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Featured Image: Photo of Joanne Garcia (photo credit – Olaf Starorypinski)
Nonprofit Adds New Position to Expand Education & Outreach Programs for Schools & Community Groups
BETHLEHEM, PA–ArtsQuest is pleased to announce that Joanne Garcia has joined the organization as its first Education Coordinator.
In her role with ArtsQuest, Garcia will be responsible for coordination of ArtsQuest’s arts education programs, which have grown substantially since 2016. She will work with ArtsQuest staff to facilitate programs such as the ArtSmart afterschool enrichment program for area middle school students, Visiting Artist Residencies in schools, Masterclasses offered via Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks and a variety of workshops and in-school performances by visual and performing artists. Garcia will also be responsible for expanding ArtsQuest’s field trip program, which now reaches nearly 3,000 students annually, and community outreach programs focused on Creative Aging, Early Childhood Education, Toddler Storytimes and access for individuals with disabilities.
“Over the past four years, ArtsQuest has expanded its arts education programming by 165 percent. We now serve more than 6,600 students through multi-disciplinary programs and classes at the Banana Factory Arts Center and throughout the community,” says ArtsQuest Sr. Director of Visual Arts & Education Lisa Harms. “We’re excited to have Joanne Garcia join our team. Joanne’s extensive experience working in schools and the community will help us expand our program reach and increase our impact on youth and families. This ability to continue our growth in arts education is imperative as we plan a new community cultural center in the next few years.”
Prior to joining ArtsQuest, Garcia served as Community School Coordinator in the Allentown School District, where she oversaw more than 45 afterschool programs for 1,200 students and worked closely with school district staff and community partners to implement impactful experiences for students. She also worked for the Center for Humanistic Change as a facilitator and mentor for youth and adults.
Garcia has created programs on topics such as bullying prevention, building healthy relationships and developing strong coping skills. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from West Chester University and her Master’s Degree in Dance Education from Temple University, doing her master’s thesis work/observation at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts. She has volunteered with the Lehigh Valley Arts Council and performed and taught with Hispanic American League of Artists, Step Above and DanceNOW. She is a resident of Bethlehem and a graduate of Liberty High School.
Schools and community groups interested in speaking with Garcia about possible programs may contact her at jgarcia@artsquest.org or 610-332-1303.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mark Demko, ArtsQuest
http://www.artsquest.org/
