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Center names dance studio for longtime benefactor

Fitton Center campaign seeks $225,000 for arts

Claire Fitton stands in the dance studio at the Fitton Center that now bares her name. The studio was named for Fitton, who is an accomplished dancer and benefactor of the center. The announcement was made Wednesday, Nov. 18, during the kickoff of the Fitton Center’s annual fundraising drive.

Contributed photo by David A. Moodie Claire Fitton stands in the dance studio at the Fitton Center that now bares her name. The studio was named for Fitton, who is an accomplished dancer and benefactor of the center. The announcement was made Wednesday, Nov. 18, during the kickoff of the Fitton Center’s annual fundraising drive.

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 11:13 PM Wednesday, November 18, 2009

HAMILTON — The Fitton Center for Creative Arts asked the community on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to tie its resources together and donate $225,000 to this year’s fundraising campaign for the arts, called “Common Threads – Celebrating Arts Education.”

The annual campaign raises money for its various education programs, with last year’s campaign raising $201,000, said Jodi Fritsch, the center’s director of public relations.

The Fitton Center named its dance studio for Claire Fitton, a longtime arts supporter and dancer who studied under the legendary Martha Graham who was taken aback by the tribute.

“It’s a total surprise, and an honor, of course. I don’t know that I deserve it. If you have something you can give, and if you give it to the right things, you’re very fortunate, and that’s what I’ve tried to do,” Fitton said.

Kimberly Beacham talked about her daughter, Bernadette, 10, who has a rare disorder similar to muscular dystrophy. Bernadette takes visual arts and pottery classes.

Beacham said the Fitton Center “basically saved her life. That may be a tad strong, but it’s not far from the mark,”

When Bernadette started working in Fitton’s programs, she told her mother, “I get to be like everybody else.”

Justyn Rampa, one of the acting instructors at Fitton, remembered one student who became upset about missing one acting class. He asked that student to recite a monologue from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,”

“It was magic. He was completely convinced of who he was as an actor,” Rampa said.

“This is what we do here,” said the center’s executive director, Rick H. Jones.

Those who wish to donate to the campaign may do so by calling the Fitton Center at (513) 863-8873.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

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