The mission of Arts Express is to change lives and build a better community by creating opportunities for children and adults to learn and experience the….power of the arts. Arts Express was the collaborative dream of Lonnie Henning, Winston Maddox, Dave Defer, Joan and David Ashcraft and was created in 1998 as a means to preserve and perpetuate Follow the Star and Let Freedom Sing. Within two years, the Fine Arts Youth Academy (FAYA) was born and the organization expanded to include various arts education opportunities for Tucson youth. Throughout the years additional productions have been created. Lonnie Henning served as the first executive director of Arts Express assisting in its initial incorporation. Succeeding executive directors have included Jack Stiles and Karen Wiese. The mission of Arts Express, Inc. is to change lives and build a better community by creating opportunities for children and adults to learn and experience the power of the arts. Arts Express serves the people of Pima County and strives to: - Establish partnerships with local programs, businesses, artists and other professionals who share similar goals; - Provide access and meaningful arts engagement opportunities for all individuals (regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income, gender, religion, sexual orientation or ability); - Maintain the highest artistic standards in all its endeavors.