Tony M. Music & Arts Foundation is DEDICATED TO BRINGING MEANINGFUL ARTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES TO OUR COMMUNITY.
OUR MISSION
Tony M Music and Arts Foundation supports achievement, creativity, and growth through the arts by engaging students, families, and members of the community through programs, performances, and hosted events. Immersing children in the arts at home, through lessons at school and in the community, provides undeniable benefits that will help them throughout their lives.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are committed to create, support, enhance the arts in the Martinsburg/Berkeley County area and throughout WV.
CREATE meaningful and inexpensive arts programs to students in throughout, WV as well as engaging events to the community.
SUPPORT artists and other art programs in our community and throughout our state.
ENHANCE the education of arts and the implementation of arts programs in our community and throughout WV.
OUR PROGRAMS
Martinsburg Rocks!
Entertainment Series!
Since our first entertainment series in 2018, TMMAAF partners with the Martinsburg/Berkeley Co. Public Library, and Main Street Martinsburg to bring 8 weeks of family entertainment to our town square. We kick off in June and finish off the series in August. We’ve hosted entertainers such as O’Ryan the o’mazing, oh! Susanna, Mr. Jon & carie, Drew Blue Shoes, Wonderment Puppet Theater, Let there Be Rock School, 1,2,3 Andrés, and much more.
In School Programs
Teachers and staff have talents that they love sharing with students beyond what they are already teaching in the classrooms. Some of our school based programs include crocheting, bucket drumming, yoga, voice, photography, home economic skills, and more!
First Saturday’s at The Martinsburg Public Library
First Saturday’s are a FREE family entertainment series in the Martinsburg Public Library from 10:30-1:15 every first Saturday of the month. When the weather is cold, we’ll be inside. If it’s beautiful outside, we’ll host them on the front plaza of the library.
See you there!
Berkeley County Intermediate Cross Country Program
Artists are athletes are artists. Arts and athletics do compliment one another quite well. That is why for the past 6 years, TMMAAF has hosted cross country seasons at berkeley county schools intermediate school (grades 3-5). This year we hosted programs in 3 of the 6 intermediate schools and will expand to all 6 schools during the 2024/25 school year! Running, jogging, walking, is another way to promote positive mental and physical health and we are proud to offer these amazing program for students of all abilities.
Public Art Projects - “Heirloom” mural
“Heriloom mural in downtown Martinsburg, WV.
“Heirloom,” murals as scene looking toward the Belle Boyd House.
Directors Corrinne and Tony with artist Jamie.
This mural is tribute to Martinsburg’s rich Arts & Crafts heritage.
Entitled “Heirloom” - it reflects upon the history of Appalachian handicrafts. The quilt pattern, is a nod to the crafting history of Wv & the beauty, skill & sense of community the art-making brings.
The act of quilt-making is a time-honored tradition. Throughout history, families sat together to create a functional piece of art - a warm blanket and also, a memory. The things we pass down aren’t always objects; but, passions, ideas or skillsets.
The title “Heirloom” is also a play on words, “Air Loom” representing the weaving of the avian creature—the Cardinal.
The piece took influenced not only from Appalachian quilts themselves; but, from key local art.
Initially, inspiration was found in the work of local artist “David Taylor”, whose art hangs in the “Belle Boyd House Visitor’s Center”. In it, a centralized bird figure is flanked by a cascading checkerboard of diamond-shapes, with beautifully hand-forge details.
“Heirloom’s” look draws from the, eye-catching and colorful patterns that adorn country barns as well. These welcoming visuals are impactful, as they sit boldly against any rolling landscape.
Last; but, certainly not least, the mural’s aesthetic stems from the animal motifs & geometric design work of vintage illustrator and graphic designer Charley Harper. Coincidentally, this infamous artist also hails from West Virginia.
The Merrium Webster definition of the word “heirloom” means “something of special value handed down from one generation to another.”
My hope for this piece is that it serves as a backdrop to many fond memories in downtown Martinsburg. It should also plant the seed of continuing to bring humans together through the tradition of hand-crafting.
Jamie
