Women in the Arts hits major milestone, honors partners

Women in the Arts, Inc., four days shy of its sixth birthday, recognized its partners and paid tribute to board members during its annual dinner at the Orange County Library Southwest Branch on Tuesday night.

The organization, which attained 501 (c) 3 non-profit status in 2007, offers access to art education, tuition-free for the youth and the community in general, while recognizing women’s artistic talent in design, language, visual and performing arts.  Since its inception, Women in the Arts, Inc., has impacted the lives of hundreds of kids in the West Orlando community, through numerous workshops and art competitions.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Maria Guerrero, who expressed her deep appreciation for the support of board members, partners and sponsors said, while the organization has grown over the years, more work remains to be done.

“We have touched the lives of many kids in the community and given them an opportunity to express their artistic talent through funding art classes and providing scholarships,” she said. “But, more remains to be done and we will only be able to get to the next level, through boosting contributions from generous benefactors.”

Currently, there are several ongoing programs which Women in the Arts, Inc. is leading, including Community School of the Arts (CSA), Art-Science (STEAM), Youth Mentor and Youth Volunteer programs.  And new programs are in the works, such as Art Lab, Southwest Art Club Series and CSA Alumni Reunion.

“The Library is happy to continue our partnership with WITA, sharing in the cause to provide quality art education for youth and adults for free or at nominal cost and the recognition of professional women artists,” said Orange County Library System’s librarian Sandy Mayer and a strong partner of Women in the Arts. “The Library will continue to host WITA sponsored exhibits at our locations and the Celebrating the Genius of Women Annual Art Competition at the Orlando Public Library aka downtown library.”

Women in the Arts board members, recognized on Tuesday night were: Treasurer, Susan Nastasi; Communications Chair, Tanya A. Goodman; Artist Coordinator, Erika Oliver; and Community Outreach, Susan Torregrosa. Several honorary board members, partners and sponsors were also recognized, including the Orange County Library System and West Orange Committee of One Hundred and One (C101).

Women in the Arts will host its next CSA student art exhibition on November 16, at the Saint Andrews Catholic Church, located at 801 N. Hastings Street, in Orlando.