The depth of talent in Fort Wayne extends well into our school system, and the city’s high school students are great examples. 

Thus, it’s easy to imagine area performers who are qualified to participate in the 12th annual Songbook Academy hosted by Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Foundation in Carmel. 

Each year, only 40 students nationwide are asked to participate in what they describe as an opportunity to “experience a lively and rigorous schedule of workshops and masterclasses on topics such as vocal technique, vocal health, song interpretation, phrasing, stage presence, music history, business concerns and auditioning for college arts programs.” 

The 2021 mentors have yet to be announced, but last year’s mentors included Postmodern Jukebox founder Scott Bradlee, Tony and Grammy nominee Ashley Park, Tony winner Faith Prince, and nine-time Grammy winner Janis Siegel of The Manhattan Transfer.

Last year’s academy was held virtually. While there is a plan in place to hold this year’s on site in Carmel, alternative plans are available to pivot if the need arises. 

The program runs July 17-24, and the application deadline is March 15, with an early-bird discount available through Feb. 15. 

Need-based scholarships, fee waivers, and other financial-aid opportunities are available. 

For more information about applying, visit app.getacceptd.com/songbookacademy.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

One of the best places in the city to visit in the midst of social distancing concerns is the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, which provides that comfort with or without a pandemic. 

The ability to slowly feast on the exhibits is one of the loveliest aspects of the museum, particularly if you visit during a weekday. 

In the coming weeks, several special exhibits are available to peruse. 

Static Energy: Sculpture by Dale Enochs brings together work spanning the Bloomington artist’s decades-long career and runs through March 14. 

American Impressionism: Treasures from the Daywood Collection brings together 41 pieces which showcase “work from a transitional time in American art, approximately the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when artists abandoned the rigors of academic styles and subjects.” This exhibit also runs through March 14. 

Visitors to the museum have until Jan. 31 to enjoy A Year of Making Meaning: New Additions to the Collection 2020 which features new works acquired by the museum last year as well as Historic Indiana En Plein Air featuring 60 works by 42 artists of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association. 

Larry Burrow: Life in Vietnam runs through Feb. 28 and features the photojournalist’s moving images taken during the War 1962-1971, many of which were featured in the pages of Life Magazine.

For more details about the exhibits and for museum hours and admission fees, visit fwmoa.org.