About Us
MISSION:
The mission of the Grand Strand Charter Arts School is to develop students into artistic leaders through rigorous arts and academic curriculum.
GOALS:
Students will become proficient in contemporary and classical mediums in visual and performing arts through quality arts experiences requiring learners to persevere through experimentation, repetition, and mastery of their artistic discipline.
Students will have a strong foundation in academic principles to become artistic leaders in society.
Students will develop a strong sense of community involvement through artistic culture and leadership.
meet our Planning Committee
OFFICERS
Joshua d. colbert
Joshua D. Colbert has played the violoncello since 1999 and piano from 1996, and currently succeeds as a performer, educator, and administrator. With a wide range of experience performing along the East Coast and parts of Italy, he enjoys playing in ensembles, orchestras, and as a soloist specializing in both contemporary and classical music. He currently teaches students in his private studio in Myrtle Beach; is the instrumental staff Piano Accompanist at Coastal Carolina University; and the Music Director at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Violoncello Performance from Furman University and a Master of Science degree in Arts Administration from Shenandoah University. In his spare time Joshua enjoys arranging music, playing board and video games, and cooking.
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Erica Vasquez
Erica Vasquez hails from the NYC borough known as the birthplace of Hip-Hop and Rap and home to the New York Yankees. She has spent the past 12 years living on the Grand Strand. Erica earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Management, from Briarcliffe College. Currently, she is a staff member at CCU in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. With extensive experience in both Human Resources and Law Enforcement, Erica brings valuable insights to her role. Married for 18 years, Erica and her husband have two children who are deeply involved in the performing arts. Her son plays the trumpet and piano and is a student at the Eastman School of Music, while her daughter participates in various youth theater programs across the Grand Strand, plays piano, and attends Ocean Bay Middle School. Erica enjoys dedicating her time to several youth theater organizations within the Grand Strand community. When she’s not volunteering, you can find her at a nearby theater, enjoying a Broadway show. Erica considers herself an Arts Ally, believing that the arts are a vital element of a thriving community!
MEMBERS
Ashlea Sovetts
Ashlea Sovetts is a multifaceted dance artist who is able to flow between a variety of different roles. Primarily, her work centers around choreography, dance in higher education and arts administration. As a choreographer, she investigates real-life experiences as inspiration to create narratives. As an educator, she emphasizes a somatic approach by focusing on breath, fluidity and awareness of one’s presence in relationship to others. As an administrator, Ashlea was the Recruitment Coordinator for the Department of Dance at Texas Woman’s University. In addition, her skill set includes project execution, content development, grant writing/editing and leading facilitation amongst artists. Currently, she is a dance faculty member at Columbia College, in Columbia, SC and the Program Manager for the Staibdance summer intensive in Sorrento, Italy. She is a World Dance Alliance Americas board member, an NDEO Advocacy committee member and the former president for the Grand Strand Charter Arts board. Ashlea’s work has been supported by the South Carolina Arts Commission, Alternate Roots, the Andrew W. Mellon foundation, and the New England Foundation for the Arts. Ashlea, originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina graduated Cum Laude from Winthrop University and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Dance and her Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Texas Woman’s University.
Joanne Thompson Ray
Joanne Thompson Ray is a former professional dancer and actors equity member. She is certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Joanne began teaching dance at the age of 16 and has performed with various ballet companies. She has studied at the Alvin Ailey Dance Center. As well, trained and danced for Bob Fosse as well as many best of the best in NYC. Joanne then opened her own studio "Joannes Dance Studio Inc." where they offered Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Drama, Voice, and Piano. She sold the studio to one of her students that she has had since 6 years old. It is now called Thrive and Joanne still guest teaches master classes there. Joanne moved to the beach in 2018 and loves living in Horry County with her Husband. She has three sons and three grandbabies. Joanne loves to teach, and now works at Palmetto Dance Starz and is so honored to be part of the GSCA family.
Introducing Principal Steve Wilson
Steve Wilson
Mr. Steve Wilson has spent more than 25 years as an Art teacher and Principal throughout South Carolina in various public schools where he supported the academic growth and artistic development of young people from kindergarten through 12th grade. He is honored and delighted to have been tapped for the position of Principal for Grand Strand Charter Arts School. He writes, “It is a dream come true to be part of a community so rich with talented students of the Arts, and to create an organization that will build a legacy of excellence in the Arts here in the Grand Strand region. I am honored to support this vision, and to represent this arts and culture hub where young artists can come to train and develop.” Mr. Wilson was born in New Jersey and is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, with a degree in Art (Design). He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.