SMYRNA, Tenn. (WTVF) — At the new Carpe Artista Academy, students can learn how to play the drums and paint like Picasso all under one roof.
Carpe Artista Academy on Hazelwood Drive in Smyrna opened in January.
"Before, we were spread out all over everywhere and we had instructors teaching at a bunch of different places," said Ron Alley, the founder of Carpe Artista.
Carpe Artista is a nonprofit. It's mission is to build the arts in Rutherford County and beyond.
The nonprofit bought the new space last year to make all their offerings available at one central location. The existing layout of more than a dozen rooms was a bonus.
"It's already 14 different studios. It was just perfect for our academy and providing private instruction and class instruction in the arts for our community because there is not really anything else here," said Alley.
The academy can accommodate up to 1400 students a week at the new location.
Carpe Artista's next project is a music and galley venue on Front Street.
"We're about to launch a heavy fundraiser this summer to raise between two and two-and-a-half million dollars to create a serious art center down in the depot district," Alley said.
There is an open house Thursday afternoon at Carpe Artista Academy at 1334 Hazelwood Drive from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
