The mission of SFOA is to:

*encourage a community of all ages, where children can express themselves creatively through a wide range of artistic endeavors,

*gain a lifelong appreciation for the diversity of the creative spirit,

*and celebrate that creativity through performing and non-performing arts.

Our Goals are to:

*broaden young people’s knowledge of the basic elements of the arts.

*cultivate skills in a variety of art forms

*complement existing educational experiences by providing enriched arts explorations that will stimulate continuing artistic growth

*introduce young artists, students, to professional artists from around the globe

*create a sense of unity among young people on Mount Desert Island and communities beyond

*provide a learning environment for prospective educators through our apprentice program