(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Grunin Arts And Education Building is one of the cornerstones of the Basie Center for the Arts' $28m expansion, providing new classrooms, studio and performance space as part of the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts programming. On December 13, 2021, Grunin Foundation Founder and Chairman Jay Grunin and President Jeremy Grunin were on hand for the festivities, which included remarks from Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts students, Basie Center President and CEO Adam Philipson, and area dignitaries. 

The Grunin Arts and Education Building initially opened last fall, holding smaller, reduced-capacity classes as permitted during pandemic restrictions.  Today, it holds classes and workshops in acting for stage, television and film, singing, improv, music performance and private instruction as part of the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts' programming.

"We wanted to create a space where students of all ages and backgrounds could come for classes, be inspired, find their passion and follow their dreams. Two of the pillars of the Grunin Foundation is to invest in the arts and education," explained Jeremy Grunin, President of the Grunin Foundation and chairperson of the Basie Center Board of Trustees. "And we are so proud to have been able to support the Count Basie Center through their capital campaign to bring the community this beautiful building, and more importantly to have given them the opportunity to expand their education offerings."

Registration for the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts' winter session is on now at www.thebasie.org/academy.

The Winter session runs 8 weeks starting on Monday, January 3rd. Offerings include Beginner Acting 2; TVT3 Intensive: Meisner & Film; TVT3: Mastering the Self-Submission; TVT3: Prime Time TV & Film; The Show Must Go On; Teen Improv; Actors Playground at the Basie; and Mexican Folkloric Dance with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company.

New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal delivered a proclamation to the Grunin Foundation, noting "One of the things that makes Monmouth County and our area so great to live in is the wonderful work of the Grunin Foundation."

"We wanted to create a space where students of all ages and backgrounds could come for classes, be inspired, find their passion and follow their dreams. Two of the pillars of the Grunin Foundation is to invest in the arts and education," explained Jeremy Grunin, President of the Grunin Foundation and chairperson of the Basie Center Board of Trustees. "And we are so proud to have been able to support the Count Basie Center through their capital campaign to bring the community this beautiful building, and more importantly to have given them the opportunity to expand their education offerings."

PHOTOS: (TOP) Jay Grunin, founder and chairman of the Grunin Foundation, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open the Grunin Arts and Education Building at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. L-R: County Commissioners Tom Arnone and Susan M. Kiley, State Senator Declan O'Scanlon, Red Bank councilperson Edward Zipprich, Count Basie Center Senior Director of Development Lysa J. Israel, Senior Director of Education Samantha Giustiniani, Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna, Grunin Foundation president Jeremy Grunin, Basie Center CEO Adam Philipson and County Commissioner Lillian G Burry. 

(MIDDLE) Jeremy Grunin, President of the Grunin Foundation and chairperson of the Basie Center Board of Trustees, delivers remarks at the dedication of the Grunin Arts and Education Building at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

(BOTTOM) Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts.