We recently connected with Georgia Bonney and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Georgia, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I am a mother, musician, and military wife. After moving our family 18 times in 22 years, we finally landed in Southern Maryland. With fourteen children, finding a large enough home is always a challenge. My husband’s job in Washington, D.C., brought us here, but affordability meant we had to settle in an area that offered fewer opportunities for our children compared to more affluent communities. Athletic options were plentiful, but as a family with strong artistic leanings, I yearned for something more.
That’s when the idea for the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center (NCAC) was born.
It started with a simple piano studio. I still had 10 children at home—four had already left for college—and life was busy, but I knew I could bring music and creativity to our community. Simultaneously, I started a homeschool co-op, inspired by the challenges of constantly moving and the need to connect with like-minded families. My focus was on fostering hands-on, creative thinking.
To my surprise, both endeavors blossomed. Soon, I was teaching six days a week, and the co-op was overflowing with families eager for creative writing, art, pottery, cooking, and more. The demand grew so quickly that within two years, we registered as a nonprofit, officially launching the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center. We moved into a historic building downtown, confident in our mission to provide creative and educational opportunities to the community.
And then, COVID hit.
The pandemic felt like an insurmountable obstacle. Moving into the downtown space had been a financial risk, and the shutdowns created a financial disaster. I thought we were finished. But with determination and community support, we picked ourselves up and moved into a low-rent building slated for demolition. Though students were slow to return in 2021, they eventually did, and NCAC began to thrive once again.
Just as we were finding our footing, the building’s demolition timeline unexpectedly accelerated. It seemed like another setback, but then, an incredible opportunity arose: a local business offered us space in their facility during their off-hours. The move not only kept us afloat but allowed us to expand. Today, several of our programs have even transitioned to a partnership with the local college, where we offer a children’s choir, homeschool co-op, and humanities classes.
NCAC has continued to grow and adapt, providing programs that meet the needs of our community. We’ve secured contracts to work with special needs preschoolers, helping them develop social-emotional skills through music and art. Our free community events have become a beloved tradition, drawing up to 400 children.
How did we go from idea to execution? The answer lies in listening, evolving, and meeting needs as they arise. NCAC began as a grassroots effort, shaped by the requests of parents and the needs of our community. It’s amazing how—when you have a clear vision and put in the work—something truly meaningful can take shape.
Now, we’re dreaming even bigger. We’re working toward purchasing a farm where children can explore, create, and grow artistically, academically, socially, and emotionally. Our vision is to offer a nontraditional learning experience where kids build confidence, feel safe, and know they are loved and appreciated.
Every challenge we’ve faced has strengthened our resolve and deepened my passion for this work. Seeing children grow through NCAC’s programs is a privilege I treasure, and I’m excited to continue creating opportunities that empower and inspire the next generation.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
After settling in Charles County, Maryland, I saw both a challenge and an opportunity. Charles County is home to a diverse population—48.3% Black or African American, 35.3% White, and 6.75% Hispanic. Charles County Public Schools reflect even greater diversity, with 57.5% of students identifying as Black or African American, 16.9% White, and 13.8% Hispanic.
However, this diversity contrasts with a history of generational landownership and long-established civic leadership. This gap created a perfect opportunity for the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center (NCAC), which I founded to connect communities across cultural and generational lines, using the arts, education, and environmental stewardship as our foundation.
How NCAC Makes a Difference:
NCAC serves as a connector, bringing together families from long-standing roots in the area and newly arrived first-generation American families. We foster a sense of belonging and community by focusing on programs that bring diverse populations together.
Free Events Across the Community: We provide free programming at local churches, community functions, and other accessible venues. Events like our Giving Fair highlight generosity and creativity, while initiatives like Many Faces of Maryland celebrate our state’s rich cultural diversity.
Leadership Opportunities: NCAC programs like the NCAC Squad enable teens to grow as leaders while engaging in community service and creative projects. These opportunities empower young people to take an active role in shaping their communities. Some of our teens have moved on to create nonprofits of their own, winning grants and making a huge impact on our county.
Targeted Outreach: Through partnerships with organizations like the Judy Foundation and Charles County Infants and Toddlers, NCAC provides free music and art programs to at-risk and Title I communities. Over 20% of families involved in our outreach programs attended NatureFest last year, demonstrating the impact of our work on increasing engagement and participation.
