By David Taylor, dtaylor@hcnonline.com

Jim Sterling, with his wife at his side, founded the Fine Arts Society of Liberty, Texas and continue to lead as the organization begins its fourth year.

Jim Sterling, with his wife at his side, founded the Fine Arts Society of Liberty, Texas and continue to lead as the organization begins its fourth year.

Fine arts organization embarks on fourth season in Liberty

Jim Sterling had listened to and read about the many scholarships being offered in Liberty, but something was missing. It struck a nerve for the real estate agent and, as he has for many other projects, he couldn't stop until he rectified what he saw as a deficiency.

"We have scholarships for kids who want to study engineering, math, science, academics or sports, but nothing for kids who want to study drama, art, music, or dance," he said.

A little irritated, and he himself a musician who enjoys all the fine arts, Sterling picked up his phone and began calling music acquaintances and friends of the arts.

His mission wasn't complete until he welcomed his assembled group at their first meeting some three years ago and birthed FASOLT, or the Fine Arts Society of Liberty, Texas, a moniker after the giant in Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, or in English, 'The Ring of the Nibelung.'

He recruited his sometimes gig partner, trumpet player and attorney Richard Brady, to help him organize the group.

"I helped incorporate the group and secured the 501(c)3 charity status for us," Brady said. By Oct. 17, 2014, FASOLT was incorporated in the state of Texas and set to change the status quo in the community.

Brady drafted the mission for the group that was later adopted and remains today the focus of their energy.

"Our mission is to support and promote the Fine Arts by providing opportunities for all community members to experience music, theatre, and visual arts through education and participation that nurtures growth, creativity, and the appreciation of all forms of art," the document reads.

Sterling says their focus is not on scholarships alone.

"It's not just for students," he said. "Providing scholarships is only one of our many interests."

Brady said fundraising efforts are used to help finance events from which local students and the community at large will benefit.

Last year was one of the most productive for the emerging organization.

"We were able to give out two $500 scholarships and one $250 scholarship to Liberty High School graduates to study Fine Arts, specifically in vocal performance, art and film studies," Sterling said.

One of those scholarships offered by the society was given to Liberty High School graduate and art major Noah Holden. Holden said he couldn't have fulfilled his dream to attend college without the scholarship. He spends his summers making extra cash using his art skills to paint the Liberty Bell Project bells throughout the community. He relishes the legacy he's leaving with the bells.

"When I'm gone from here completely, it will be nice to know that I've left my mark on my hometown," he said.

The society also sponsored performances of Houston Grand Opera's 'Opera To Go' at the Liberty School auditorium for several hundred students from Liberty, Hardin and Hull-Daisetta high schools. Another highlight included the Vocal Concert by international opera star Sonja Bruzauskas and Dr. Tali Morgulis.

"Next year we want to give more scholarships, sponsor fine arts events, and buy tickets for students who may not be able to afford to go to arts events," Sterling said.

To that end, they have already organized a few outings for students at Rice University that will include a trip to Birraporetti's restaurant.

"This is for kids who have never made it past McDonald's or made a trip to town all dressed up," Sterling said. The events would be of no cost to the students and completely sponsored by FASOLT.

Sterling also said they now have a member working on securing more grants for the organization.

"Last year we were fortunate to receive a $5,000 grant from the Humphreys Foundation," he said. Sterling hopes to increase that number this year with more targeted efforts.

On tap for this year's calendar includes a return of Opera To Go, a visit to the re-enactment of the Battle of San Jacinto in April, local performances of music, dance and drama students.

The group has already upped the ante and has pledged four $500 scholarships in 2017 for anyone who will major in a Fine Arts degree.

Sterling said meetings are open to the public and there are no membership dues to join the group.

For more information on meetings, contact Jim Sterling at 936-336-3716 or email: jim@jimsterlingrealty.com.

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Fine arts organization embarks on fourth season in Liberty - Chron.com