Flood Updates

updated 7/5/23

ArtsConnect Families,

For those that may not know, the Springfield Township Arts Center operated by ArtsConnect flooded Christmas Day. The flood was caused by freezing temperatures and a sprinkler system that burst in three locations. The entire center, every room, was affected by flood waters.

Since this time, the center has undergone cleanup and is now being renovated. The entire sprinkler system must be replaced and is the primary reason for the delay in the renovations. 

From January through the end of June, we were  successful in continuing most of our class operations under a generous agreement with the Finneytown School District to use Brent Elementary School. We knew when we re-located, the school would undergo demolition in the summer. We moved from Brent - and into storage on June 28, 2023. 

Currently, the only classes being held are private music lessons, summer camp and senior open studios. 

Private music lessons are at the Springfield Township Administrative offices and Fleming Road United Church of Christ. 

Camp is being held at The Grove Events Center. 

Open Studios are as follows:

  • Euchre - Mondays; noon - 3pm at St Vivian Church
  • Fine Art - Tuesdays; 1 - 3 p.m. - Wyoming Civic Center
  • Woodcarving - Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Wyoming Civic Center
  • Crochet for a Cause - Wednesdays 12:30 - 3:00pm - Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA
  • Dominoes and Backgammon - Thursdays 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. St Vivian Church
  • Book Club - 4th Friday of the Month 10 a.m. - noon - Wyoming Civic Center
    • *No meetings on election days due to polling locations. 

Phones are being answered during the weekday hours . (513) 522-2108. Messages left will be returned. You can also email ArtsConnect at artsinfo@springfieldtwp.org.

All ArtsConnect events are continuing as scheduled. 

ArtsConnect staff are being used to help plan events and a number of community outreach activities.

The current timeline to re-open the art center is in November, 2023. Understanding it is not ideal to begin classes during the holidays, regular programming will resume in January. The 2024 session dates will run as follows:

Session 1: January 8 - Feb 17

Session 2: March 4 - April 13

Session 3: April 29 - June 10

If you are currently registered for a session we are unable to have in 2023, please call 513-522-2108 to reschedule or request a refund. 

Throughout this experience, so many have asked, "how can I help". Just in asking the question, lets us know you care and we are genuinely appreciative. We encourage you to register for a future class and experience the ArtsConnect difference - which is in the people and the creativity they are passionate about sharing. Our staff, instructors and our students are the heart and soul of ArtsConnect. Registering for a class is not only exciting for our students, it supports our  team of art instructors, many of whom are full-time artists and instructors. We also encourage your attendance in the MANY events we are hosting through November. 

Other ways to stay engaged:

- Participate in the Fence Mural Project!

- Register for Springfield Township e-news

- Follow Us on Social Media. Facebook.   LinkedIn

- Watch this web page for updates
 
We are immensely grateful to the Finneytown Local School District, Superintendent Laurie Banks and Director Business Operations, Grant Anderson for making our earlier partnership possible. We would like to also recognize Fleming Road Church of Christ, Wyoming Civic Center and Powel Crosley Jr YMCA for temporary use of their facilities this summer. Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of the ArtsConnect staff, our board, and most importantly, the Springfield Township Administration and Public Works Department for their drive and dedication to make this transition as smooth as possible during this trying time.

We look VERY forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Kimberlee Flamm
ArtsConnect Executive Director

Links to ArtsConnect programming
Kids Classes & Workshops
Adult Classes & Workshops
Community Events

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16

Around 3:30p.m. on Christmas, we received a call from the alarm company. The Springfield Township Police and Fire Department responded to the call immediately, finding multiple burst sprinkler system pipes in the upper level of the Arts Center. The damage caused by the breaks are significant and has impacted every room in the building, with the exception of the woodshop and Cardinal Room. All furniture, artwork and supplies have been secured and an assessment for damages and loss is underway.

ServPro is on the job , cutting walls and removing flooring that has been damaged. Fans and dehumidifiers have been placed throughout the building. Moisture detection technology is being used to identify all areas that need to be removed before any kind of restoration can begin.

We are working on a plan now for session 1 classes, set to begin the week of January 16, 2023. It is our goal to continue serving as many people as we can through the rebuilding process. Some classes will unfortunately be pushed to session 2, while others will be held off-site at The Grove Event Center or partnering locations.  We will set up temporary offices at The Grove in coming weeks. 

Events, such as the Daddy Daughter Dance, Mom Prom and Portrait of Aretha Dinner Theater will not impacted and will go on as scheduled. (Can you believe our dance themes this year was "Under The Sea")

Students who are impacted by the closure will be offered a refund, user credit or can be moved into another session. Our temporary operations plan for Session 1 will be in place by January 10. Please watch your emails and this web page for details. 

To offer your support of facility space, time or materials, please reach out to the ArtsConnect Executive Director, Kim Flamm at kflamm@springfieldtwp.org.




CONTACT INFORMATION

We will be answering emails and returning voicemail messages while re are restoring our services.

Email: artsinfo@Springfieldtwp.org

PH: 513-522-2108

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT ARTSCONNECT

Donations will go a long way in our road to recovery. Make a donation today at https://www.theartsconnect.us/292/Donations

Register for session 2 and session 3 classes. Our instructors and our students are the heart and soul of ArtsConnect. Registering for a class is not only exciting for you, it supports our amazing team of art instructors.

DID YOU KNOW?

ArtsConnect has over 50 art teachers! Many are full-time artists and do rely on income from selling their work and sharing their incredible talent with students like you.