A couple of classically trained professional dancers and long time teachers have opened up a new multi-faceted venue in Perry that aims to expose more people to fine art.

Karina and Jonathon Levy have traveled the world dancing for various professional ballet companies and their new venture is the Raccoon Valley Centre for the Arts in downtown Perry.

Located in the rear entrance of 1205 Second Street, the non-profit Centre offers an art gallery, massage services, the Ballet Training Centre and soon an underground art room.

Jonathon says every culture in history has used art as the original form of education and he feels it’s important for people to continue to embrace that.

“The overall goal I think is to show that a rural community is not exclusive of culture.  A lot of people seem to think that ‘Oh, if you’re not in the big city than, pardon the non-politically correct statement, but you’re a hick. And that’s just not true because everything is art.”

The Centre is holding open registration and enrollment for all classes this week at the studio.  Everyone is invited to stop by, take a look at the space, find out more about the offerings and sign up for classes.  The hours are 4-7pm today and Thursday, 11am until 7pm tomorrow and 9am until 11am Saturday.

We’ve included a link HERE.