Community Events: Our free events, such as NatureFest, have become a staple, drawing families from all backgrounds to engage in environmental education and creative activities. We emphasize inclusivity, welcoming all families to participate in activities like nature art, birding, and pollinator education.
Environmental Ownership: NCAC actively addresses local environmental challenges by partnering with amazing local organizations, distributing native plants, and offering hands-on learning opportunities for children and families. By creating experiences that connect people to nature, we empower individuals to take ownership of their environment and make a lasting impact.
What Sets NCAC Apart:
NCAC’s focus on bridging cultural divides and building community bonds is what truly sets us apart. We provide creative outlets for all families, regardless of background, to come together and create something meaningful. Our ability to bring together a wide range of organizations—from Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay to Next Generation Writing to MoDanceworks—has allowed us to serve our community in unique ways, offering experiences that encourage collaboration and understanding.
Looking ahead, our vision includes purchasing a farm where children can explore, create, and learn in an open, supportive environment. This farm will be a place where environmental education, creativity, and community-building continue to thrive.
Our work aims to rise above differences and connect people through the arts, the environment, and a shared commitment to building a better, more united community.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe our reputation was built through consistent effort to connect with families on a personal and meaningful level. I work hard to be available, approachable, and understanding, and I always stand by the quality and integrity of our services. Being open to suggestions and actively seeking partnerships for our projects has also been a cornerstone of our success.
When you’re a social entrepreneur, your passion becomes contagious. People are drawn to a vision when they see the real difference it can make. For me, it’s never been about selling a product or service—it’s about engaging people in a mission that resonates deeply. In this case, our vision at NCAC meets a critical need in today’s rapidly changing world.
We’re navigating a time of immense transition. The job market is shifting with technological advances, the mental health crisis is escalating, and families, especially children, are searching for connection—connection to others, to a supportive community, and to themselves. At NCAC, we provide a space where children can explore their unique gifts, develop their curiosities, and build a strong foundation for the future.
Our programs go beyond education or the arts; they nurture the whole person. Through wholesome and stimulating experiences, we help children strengthen their sense of self, resilience, and creativity—qualities they’ll need to face the uncertainties of tomorrow with confidence.
Ultimately, I believe our reputation grows because people can see that NCAC is more than a center—it’s a community, a vision, and a source of hope for families seeking stability and inspiration in an ever-changing world.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One book that has profoundly influenced my philosophy and approach to entrepreneurship is Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being. This book is brimming with wisdom, and Rubin’s insights into creativity resonate deeply with me. He is truly a creative genius.
One quote that inspires me is:
“If you have an idea you’re excited about and you don’t bring it to life, it’s not uncommon for the idea to find its voice through another maker. This isn’t because the other artist stole your idea, but because the idea’s time has come.”
I believe this wholeheartedly. Ideas have a life of their own and demand to be brought into reality. As I reflect on my own work, I feel the truth of this. It is time. It is time for us to create safe spaces for children—places where they can explore their creativity, develop their unique gifts, and feel supported. If I don’t bring this vision to life, someone else will, because its time has come.
Another quote from Rubin that keeps me motivated is:
“All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.”
This perspective encourages me to pour my heart into what I do, knowing that the effort and love I invest will shine through. It reminds me to stay present in the process, without getting bogged down by perfectionism or fear of failure.
Finally, this idea has transformed how I approach creativity and sharing:
“A river of material flows through us. When we share our works and our ideas, they are replenished. If we block the flow by holding them all inside, the river cannot run and new ideas are slow to appear.
In the abundant mindset, the river never runs dry. Ideas are always coming through. And an artist is free to release them with the faith that more will arrive.
If we live in a mindset of scarcity, we hoard great ideas.”
This has freed me to embrace abundance in creativity. I no longer hold back, afraid of running out of ideas. Instead, I trust that as I share my work and vision, new inspiration will flow when it’s needed. It’s a mindset of faith, openness, and trust in the creative process.
Rick Rubin’s words remind me to stay true to my vision, share generously, and approach each step of the journey with passion and purpose. They’ve deeply shaped not only my entrepreneurial philosophy but also my commitment to creating something meaningful for the children and families I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.neighborhoodcreativeartscenter.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/102042921255462/neighborhood-creative-arts-center/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcreativeartscenter/
Image Credits
Miriam Joy Bonney, photographer