The Johnson Center for the Arts in downtown Troy is growing fast but experiencing no growing pains.

The growth is an indication that the JCA is on the fast track to reaching its goal of being a full service arts center.

Wiley White, JCA exhibition coordinator, said the Johnson Center for the Arts, doesn’t want to be just a visual arts center.

“We love to hang art and that’s our focus but we want to do more,” White said. “We also want to offer music, theater, dance and literary events. Until recently, we didn’t have the space to offer classes. But the buildings adjacent to The Studio, which is a JCA multi-purpose facility, became available so we are able to offer classes in art, music and theater.”

The first class taught in the additional space was Art by the Tracks.

“Day Barnes teaches the art classes and Amanda Ford is now teaching music classes and community band in the same space,” White said. “Students who take art call the space Art by the Tracks. Those who take music will call the space, Music by the Tracks.”

Tori Lee-Averett taught a drama class at the JCA in the spring and will extend the Center Stagers class to a full year beginning in the fall.

Center Stagers will be taught in the space next to the Tracks and will be taught by drama students at Troy University. Beginning students will be in Center Stagers I and those who took the drama class in the spring will be enrolled in Center Stagers II.

“We are excited about the growth of these classes and encourage children and teens who are interested in art, music and drama to enroll,” White said.

The three art enrichment classes are JCA programs. However, the class fees are paid to the individual teachers.

The Music on Monday classes are for children ages three and up and focus on music, movement and more. Tuned on Tuesday is designed for those interested in community youth jazz band.

“One idea that is being considered is to have a Christmas program that will include participation from the art, music and theater classes,” White said. “It’s an exciting idea and, hopefully, it will soon be a plan, not just an idea.”

The art and music classes are open as are the drama/theater classes. For more information about the art, music and theater classes, call the Johnson Center for the Arts at 334-670-2287.