Staff

Art Center Employees | Board | Teachers

Sarah Ward, Executive Director

Sarah has over 15 years of experience in educating less fortunate youth in the arts. She is responsible for developing and implementing art programming for youth in South Chicago, fundraising, inviting visiting artists, supervising master level interns, and volunteers. She brings important professional assets to the Art Center. She has a master's degree in art therapy and is a licensed art therapist. She believes that art plays a vital role not only in cognitive development and personal well being, but also in community building and social responsibility.

Beth McGovern, Program & Marketing Director

Beth began working at the Art Center in September 2004. She volunteered as an AmeriCorps member for two years. In this new, full-time position, Beth assists Sarah with all aspects of running the Art Center, including grant research, grant writing, and assisting with/teaching classes. She has a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Art and recently finished her master's degree in Visual Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago.

Kris Casey, Studio Manager

Kris Casey, Studio Manager, began working at the Art Center in October 2009. She comes to the Art Center from Prints Unlimited Gallery where she was the Gallery Assistant for 3 years. Kris is responsible for assisting with in-school and after-school classes, planning field trips, managing the studio, and administrative work. She received a BFA in Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago. Kris is a painter and shows her work throughout the city.