Maywood Fine Arts Association

Get Off the Street and On Your Feet

is a unique peer-to-peer workshop that includes original dances expressing the impact of violence in the community and providing skills for coping with difficult situations. Each year approximately 800 teens and pre-teens participate in Get Off the Street and On Your Feet at recreation centers, public libraries, and park districts throughout the community. MFAA’s 12 Get Off the Streets youth leaders, who design and conduct the program, receive ongoing youth leadership training.

Books Alive

is an outreach program that brings children’s literature to life through poetry and dance. Presented at venues throughout the community, including local elementary schools, libraries, and recreation centers, Books Alive features lively interpretations of popular children’s books including Madeline, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rainbow Fish, and Jolly Postman, to name a few. Nearly 1,000 children and their teachers participate each year in Books Alive programs throughout western Cook County.