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ESO relies on donations from our community friends and family to continue to provide access to the arts for all residents of the Eastern Shore. We have many worthwhile programs that affect generations of family members and make our community more vibrant.

          For over 35 years, Eastern Shore’s Own (ESO) Arts Center has been a beacon of creativity and culture for residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Founded by Allen Derrick and Joyce Holland, ESO started as an adult theater troupe and by 1986 had expanded into instruction of the arts. Today, the non-profit community arts center is located in Belle Haven, and its goal is to make the arts available to all residents of the Eastern Shore. Classes in music, painting, ballet, hip-hop, karate, pottery, writing, yoga, sewing, crafts and more are offered regularly at ESO Arts Center.

Through its classes, facilities, productions, and events, ESO has had a significant impact on the community. The ESO School of Dance, which is the Eastern Shore of Virginia's premier Classical Ballet training program, performs two full-scale productions per year, with students from the age of 6-18 participating. In addition, ESO has presents the regions only production of “The Nutcracker” every December since 1991, currently presenting our 34th annual presentation. The ESO LIVE! series, takes place in an intimate nightclub-like setting, and features a series of musical performances by local and regional artists. ESO Fest is an annual fundraiser that celebrates ESO Arts Center and the arts and culture of the Eastern Shore. Music student recitals and Karate demos are held periodically for parents and families to see the progress of students as the years pass.

ESO's impact on the community is immeasurable. It provides opportunities for local artists to teach, practice, and perform, and makes the arts available to all residents of the Eastern Shore regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic origin, financial means, or level of ability. With its dedication to fostering the development of the arts through instruction and performance, ESO Arts Center is a vital part of the Eastern Shore community and will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of its residents for years to come.