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.