Art Gallery Offers After School Programs, Opening In December

The Gallery of the Arts will open it’s doors in December, and will provide after-school programs for students, such as art lessons and workshops, music and voice workshops, as well as rehearsal space.

"One of our goals is to provide a place for kids to go during those few hours after school lets out when parents are still working," said Dan Fogel, owner of the Gallery of the Arts.

After-school programs will be provided for fifth grade through high school students, and special programs will be provided for younger kids.

In addition to the after-school workshops, Fogel plans an art gallery featuring local artists, as well as art and music workshops for adults.

"This is going to be a facility for the public to have access to local and East Texas visual and performing arts," Fogel said. "Pieces of art will be available for sale, but we also want to provide a hands on experience for children and adults."

Dan and Mary Fogel, who are moving to Wills Point from the Dallas area, have been busy remodeling the space at 130 W.N. Commerce next to the Majestic Theater.

Dan has been a professional musician since the age of thirteen, working as a trumpet player and arranger in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

After a move to Dallas in 1989, Fogel turned his life-long art hobby into a business, painting murals in homes and businesses, as well as doing faux finishes.

Mary Fogel, a former model and self-esteem coach will teach the art of skin care and make-up application. Mary has also worked as a fundraising coordinator, and the Fogel’s hope to produce ‘benefit’ programs for local causes. Their first effort is helping to raise funds to purchase bulletproof vests for the Wills Point police department.

Other plans for the Gallery include a coffeehouse in the back with music performances, and musical theater for children.

For more information contact Dan at (972)978-7305, or Mary at (214)335-3192.