ABOUT FAME CENTER
Our Vision
Creating an environment where all of today's youth have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to tomorrow's world.
Our Mission
To provide equitable access to arts education so that the next generation has creative tools to uncover their potential and imagine their futures.
Who We Are
FAME Center was founded in 2018 when Sheila Fortson turned her passion for teaching into a nonprofit dedicated to multidisciplinary arts education. What started as a handful of students quickly grew into a thriving community. Today, FAME offers instruction in six creative disciplines:
🎶 Music 🎨 Visual Art 🎭 Drama ✍️ Creative Writing 💻 Digital Art 🎶 Art/Music Therapy
At FAME, we celebrate self-expression in all its forms. Whether it’s a music lesson, a theater class, or
a child coloring while their parent enjoys a cup of tea, we create space for creativity to flourish — all under one roof.
Why It Matters
Art is a powerful tool for growth and healing. As a nonprofit, we’re committed to making the arts accessible, providing scholarships and community programs in underserved neighborhoods like Armour Square and Austin.
Our Values
💡 Ownership – We empower students, staff, and partners to take initiative in their creative journeys.
📈 Growth – We foster continuous learning, expansion, and meaningful impact.
🌍 Impact – We use the arts to create lasting change in individuals and communities.
🚀 Innovation – We push creative boundaries to shape the future of arts education.
🎭 Ready to get started? Try a discounted trial lesson today!
Board Members
Marc Doggett | CEO, Club Consulting 101, Board Chairman
Jodi Koslow Martin, Ph.D. | Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Triton College
Richard Bloomfield | CEO & Co-Founder, Funkytown Brewery
Elizabeth L. Carter, Esq. | Attorney and Managing Member, Elizabeth L. Carter Esq., LLC (Legal)
Zachary Day | Co Founder, Funkytown Brewery
Sheila Fortson | Executive Director & Founder, FAME Center
Ken Gibbs | President, MIKK Construction
Courtney Jackson | Social Media Specialist, Rheem Manufacturing (Marketing), Board Secretary
Greg Williams, MBA | Program Manager at WESCO Distribution and Co-Founder at Funkytown Brewery
Pamela Norfleet | Accounts Payable / Receivable Manager, Prosight Financial Association, Board Treasurer
Mike Knowles | Retired, Former President & CEO, Wintrust Bank
Thembi Ndebele | Senior Director of Programs, Metropolitan Peace Initatives
Advisory Board Members
Dr. Felecia Thompson (Board Emeritus)
Dr. Stephen Michael Newby (Board Emeritus)
Thomas S. Fortson, Ph.D
Bob Ford | President, B. Ford Sales and Marketing
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