Eastern Shore's Own (ESO) Arts Center

ESO Board of Directors Officers:

ESO Board Members:

Executive Director:
Lynne Rogers

Assistant Director:
Dawn Simpson

Special Events Assistant:
Angelica Garcia-Randle

Mission Statement:
Eastern Shore's Own, Inc. (ESO) is a non-profit community arts center whose mission is to foster the development of the arts through instruction and performance. Our goal is to provide opportunities for local artists to teach, practice, perform and to make the arts available to all residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

History:
The Eastern Shore's Own, Inc. was founded in 1984 by Allen Derrick, a retired actor from New York and Joyce Holland, a local theater performer. Originally the ESO was an adult theater troupe that expanded into instruction of the arts and became incorporated on August 1, 1986. The ESO began leasing the Belle Haven School building from the Town of Belle Haven on September 1, 1986. The ESO has been located in the facility since that time.

Facility:
Many renovations and improvements have been made to the classic, three story, brick building since ESO's occupation in 1986. The ESO Facility currently includes a pottery/sculpture studio with five potters' wheels and one kiln, a studio theater with stage, sound and lighting equipment, a fully equipped kitchen, an art room, a small dance studio, a large dance studio, a green room, a costume shop, three teaching spaces for music lessons, a performing music room, a gallery and lounge area, storage spaces, two office spaces and updated restroom facilities.

Students:
The ESO, at 15293 King Street in the Town of Belle Haven, is located in southern Accomack County and serves the residents of the Eastern Shore from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the Maryland State Line. The ESO classes, facilities and productions are available to all residents of the Eastern Shore regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic origin, financial means, or level of ability.

Instruction:
The ESO offers classes year round and schedules new classes quarterly. A sampling of classes would include drawing/sketching, watercolor, figure drawing, pottery and sculpture, carving, drama for children, digital photography, creative writing, magic, children's vocals, preschool art, music classes, ballet and fitness classes such as Karate, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Individual music lessons are offered on an ongoing basis for drums, guitar, piano and violin.

Special Programs:
Through grants and community cooperation with other organizations, the ESO offers art classes for special needs and home schooled children. The ESO conducts various art and music projects for youth in low income communities and offers summer art camp for preschool and school age children.

Productions:
The ESO has presented the Shore Made Music Festival every September since 2001, showcasing local musical talent. The ESO Cabaret Series features musical or comedy performances monthly, in an intimate setting. The ESO School of Dance, the largest area of enrollment at ESO, performs two full scale productions per year, with all ESO dance students participating. The ESO has presented a production of the "Nutcracker" every December since 1991.

2009-2010 Form 990.pdf