Creating Opportunities Through Arts: The Marble Jam Initiative

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Anna Villa-Bager. The two talk about the origins of Marble Jam's distinctive name, the strategic steps Anna took to build a robust nonprofit, and the comprehensive programs that Marble Jam offers, including various creative arts therapies and digital arts. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the idea began with the creation of a children's television show named "Marble Jam," which was creatively inspired by character initials and led to a broader mission after personal experiences.

• Marble Jam’s development and expansion from one signature program to a large facility with numerous creative arts programs and therapies.

• The power of building relationships played a crucial role in starting and growing the nonprofit organization.

• Stories of growth and development in participants through Marble Jam's programs, focusing on children and adults with special needs.

•  Resilience, flexibility, and the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals to make a difference in the community.

• The importance of purpose in nonprofit work and how it sustains and motivates staff and leadership within Marble Jam.

 

Anna Villa-Bager, Founder /President of Marble Jam

 Anna’s experience in the entertainment industry spans over twenty years in all aspects of entertainment, including corporate show production, from initial concept to completion, music and book development, costuming, casting, and choreography. In the large corporate arena, Anna co-developed and produced national and regional industrial shows for many companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Cooper Vision, and Becton Dickinson. She was a spokesperson and performer with Adidas USA for International Super Shows worldwide. Her portfolio includes an extensive theatrical performance career.

 

As an original cast member of Jerome Robbins Broadway, Anna performed and assisted Mr. Robbins in reconstructing dance pieces from notation and old film archives. Other performance credits include Broadway, International and National Tours, Regional and Children’s Theatre, film and television.

 

With a foundation in dance and psychology, her tenure at MarbleJam has been dedicated to enriching lives through the arts. Leveraging her social networking, music, and theatre expertise, she fosters an environment where creativity meets advocacy, empowering children and adults alike. With a focus on strategic growth and community engagement at the organization's helm, she ensures the mission resonates and impacts widely.  The journey from an international and Broadway dancing career to the founder of a nonprofit organization illustrates a trajectory shaped by a commitment to artistic expression and social contribution. Her team's achievements, such as establishing specialized programs and securing vital resources, reflect a shared vision of accessibility and joy in the arts. This path reflects not just a career but her profound personal calling inspired by her family and the transformative power of art.

 

Anna graduated from the State University of New York at Brockport with a BS in dance with a focus on psychology. She is certif