About Us
FACES – Fine Arts Community Explorations in the Shuswap was established under the Arts Council for the South Shuswap in 2012. The program was created by founder and Executive Director Karen Brown, alongside a dedicated Board of Directors, to fill a gap in youth arts programming in the region.
Initially, FACES offered just one art teacher, one music teacher, and one dance instructor, serving 27 students. By the end of the 2024/2025 season, the program had expanded to 160 students, offering dance, music, and theatre classes supported by five dance instructors, three music teachers, two theatre instructors, and a Creative Director.
Today, FACES is the only program in the area that offers music, dance, theatre, and visual arts under one roof, making it a unique resource for young artists in the Shuswap.
FACES students showcase their talent in two recitals each year—one in December and another in May. These performances provide valuable opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones. Performing in front of an audience fosters vulnerability, which in turn builds strength and character. “It takes courage to share a piece of yourself on stage—whether through dance, music, or theatre. That vulnerability fosters personal growth, confidence, and resilience—qualities that are essential for a healthy child, teen, or adult.”
As a non-profit, the Arts Council works tirelessly to secure grants that reduce tuition fees for FACES students, making arts education more accessible to all. At the same time, in alignment with the Council’s mandate to support professional artists, FACES instructors are compensated fairly as experienced, certified professionals in their respective fields.