Spring is always an exciting time in Michigan. The weather gets warmer; the daffodils outside of Wharton Center start to bloom, and our staff prepares for the thrill of our spring and summer education programs.  

From Young Playwrights Festival, Sutton Foster Awards, to Disney Musicals in Schools, and Take It from the Top, Spring at Wharton Center is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate community engagement and the power of arts education. But these amazing events don’t just happen. It’s through the generous support of our donors, patrons and community members that share a common belief: there is no greater purpose than to help transform the world around us for the better.  

Today, we want to highlight two very special people who, like us, have a passion for the arts and make the community remarkable.  

Meet Thomas and David Block-Easterday 

 

Tell us a little about yourselves and what first inspired your connection to the arts? 

We are Thomas and David Block-Easterday, and we live in East Lansing and are currently retired. Thomas worked for Michigan State University Human Resources and David for Ingham County 30th Judicial Circuit Court. We have been patrons of Wharton Center since it opened in 1982 and later became donors. 

 

Do you remember a moment when the arts made a lasting impact on you? 

Thomas was always attracted to the performing arts and enjoyed being involved in music and theatre programs earlier in life. We learned that we have a shared love of live performances and have been fortunate to have seen many of the greats throughout our time together. 

 

Why do you believe arts education is important for young people today? 

It fosters creativity, empathy, and expands their worldview by introducing possibilities they may never encounter otherwise. 

 

What motivates you to support arts education programs like those at Wharton Center? 

We hope to cultivate our love of live performances in others. Hopefully they will in turn pass it along! 

 

Why is it important that access to the arts is available to all students? 

It matters because all students benefit from being involved in the arts. Not every family can afford access, and some schools offer only minimal opportunities, but the impact of arts education is universal.  

 

What impact do you hope these programs have on students and the community? 

We hope that students will have fun while learning. The arts change lives, and we hope it results in curious, culturally competent adults. 

 

Have you witnessed or experienced a moment where arts education clearly made a difference? 

Yes, being personally involved in performing arts programs provided a safe space to feel seen and appreciated. It also taught valuable skills such as discipline and how to be a team player. 

 

Why do you think continued support for programs like these is so important right now? 

Some spend more time interacting in the digital rather than physical world. We also live in a polarized society. Access to the arts exposes participants to different perspectives. Hopefully that inspires curiosity and empathy as they travel through life. 

 

If you are interested in becoming a part of the story and supporting your passion, reach out to our Development Team.