We were delighted to host Shannon Price, Executive Director of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute as our speaker at the March 13th meeting. Shannon is a native Edmondite and has been a part of the community her entire life. The Fine Arts Institute is an extension of her appreciation for her community. She was recently awarded the 2017 Edmond Chamber Woman of the Year award. Under her leadership, the FAI has initiated a wide assortment of art and cultural related program at the institute. These include programs for Alzheimer's patients, mentally and emotionally challenged students and adults, and senior adult classes. Ongoing childrens programs including plays and arts and craft classes are continuing and expanding continuously. 
A big challenge for Shannon has been arts classes in the Edmond school system, not that the schools are unwilling to have them but the increasing demand of time and activities on the students. Because art and music along with physical activity have been proven to improve the academic success of students, the arts have been encouraged by the Edmond school system and are growing in the schools. The FAI building is available to host private events and was the site of the March 16th Summit Rotary Social.
Pictured Left is Shannon making a point during her presentation and at Right, Shannon Price with Rotarian of the Day Bob Donaldson.