Jennifer O'Connor worked at a non-profit community arts center in the southwest side of Chicago.
It was located in a working class neighborhood with a diverse population. The classes included visual art, dance, music, and theater. They put on plays, musicals, and films, and held auctions and local charity events.
Jennifer was interested in having classes that were based on genuine art education. They were designed by teaching artists and used quality materials. The arts center began to expand, and served more than 15,000 students annually.
The gallery at the arts center contained works by local artists, contemporary artists, outsider artists, and even student artists. There were many student exhibits with art from area schools.
The job helped Jennifer meet many different artists and have new experiences.
Some of the best parts of working at a non-profit community arts center were creating classes, working and meeting with artists, and working with parents and students in the community.
However, some of the lows of the job were finances, working with schools who didn't want programming, and working in an environment where visual art was not valued.
Non-profit work has many challenges. There is always a need for new ideas and new people, and it can be difficult and draining. However, it is very rewarding and an amazing experience.
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