ArtPlay

Alys Stephens Center Facility Opens to Rave Reviews

ArtPlay, a unique education and outreach initiative of UAB’s Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, debuted in winter 2011 in a beautifully restored home just blocks from campus.

The 115-year-old structure has been transformed into a center of creativity showcasing dance and drama, music, visual arts, and creative writing. Arts classes and workshops are tailored to all ages. Young children can explore drawing and painting, ballet, jazz, and musical theater while adults discover acting, storytelling, and music production. Instructors include local artists as well as faculty from UAB’s music department, who provide private instruction.

Jane Stephens Comer, the longtime Alys Stephens Center supporter who gave a generous donation to bring ArtPlay to life, hopes that it will help expose the community to all forms of art, encourage creative collaboration, and open the door to a new world of learning opportunities.

“We are so pleased with the response we have received from the community to the programming at ArtPlay,” says Shirley Salloway Kahn, Ph.D., vice president for development, alumni, and external relations. “Through the collective vision of Jane Comer and Theresa Bruno, we are enriching the lives of children, teens, and adults by exposing them to all genres of the arts. What a beautiful gift to our community Jane Comer has given us.”