New Leadership for a Beloved Community Center
The Town of Normal has recently appointed a new team to manage the Illinois Art Station, a children’s art center that has been a staple in the community since its establishment. The news comes after the town’s assumption of control of the nonprofit organization on April 1. The new staff members will be taking over the reins from the previous team, which included executive director Hannah Johnson and education coordinator Joey Hatch.
- The new team consists of Nicole Learned, Rachel Ratliff, and Lauren Bachman.
- Nicole Learned, a seasoned educator with a background in elementary art, will be leading the management of the Illinois Art Station.
- Rachel Ratliff, a child development specialist from Heartland Community College, will be overseeing education at the center.
- Lauren Bachman, a K-8 art and Spanish teacher, will be providing part-time educational services to the community.
These new staff members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, with backgrounds in both education and the visual arts. Nicole Learned, in particular, has a strong connection to the Illinois Art Station, having previously worked as a teacher and staff member at the Children’s Discovery Museum, where Rachel Ratliff and Lauren Bachman also worked.
“We are excited for a new era for Illinois Art Station and the Town of Normal. The community can expect continued quality art programming, with a more focused outreach to public schools,” said Cultural Arts Director Beth Whisman in a statement.
The new team will be responsible for maintaining the high standards of quality art programming that Illinois Art Station is known for. They will also be working to expand the center’s outreach to underserved and at-risk populations, and will continue to offer homeschool programs and Saturdays at the Station.
- To provide children, youth, and families with transformative learning through hands-on experiences in the visual arts.
- To maintain a focus on outreach to public schools and underserved populations.
- To continue homeschool programs and Saturdays at the Station.
Beth Whisman, Cultural Arts Director, highlights the importance of these objectives in her statement. “We will continue homeschool programs and Saturdays at the Station and maintain intentional efforts to reach underserved and at-risk populations. We look forward to fulfilling the organization’s mission.”
The new team is eager to get started and make a positive impact on the community. With their combined expertise and experience, they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Illinois Art Station.
| Nicole Learned | Executive Director |
| Rachel Ratliff | Education Coordinator |
| Lauren Bachman | Part-time Educator |
In summary, the new team at Illinois Art Station is committed to providing high-quality art programming and expanding the center’s outreach to the community. With their combined experience and expertise, they are poised to make a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, and families in the Town of Normal.
news is a contributor at ArtLien. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
