Compass Arts classes, ensembles, events and camps are created for the Beacon and surrounding communities for the purpose of building those communities. Our vision is a big one. As a creativity project, we believe that communities are stronger when problem solving skills are encouraged at every age level and that the best way to build problem solving skills is through creativity. Through creative arts exploration students are given opportunities to think, and to think for themselves--to feel empowered by coming up with a story plot twist or an ending to a play or to discover the joy of being able to improvise over a musical accompaniment. We believe that our best work involves encouraging contribution, whether it is a colorful swipe of a brush, a melody or an idea. The essence of what we hope to do at Compass Arts is this, that those sometimes large and sometimes small contributions allow students to evolve into something the world desperately needs--individuals with vision.

Compass Arts is currently housed in the Compass Arts Enrichment Center in the heart of downtown Beacon, NY and draws from the talents of professionals in a variety of arts fields, Compass Arts continues to grow its offerings, enabling you to find YOUR direction.

Coronavirus update:::
As many of you already know Compass Arts has responded to the school and business closures here in Dutchess County by shuttering our own doors and moving most of our classes online in various virtual formats. We will be keeping an eye out for updates regarding area schools and businesses and will let everyone know when it will be possible to reopen our doors to the public. While we miss being able to interact in person with all of our students we are very grateful to have tech options that are working to keep us engaged and making great theater, music and art together from our separate homes. And since community is our bedrock we are providing free Facebook Live events like singalongs and song-alongs with Gina Samardge and Jessie Shaffer, theater games with Eric Saiet, and art and story sessions with Romina Robinson.

To accommodate the quickly changing environment our online spring semester classes are running in five week sessions instead of our usual 10 week sessions. We want to make it as easy as possible for folks to participate so most of our online classes are being offered in 30 minute long segments with more affordable rates than usual.

We truly feel everyone's bewilderment and concern right now and are thankful that we can continue to connect with our community. We believe those connections are worth their weight in gold right now and we thank YOU, endlessly, for your continued participation.

As of January 1, 2020 Compass Arts is a nonprofit corporation. Beacon Arts is functioning as fiscal sponsor for Compass Arts while we wait for our 501(c)(3) tax exempt status to be granted. Donations to Compass Arts can be made through Beacon Arts at https://beaconarts.org/donate/.