Troy's ArtSpark welcomes community, featuring Calliope Pettis

Troy’s ArtSpark was a community-centered arts event that brought families, students and local artists together for a day of creativity and connection over the weekend.  

The event was held at the International Arts Center and featured guest artist Calliope Pettis. 

The event offered a variety of activities, including hands-on art projects, scavenger hunts 

 and outdoor fun. Children and families moved through interactive stations designed to 

 encourage imagination and self-expression. Organizers said the goal was to create a welcoming space where community members of all ages could engage with the arts. 

Pettis said her artistic perspective was shaped by travel and exposure to diverse musical 

 traditions.  

“Taking a trip to New Orleans and seeing music being made in a different way 

 changed the trajectory of my life and creativity,” Pettis said. 

Pettis, originally from Panama City Beach, Florida, studied opera at the University of Montevallo and has spent most of her adult life working in the southeast. She recently completed a 54-stop summer library tour, where she performed and led workshops for students across the state. 

Her visit followed her work with students at Troy Elementary School, where she made a 

 strong impression. Many students expressed excitement about seeing her again, contributing to high attendance at the weekend event. 

She encourages young artists to approach creativity with confidence and curiosity.  

“It’s important to begin in the spirit of play,” Pettis said. “Don’t worry about whether something is right or wrong. Just immerse yourself and trust the process.” 

Among the attendees was Rhian Clark, a Troy alumnus who attended with her four 

 children. Clark said her daughter came home from school excited about Pettis and asked to see her again. 

“I think it’s very important for families to bring their kids to events like this,” Clark said.

“In Southern culture, there’s often more emphasis on sports than the arts.  

“I’m grateful my children can be exposed to creativity and different ways of thinking.”

Clark added that participating in arts programs helps her children build confidence and 

 develop problem-solving skills. 

Event organizer and teaching artist Rebekah Alexander said the main goal of the event 

 was to bring families together through creative experiences. She represents ArtSpark, a free monthly children’s arts program that began in 2020 and continues to grow with community Support. 

“Art matters when it is accessible,” Alexander said. “We want families to feel welcome 

 and empowered to create together.” 

Through music, hands-on activities and community engagement, the Troy’s ArtSpark 

 event highlighted the importance of arts education and cultural exposure. Organizers hope the positive response will lead to continued support for similar programs, ensuring creativity 

 remains a central part of life in Troy.