Alfred M. Brown, 68, arts advocate

Alfred M. Brown was not a dancer or a singer or an actor.

But "Mr. Al" brought the arts to thousands of children and teens through the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center, a cultural haven in a section of South Philadelphia that has struggled with crime and violence.

"We had some of the best and most talented teachers who worked with young people and turned them into professionals," said his wife, Donna.

Mr. Brown, 68, died Wednesday, Feb. 27, of a heart attack.

A graduate of Bok High School in South Philadelphia, Mr. Brown was trained as a draftsman. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and opened his own engineering consulting firm on his return to Philadelphia. He married in 1971.

Donna Brown said her mother started the center in her home in 1984. She took over in 1987 and her husband joined her in 1992, assuming marketing duties as a senior vice president.

She said the center, at 1717 Point Breeze Ave., currently offers only limited classes. But in its heyday, the Browns employed more than 80 instructors and had 1,000 students. Students could take classes in dance, acting, gymnastics, karate, voice, and music.

The center ran after-school programs, including several at Philadelphia Housing Authority sites. At one point, the couple tried to build a new center, but the financing never materialized.

Mr. Brown helped to start the Point Breeze Dance Company and took dancers to performances in Australia, Aruba, Anguilla, and Bermuda, she said. He also started an annual "Christmas Caroling Caravan" to deliver toys, food, and clothing to neighborhoods throughout the city.

In 2004, Gov. Ed Rendell awarded the Browns the Creative Community Award as part of the Governor's Awards for the Arts.

"Young people from the neighborhood would come to the center to learn dance, music, and acting," his family said. "But what they learned from Mr. Al was how to be better people and believe in themselves and each other.

"If they got in trouble in school or in the neighborhood, Mr. Al was there to support and challenge and love them."

In addition to his wife, Mr. Brown is survived by a stepson, Leslie; a son, Basil; a daughter, Ashley; and a grandson.

A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, 1719 Morris St., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m.