How to build a treehouse.

Step One: Plant a Seed

In 2004, three young artists planted a seed. Josh Martin-Taylor, Chris McLaughlin and Robert Moore III shared a vision for an arts organization that benefited artists from all disciplines of art. Treehouse Arts, an organization with an interest in theatre, dance, music and visual art, wanted to become a home for the arts. They built a foundation by producing original performing and visual arts, educating young artists and strengthening the arts community. With patience and hard work that tiny seed is thriving, and yielding fruit.

For four years, Treehouse Arts Ensemble has nurtured their sapling organization. Their first year, the group presented a new show each month. The ensemble of artists and loyal volunteers produced three one-act play festivals, a modern dance concert, a visual arts exhibition and an event called the Artistic Blender, a mixture of music, dance and art installations all sharing one venue. The vision for Treehouse Arts Ensemble began to take root.

The following year, The Tamarack Foundation sponsored Treehouse Arts to develop and direct a youth theatre camp. The camp curriculum encompassed the entire theatrical process. Thirty students ages 8 to 17, designed, built and performed in an original production. This ambitious undertaking provided an invaluable experience for its students, and teachers. Three summers later, the theatre camp continues to evolve and prosper. Currently, Treehouse artists are developing new programs for additional camps and workshops focusing on visual art and dance.

The common denominator in all of Treehouse Arts’ successes is the dedication of its ensemble. The ensemble welcomes everyone with an appreciation for the arts, whatever their experience. The group has grown from three artists with a vision, to a network of over sixty artists working together, advocating the arts.

Treehouse Arts Ensemble is now an emerging voice for the arts in southern West Virginia. As for the future, Treehouse Arts Ensemble is seeking its own place to call home. Their design is for a transformable performance/gallery space in Beckley, where thespians, musicians, dancers and fine artists can share inspiration in a studio setting, as well as the spotlight. Until then, the Treehouse will only be a metaphoric home for the arts; with a welcome mat that reads, Home is where the ‘art’ is.

Visit www.treehousewv.com