Carver Center introducing programs to engage the mind and talents of Kokomo

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When J.C. Barnett III took on the role of executive director of the Carver Community Center in April, he knew he had some big shoes to fill. The organization has a rich history of promoting Black culture while at the same time encouraging inclusiveness among all people.

Regardless of age or race, thousands in the greater Kokomo community can recall fond memories of the Carver Center, the friendships made there, and the character-building moments that help define them today.

So, what does a new director do to continue and enhance that legacy? Barnett has chosen to make the Carver Center a bustling hub of activity. Far beyond youth and adult basketball leagues – which still remain – he hopes to find activities and events that appeal to everyone, reinvigorating that spirit of acceptance and inclusiveness.

“I don't know necessarily that I am reinventing anything,” said Barnett. “I think a number of the programs that I'm working to bring back that I'm excited about have been present here at one time. But they have, for whatever reason, fallen away.”

One of Barnett’s first forays into programming involved the start of a local chess club, which has been operating almost from the beginning of his tenure. Meeting on the first and third Saturdays of each month, the Carver Center is introducing people of all ages and skill levels to perhaps the most iconic and enduring games in all of history.

But that was just the start. Barnett is known for his artwork, so much so that one of his pieces adorns the side of a business on the south side of Kokomo, welcoming motorists to the community. He decided to bring his love of art to Carver with art classes for kids and adults.

“As an artist, I'm just thrilled to be able to provide some art classes,” said Barnett. “We have awesome teachers.”

Lisa Muhs serves as instructor for the adult art classes, which meet on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. For just $30 a month, budding artists can join the table to refine existing skills and learn new ones.

The youth art classes are led by Rhonda Eads, with sessions for grade schoolers and high schoolers every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. The cost for this program is just $15 a month.

“Rhonda Eads is a wonderful teacher for our youth art classes,” said Barnett. “I’ve very excited to have her. And I know the need that adults have for a creative outlet. Lisa Muhs is an incredible lady who provides that for our adult participants.”

There is more to art than paint, pencil, or charcoal, however, and Barnett knows this. He was particularly excited to announce earlier this month a partnership with the Pastor Wendell Brown and the Undertone Music and Fine Arts Performance Academy. A call-out meeting was held earlier in the month to introduce people to the idea.

“Undertone will be quite broad and very multifaceted,” Brown said at the introductory meeting. “It will be gospel music training courses and techniques, instrumental training, songwriting and arrangements specifically for gospel music.

“The fine arts education (includes) classes in visual arts, dance, theater, and multimedia arts that complement the music program. We’ll teach a foundation in music theory, the history of gospel music, and its cultural significance.”

Brown added that everyone in the community is welcome to participate, and the work put in will translate to recitals and concerts.

“A local gospel music and Fine Arts performance school can serve as a vibrant hub for artistic expression, cultural enrichment and community engagement, and this is what Undertone is all about,” said Brown.

These programs are just a taste of what is taking place at the Carver Community Center. The Kokomo Lantern will feature additional programs – new and existing – in upcoming articles. To find out more about any of the programs described, or to learn more about what’s happening at the Carver Center, visit www.kokomocarver.org or check out Carver’s Facebook page.