SoLa: Houma area’s best-kept arts secret

Houma has been keeping a secret. Area children have been singing, dancing, playing instruments, acting, drawing and painting on the down low.

The organization responsible for these clandestine activities is South Louisiana Center for the Arts (SoLa) at 7839 Park Ave.

SoLa has been around for 10 years spreading the word and teaching the arts.

“The arts are for everybody. We’re not artsy fartsy,” said Executive Director Anna Roberts.

The center offers classes year-round so children “can put their toe in the water. We’re doing little spurts of creative type camps this summer so there’s more of a variety of things going on,” Roberts said.

“Pre-Twinklers” violin classes are for children age three to five. Lessons cover all the basics from a very early start with rhythm and how to hold a bow and violin.

Fridays in June are devoted to mothers and toddlers. “Mommy, Music and Me” teaches the basics of music and rhythm, along with simple songs and dance movements. “It’s a fun and creative class for toddlers just getting exposed to music,” Roberts said.

“Brushes and Bottles” is a painting class just for adults. Students bring their own libations, kick back, relax and get the opportunity to recreate a masterpiece.

“It’s very basic. If you’ve never picked up a brush before you’ll be fine in this class,” Roberts explained.

Fans of Project Runway will appreciate Roberts’ pet project – a class called “Recycled Couture.” “They’ll be making clothing from recycled materials like duct tape, newspapers and thrift store finds. Everybody who’s called me has said they wish they were young enough to take the class and now I’m wondering why did I do this just for children.” she said.

The “SoLa Star Search” talent competition will light up the Houma Municipal Auditorium June 20th at 2 p.m. Anyone brave enough to take the stage with a song, dance or musical instrument is welcome.

From the outside SoLa is housed in a plain, sleepy-looking building. Appearances can be deceiving.

Inside it’s alive with the sound of children’s voices blending in perfect harmony and artists chatting while creating their masterpieces.

The teachers stand ready to share their gifts in drawing, painting, voice, theatre, or musical instruments.

This well-kept secret is open and ready to teach anyone – young or young at heart – willing to learn about art.

A full listing of classes and theatre tickets can be found on SoLa’s Web site at http://solacenter.org/ or call (985) 876-2222 for information.