Tag: Canterbury School

Fine Arts School Now Open

Fine Arts Center

Strengthening School Programs 

Ribbon Cutting I

Excitement from many months of anticipation was felt as the Canterbury Community came together to officially open its new Fine Arts Center. Joined by the project team, the board of trustees, and key project donors, the group cut the ribbon, highlighting the final milestone since construction began in May of 2023.  

“The campus has transformed dramatically with the Fine Arts Center now serving as a welcoming front door to the High School Campus.” – Larry Weigand, CEO, Weigand Construction 

Designed for the Arts 

Ribbon Cutting II

Developed as the central hub for Canterbury’s Academy of the Arts, the new, 18,000 square foot facility has several specialized offerings for students such as: 

  • A Gallery  
  • 2D Art Studio  
  • 3D Art Studio  
  • Blackbox Theatre  
  • Theatre Dressing Rooms  
  • Music Classroom  
  • Choral Room  
  • Practice Rooms  
  • Recording and Podcasting Studios  
  • Media Lab  
  • And More! 

These features allow for a diverse range of artistic disciplines for students to discover, explore, and hone throughout their learning journeys. Not only that, but access to this facility will be available for students in every grade, allowing them to foster creativity at all stages of their education. 

More Lasting than Bronze 

Ribbon Cutting III

This tremendous effort strengthening Canterbury’s educational experience resulted in a structure set to make an impact on every student passing through its doors. 

“In the building that stands behind us, our students, guided by their incredible teachers, will produce art that will last a lifetime. We could not be more thankful to the Surack and James families, and to all of our donors for your support. You have, in the words of Horace, helped us to construct ‘a monument more lasting than bronze.’” – David Jackson, Head of School, Canterbury School 

We cannot wait to see how students’ creativity flourishes through the programs at the Canterbury Fine Arts Center in the years to come! 


Gallery
Classroom
Blackbox Theatre
Large Window Classroom
Fine Arts Center II
Band/Orchestra
Classroom II
Rehearsal Space
Gallery II
Fine Arts Center

Fine Arts Facility Tops Out at Canterbury

Larry Speaking

Touch Down 

This August, we marked a momentous occasion and celebrated the completion of the steel framing at the new Canterbury Fine Arts Center. With an audience that included donors, architects, students, faculty, and staff, our crew carefully secured the final steel beam, a symbolic touch that signifies the culmination of this important phase. 

Fostering Artistic Passion 

Once finished, this 18,000 square-foot facility will provide students with a dedicated space to cultivate their artistic talents. From visual design to musical performance, acting in theatre to creating stunning artwork, or even recording audio, this center is meticulously crafted to offer learners an environment that will elevate their educational experience and empower them to pursue their dreams.  

The Fine Arts Center will feature: 

Attendees
  • A Gallery 
  • 2D Art Studio 
  • 3D Art Studio 
  • Blackbox Theatre 
  • Theatre Dressing Rooms 
  • Music Classroom 
  • Choral Room 
  • Practice Rooms 
  • Recording and Podcasting Studios 
  • Media Lab 
  • And More! 

The wide range of artistic disciplines supported in the new building guarantee opportunities for students across a broad swathe of interests and focuses. For David Jackson, Head of School at Canterbury, the intent behind this project was to ensure that education in the arts wasn’t an after-school activity, but rather “a core part of the academic experience…This facility will ensure generationally that Canterbury students, and students from the Fort Wayne area will have access to an incredible arts education.” Jackson recognized the generous donations by the Surack and James families. Their philanthropy funded this $10.5M project, making a way for this dream to become a reality. 

The Next Step 

David Speaking

From here, our team will embark on the next steps, which involve enclosing the facility. We are eagerly looking forward to the day when students can step into this new home of the school’s Academy of Arts and embark on an exciting journey of creativity and discovery!  


Crane and Beam
David Speaking
Workers guiding the crane
Students and faculty watching the ceremony
Attendees
Crane lifting beam
Worker tightening the final beam in place in the frame
Seating Area
Workers removing the cables from the beam