Pictured (l to r): Kirk Young, Shane Hawkins, and Cheri Krull
Kirk Young introduced our speaker today.
Infinity is a multi-faceted arts program that fuses arts education, talent showcasing opportunities, and mentorship for young people into one complete experience. Infinity is a place to “Explore! Experience! and Excel!” Infinity serves more than 2,000 students per year and provides a unique environment and experience for local students with a network team of dedicated mentors.
Shane Hawkins, Executive Director, graduated from JHS and attended JCC and Fredonia. In 2004 a volunteer Board of Directors was formed and with guidance and support from the Arts Council and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Infinity was incorporated on January 20, 2005. Federal IRS 501(c)(3) status was achieved October 4, 2005. Infinity’s founder, Ron Graham, retired in 2008 after 10 years of service to Infinity and long-time employee Shane Hawkins was promoted to the position of director in 2009. Shane has been affiliated with Infinity for 17 years. Her history with Infinity started as a parent volunteer in 2003 – this is when she joined and brought their kids in for lessons.
Since 2010, Infinity programming has expanded beyond music to include art, dance, theater and literature experiences and classes. In 2011, adult classes and birth to five year old music and art opportunities were added to Infinity program options.
Infinity provides a unique environment and experience for a broad cross-section of area young people. Program access is guaranteed to any student demonstrating a desire to pursue learning in the visual and performing arts, without regard to gender, ethnicity, social or religious background, prior experience, or ability to pay. Infinity is a place where creative growth is cultivated and nurtured by a networked team of dedicated adult mentors, community supporters and area music and arts professionals.
In 2014, in order to accommodate the growing number of students, the Infinity Center relocated to a new, custom-designed facility in the ground floor of the Lynn Building, at 301 East 2nd St. This move was made possible thanks to generous help and support from local and regional funders, private donations, and a grassroots community fundraising campaign. Shane also highlighted the fact that their staff of 3 employees and Board of Directors raised $250K for their capital campaign in 2014. An amazing accomplishment in just 7 months.
In 2020, Infinity will work with close to 2,000 students. Infinity also has over 15 offsite programs throughout the community. They continue to make a difference in the lives of local youths
Infinity also exists to help students get through emotional issues in their teen years. Infinity provides a place to belong and use new skills and is a welcoming place to build peer relationship. Infinity gives students a stage to shine on.
Shane shows great passion for her job and what Infinity represents. She has been honored to grow the program and cannot wait to see what comes in next and into the future.
For more information about Infinity, please visit their web site at https://infinityperformingarts.org/