A Community Pillar Strengthens Its Foundation

By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

As the New Year commences, the community around Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) is finding much to celebrate: a vivacious new executive director, an acquisition of an additional building, and renewed forward motion and energy — all marking an exciting next chapter for one of Wilmington’s oldest and most impactful arts organizations.

For almost 80 years, CCAC has provided affordable arts education, career pathways, internships, gallery exhibitions, and live performances accessible to the community in a welcoming environment. The organization, located in the heart of Wilmington, offers one of the only integrated arts and academic programs in Delaware, using the power of the arts to promote school success and positive social behavior to our community youth. >

Taking the Helm

In the latter part of 2024, CCAC named one of its longtime staff members to be its next leader. Shysheika Edwards, who has headed its Early Childhood Education Arts Academy (ECEAA) since 2013, now takes the reins as CCAC’s ninth executive director and the third woman to hold the position (following Cynthia Kuespert and Raye Jones Avery).

Edwards graduated from Lincoln University with a bachelor’s degree in history, obtained her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University, and is working on a doctoral degree in educational leadership. She also holds a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Delaware.

Her plate is quite full these days, but she takes it all in stride and with much enthusiasm, determination, and grace.

“Shysheika Edwards has been boots on the ground, serving CCAC families with compassion and competence for nearly 12 years in arts education, early learning, after school and public school partnership programs,” says Jones Avery. “Her succession to this position is a perfect example of preparation meeting opportunity. Shysheika’s years-long dedication, knowledge, and work ethic are first class.”

“As executive director, there are many tasks I’m tackling to ensure that CCAC remains the artistic powerhouse that our community has come to know,” Edwards says. “Our immediate needs are in funding and staff development, so that’s where I’ve directed my attention most recently. But my long-term goals center around our new acquisition.”

In 2023, CCAC announced the procurement of a 19,000-square-foot facility, located at 715 Orange Street, with help from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. The second building will increase capacity for early childhood education and art classes as well as create more programming opportunities.

“We’re strategically planning what we will do within those walls, but one thing is certain, we are not selling our current building.” Edwards says. “We’re going to be creative in how we utilize both buildings as we continue to impact our community through the arts.”

A ‘Village’ in the Heart of the City

Francee Boulware has been a member of CCAC’s piano faculty since 2009 and notes that as the longest-standing African American–based arts organization in the area, CCAC has built an incredible legacy and a venerable space for faculty and families to partner, grow, and thrive.

“What I find most rewarding as a faculty member is the sense of family and community we’ve built here,” says Boulware. “We embrace a true ‘village mentality’ — bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating in ways that spark creativity and joy.”

CCAC’s mission of empowering the community is deeply fulfilling to Boulware as well. “Seeing how we positively impact students’ lives, even outside of CCAC, brings me immense joy.”

One of Boulware’s most memorable experiences is instructing a 77-year-old student who dreamed of playing piano.

“I’m proud to have helped him achieve that lifelong goal,” she says. “Moments like these make CCAC truly special.”

And Boulware isn’t only a faculty member. “Having taken lessons here as a kid, I’ve personally experienced our longstanding value and impact. It’s rare to find an organization that has been a pillar in the community for nearly 80 years, consistently uplifting generations through the arts. The history and commitment make CCAC truly one-of-a-kind.”

As a longtime parent, Amber Lewis agrees. Her four children previously and currently attend CCAC classes, from preschool classes beginning at age 3 through dance, drama, and vocal coaching.

“I love [that CCAC] is very welcoming and family oriented, and I appreciate the support and the happiness they bring to my children,” she says. “[CCAC is] not just a school of the arts; they address children on mental-health, spiritual, and physical levels. They master being able to reach each child individually in a meaningful way. They want and push our kids to be great.”

Community Goals for a New Era

Edwards’ overarching goals also include ensuring that CCAC develops a more sustainable position for years to come and can continue to provide affordable, quality arts programming for the community.

“One of our biggest challenges continues to be identifying and securing funding to support the work that we do here,” she continues. “The greater community can help in that respect by donating to the organization directly or by supporting our many live events through the purchase of tickets.”

There are other needs that the community could help with as well. Lewis would like to see more funding available for families who may not be able to afford classes. Boulware prioritizes the need for technological growth.

“I believe technology is one of CCAC’s biggest needs right now … it would help us stay current in a modern, tech-driven world,” Boulware says. “In schools, kids (and teachers) have access to tablets and Chromebooks; it would be incredible to bring that same level of innovation to music classes and allow us to … enhance learning, creativity, and engagement.”

Overall, the most gratifying thing to Edwards about leading this organization is being able to see the impact the arts have on every student who enrolls.

“I think of specific students and how the arts have completely changed their lives, and I am honored to be a part of that growth.”

— For more information on programs, visit CCACDe.org.


Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald is the Director of Marketing & Events for the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, as well as the manager of the blog Delaware Arts Info, and the Board Chair of City Theater Company. She is a self-described “cheerleader” for the arts and animal rescue, a die-hard Penn Stater and a doting dog mom. A big fan of The Beatles, Bon Jovi, strong java and red blends, she’s pretty sure that in a parallel universe, she’s a writer for Rolling Stone. She, hubby Scott, and furbaby Eli are proud residents of the City of Wilmington.