I believe wholeheartedy in Maywood Fine Arts' vision that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive through the arts. So, I am riding my bike 100 miles to support this vision!
My love of dance, music and creative expression was born in the dance studio of Lois & Ernie Baumann, the founders of Stairway to the Stars which later became the non-profit organization, Maywood Fine Arts. Like so many other Maywood children in the decades since I first pointed my toes and demi-plied (see my profile pic), Maywood Fine Arts strengthened my self-confidence and gave me the courage to express myself. They deserve my support and yours!
Join me to ensure that every kid has the chance to dream their dreams and thrive at Maywood Fine Arts.
Le Tour de Shore
In 2004, after ten years of driving cars to family vacations in Union Pier, Michigan, good friends and average cyclists, Lois and Ernie Baumann, and Kay and Steve Coughlin, challenged each other to ride their bicycles from Chicago to Michigan. So, in June 2004 with scant maps and no cue sheet, our baby boomer foursome discovered a 2-day scenic adventure. The thrill of this accomplishment inspired the creation of Le Tour de Shore, a charity bike ride from Chicago-to-Michigan dedicated to Supporting Arts for Kids at Maywood Fine Arts.
The mission of Maywood Fine Arts is to provide affordable, quality arts and fitness education that will enrich and transform the lives of children and their families in Maywood and surrounding communities.
Maywood Fine Arts began in 1979 with one couple, Ernie & Lois Baumann, and their dream to open a vibrant center of arts activity in Maywood. They saw a need to provide low-income families with affordable and fun educational activities, starting with Stairway of the Stars dance studio and Mr. Ernie’s Flip, Flop & Fly tumbling school. In 1996 with the help of concerned parents and community members, Maywood Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation, was established. The organization continues to grow and inspire a brighter future for tomorrow. Over 1000 kids come through their doors every week. See MFA in action on Facebook.