Fine Arts Center of Easley Opens to the Community

A dream 10 years in the making has finally become a reality for two Easley women.

Anna DeVault and Amanda Gunter have talked on and off for the last 10 years about opening a facility that was dedicated to fine arts. The two ladies both have taught classes in schools and in the community, but found themselves discussing the possibilities once again, after a change in teaching careers.

On Thursday, co-owners DeVault and Gunter opened the Fine Arts Center of Easley in the lower level of West End Hall at 201 S. 5th St., Suite E.

West End Hall, which also houses the Easley Foothills Playhouse, provided the perfect space for the new center.

Three months ago, the lower level of West End Hall was a dark, dungeon-like area, DeVault said.

Today, it shines after a complete renovation through a matching grant obtained by the City of Easley.

"The City of Easley has been supportive of us and have encouraged us and pushed us to make this happened," DeVault said. "And the space in West End Hall, really suited our purposes."

DeVault said the lower level of the building was at one time the free medical clinic in Easley. She said the private exam rooms have been converted to private practice rooms and instructional space.

"We have found as students were going to auditions and for college auditions, the one thing they were being asked consistently was how much private instruction they had in addition to their school instruction," DeVault said. "We now have a facility where they can receive that private instruction."

With more than 40 years of experience in the arts themselves, the co-owners wanted to make sure they brought quality instructors to Easley. DeVault said they have drawn instructors from local universities such as Southern Wesleyan, Erskine, North Greenville, to teach classes in voice, music, theatre, art and dance.

Meet their coaches and read their biographies.

Now the center is awaiting its future stars.

Classes are open and registration for students has already begun. Both private and group instruction are available at the center.

Music classes are offered for all ages. Even newborns can gain exposure to music through the center's Kindermusik program. Drama and dance classes start at age 3.

Learn more about their classes.

Auditions will begin soon for a Pops choir for teens that will be similar to the hit Fox TV show "Glee." Be sure to check out F.A.C.E. website and Facebook page for more details.

For more information, call 442-6027. The center is open from 1-9 p.m. weekdays.