Kaleigh Zierk | Echo
Many people may be familiar with Marion, Ind., as the birthplace of James Dean and Jim Davis (creator of Garfield), but few are aware of the artistic talent that is currently flourishing in this small community.
The Community School of the Arts, located in the downtown square, is home to greatly talented children and adults. Executive Director Mark Fauser is one of the individuals who has developed the school into a place that instills pride in the community.
Mark met his wife at Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training in Florida, got married in Marion a year later and immediately moved to Los Angeles to embark on an artistic career. He had every "odd job" possible until he found himself writing and acting for shows such as "Evening Shade" (1990-1994) and "SeaQuest 2032" (1993-1996), and in 1994, sold the movie "The Right to Remain Silent" (1996). Mark was making strides in L.A. until the scare of an earthquake moved him and his family to Marion, Ind.
While living in Marion, Mark wrote and acted in "Waking Up in Reno" (2002), and continued his success in writing movies. However, other than coaching his children's little league team, Mark wasn't very involved in the community he lived in for seven years.
After learning of his experiences and talents, people encouraged Mark to get involved at the Community School of the Arts (CSA).
"I became on the board and it was in the basement of a church. It taught six classes a year and had $1,000 in its account," Mark said. "The Executive Director…had the phone line in her own house, so she was paying for everything."
Although the school had limited resources, Mark saw great potential.
"I was so impressed by the talent that I thought, 'I'm gonna take a year off,' because I was kinda jaded by L.A. and I just took a year off and volunteered to help build the school up," Mark said.
The school moved to the central mall, and valuable board members were recruited. Growth continued and interest peaked in the community as celebrities such as Billy Bob Thornton, Jim Caviezel and Kelly Ripa participated in commercials for CSA. A go-kart race, now an annual fundraiser, brought in $20,000 toward scholarships the first year.
Funds were still low and resources limited, but CSA began making its name known throughout the community.
"A local business man knew Penelope Knight, whose husband is the founder of Nike shoes, and went and told them about our story. And she said she would give us $100,000," Mark explained. "I went crazy! I couldn't believe it and I wrote them this email, he passed it on to her. She said people usually expect things. . . so she gave us another $50,000. . . . A few months later she sent us another $100,000."
Knight continued to contribute financially, and CSA was able to move to their current location on the downtown square. It is now an established environment where children and adults can thrive in their artistic abilities.
"One of our kids was in the movie 'Footloose' last year. Five of our kids were just in 'Parks and Recreation,' and they get paid. Our kids do commercials, movies, shows, plays and we're seeing a lot of success," Mark said. "Two of our kids went to the network at Disney and almost got the lead roles in one of their shows."
One of the main inspirations for CSA is the famous talent that came from Marion.
"As a small community, we're really fortunate to have iconic people like James Dean, and the stories are so unique, like Jim Davis. These are nationally known people," Mark said.
To honor these great artists and showcase CSA's inspiration, Mark worked with the city of Marion and community members to finance and implement the murals that are now seen on the side of the school.
Mark explained that sponsorships were needed from people who understood the vision, in order to fully implement the project. Dawn Darga, CSA marketing director, designed nine panels and brought the vision to life.
"I remember the night they were implemented and it was lit up, and I was here at 10:30 at night, by myself, and I was crying," Mark recalled. "But then to watch perfect strangers come and drive through and read about each one of them or get out of their cars and take pictures. . . just the pride it instills in people, which is the purpose of this. . . if greatness came from this community it can continue to come. That's so important for my kids here at the school of the arts. That great things can come from a small community."
CSA also utilizes the efforts of Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor to continue the school's development.
"It's called the Community School of the Arts, and it's really taken a giant community effort to make it work. I've had Taylor University helping us and fix things up in the basement. . . We continue to grow to revitalize the downtown," Mark said. "We'd love this to be a middle ground between Indiana Wesleyan and Taylor, to come here and make this a happenin' town. To keep the youth here and inspire even the younger kids and use all the goodness TU and IWU provide to encourage kids to live in positive ways."
Mark also applauds the board of directors, volunteers and corporate sponsors who work hard for the success of CSA.
