An ambitious new arts academy is focused on bringing all areas of arts education to local kids in a Christ-centered environment.
Footprints Academy of the Arts is led by its passionate director Regina Navarro.
"We recently opened Footprints Academy because I saw a need in our community and wanted to add to the richness of the arts culture," said Navarro of the new business located at 3303 Texas Boulevard in Texarkana, Texas.According to Navarro, the talent pool in Texarkana is vast and needs to be put to good use.
"So much talent is not being utilized by our young people in the Texarkana area," she added.
Navarro said the Footprints project was inspired by her work as a youth director in Texarkana, Texas at the well-known Christ Nations Church under the leadership of Pastor Isaac Pitre.
She said she has also worked in education for more than 6 years.
"I have a special passion for the arts," Navarro said.
Footprints Academy of the Arts focuses on four areas of art: Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Creative Arts, and Musical Arts.
"I opened the academy to share my years of training and passion for reaching those in the community that has such amazing talents," Navarro said. "I want to give the youth in the Ark-La-Tex community a place to grow their gifts and build their talents."
"Our community has so many people with amazing gifts as artists, writers, dancers and actors and few options for their talents to flourish," Navarro added.
Navarro said her goal is to bring out the best in the community with unique offerings.
"We teach acting, musical theater, all kinds of dance, vocals, painting, and even literary arts with teaching poetry and book writing," she said.
While arts education is important, the information is taught in a Christian atmosphere.
She said Footprints Academy is a ministry for the community and allows her to create an environment of total peace and safety for students.
"I have the opportunity through the arts to minister through music, dance, singing and acting giving our community a safe place to be themselves and discover gifts and talents that our youth do not even know they have," she said.
The academy kicked off its popular after school program for a very affordable "per-day" price.
"We open at 3 pm and have extended our hours to 8 pm," she said. "This gives our youth in the community something to do rather than walk the streets looking for something to do."
Navarro said it also allows parents in the community to have "peace of mind and be proud" of their children.
"I want to empower our community while building a culture of beauty through our youth," Navarro said.
Footprints Academy of the Arts has major expansion ideas for the future as well.
"We plan on building more and more with time," Navarro said.
"We have even gotten rights to perform broadway shows," she added. "This allows our community to grow in culture and entertainment."
Navarro has many supporters in the community, but she is looking for more.
"Let's build a community within our community," Navarro said. "Texarkana has the history, the talent, and the resources. Footprints Academy of the Arts is just the beginning."
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