By Kathy Collins
Winthrop Arts became a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) this past September. For several years, Winthrop, and now Winthrop Arts, has been providing the community with art through the annual Winthrop Art Festival and other events. Now, with the Winthrop Art Factory, an after-school arts program for children of all ages and abilities, Winthrop Arts is taking a bold step.
With the Winthrop Art Factory about to launch, there is a need for quality art teachers. According to Katharine Sullivan-Dawes, the director of everything for Winthrop Arts, “We are looking for individuals skilled in teaching drawing, fabrics, photography, sculpture and more. Our ideal candidate would be an artist who is patient and open to teaching a range of ages and backgrounds.”
As this is an after school program, teachers will need to commit to 10 to 15 hours per week and work in the afternoons from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Winthrop Arts has been developing the after school program on a small scale for the past several years. We are now expanding into a recently refurbished building at Winthrop. Our new building will hold eight classrooms, including a large flexible gallery space,” explained Sullivan-Dawes. “The Art Factory is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of artists and patrons in our area. We believe that the after school classes are only the beginning, and we are looking for teachers who see the value in what we are doing and want to grow the arts in their community.”
The Winthrop Art Factory will begin signing up students in the near future as well. Sullivan-Dawes explained, “The Art Factory will provide an alternative to other after school care. The weekly cost will be on par with other after school options, but we will provide a place of inspiration and creativity. We see children walking out with not only a new skill, but with heightened sense of self and a newly formed confidence.”
The Art Factory has expanded with the help of the community. Funds needed to help pay for the renovations to the Art Factory building can be donated at www.generosity.com. Search for Winthrop Arts, Inc. Individuals interested in a teaching position can visit www.winthroparts .org and download the application. Contact info@winthroparts.org for more.
