were there to get information on the hoopla: the Nov. 1 ribbon-cutting for the Creative Arts School at Delray Beach’s Crest Theatre.
When asked what kind of classes she might take, Ava shot for the moon: “I don’t know. Sculpting, maybe.”
Call it what you like: a comeback, a phoenix rising, or just a long wait — the art school reopening marks a turning point for Delray Beach. It restores what was for decades — as the city says on its website — “the cornerstone of cultural enrichment and artistic expression within our city.”
Of course, the Old School Square campus has been mired in tug-of-war politics and the theater itself is still under renovation with questions about the integrity of its balcony. But the ribbon-cutting was a chance for the city to take a bow — especially city Communications Director Gina Carter, who was the driving force to offer classes in November.
Carter was almost a little sheepish at the ribbon-cutting, avoiding the spotlight, but the art school was her brainchild, and its birth was due in no small part to City Manager Terrence Moore’s equal dedication to making it happen now. In July, the City Commission allocated $118,000 for “rapid activation.”
“Since then, I’ve been working on it nonstop, and this is the first moment where it’s really a reality and I can see people’s reaction, and it feels amazing,” Carter said.
“I think people are really going to love the space. The teachers are excited; the residents are excited.”
Mayor Tom Carney said the wow factor was readily apparent in the renovation of the classrooms, saying the reopening of the art school stood at the intersection of Delray Beach’s vibrant past and its hopeful future.
“Old School Square has always been a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage, and with the reopening of the creative arts school, we are ensuring that this legacy continues to inspire future generations,” he said. “This school will serve as a beacon for creativity, a place where ideas are born and artistic voices are heard.”
Up on the staircase that led to the classrooms — it’s worth a visit just for the glossy restored floors — was Gayle Clarke of the Delray Beach Preservation Trust, nearly posing like some background character out of The Great Gatsby. Clarke says she might take an adult acting or improv class.
“I’m happy that things are going in a positive direction,” Clarke said. “I go to the green markets. I go to a lot of the concerts. So, this is a great addition for this to be going again.”
Ana Puszkin-Chevlin, a longtime Delray Beach resident, said the art school’s rebirth is “firmly grounded in this kind of hip arts community of the city’s past. Seeing it come back to life after a little dormancy makes me really happy.”
For more information on the Creative Arts School, contact Program Administrator Yamilett Abejon at abejony@mydelraybeach.com or 561-243-7209.
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