By Kaylie-Ann Flannigan
Contributing Writer
Have no fear— communication majors are out there and employed! Lauren Riviello studied Journalism and is now the Assistant Director of Brookline Arts Center.
Founded in 1964, the Brookline Art Center stands in what used to be an old chemical firehouse on Monmouth Street in Brookline.
The Brookline Art Center was founded by a group of parents as a cooperative to help teach art classes for children in the community; it is still a non-profit institution dedicated to serve as a community center for the arts.
Lauren moved to Boston from West Virginia where she previously held a position at a similar type of a non-profit arts center.
“With a degree in Journalism and emphasis on Advertising, I never really thought I would end up where I am. Luckily, my two and a half years working at the Monongalia Arts Center in West Virginia made me realize that this is what I wanted to do,” said Riviello.
Riviello consistently puts in over 40 hours a week at the BAC and still feels excited about her job. “I like coming to work every day and being challenged by each task. I also have the privilege of working with a very large group of creative people who share the same love for the Center that I have,” she said.
With over 20 classes being offered for all ages this fall, there is never a dull moment. “In one single day, I can go from registering a student and designing the next session’s catalog to cleaning up a paint spill and carrying 50 pound boxes of clay to the basement,” said Riviello, who has a large background in the arts as well.
Riviello has enjoyed taking art classes similar to those offered at the BAC as well as dance classes from a young age. She stresses that art has always been a very important part of her life.
Riviello believes that the BAC continues to be a very important part of the community by providing an artistic outlet as well as providing a space for local artists to display their work, in the Center’s small gallery.
The BAC is a non-profit, which is no easy task to keep up with. Riviello assists with many fundraising events as well as writing direct appeals and submitting grant applications to sustain the high quality of programming that is offered.
The BAC also partners with the Brookline Housing Authority to offer free art classes to residents at its developments.
“I think the main reason the Center is important is because it’s a place for anyone, no matter what their background, to come and feel welcome and be given the opportunity to create something,” she said.
The BAC is having a winter session coming up. This is a two-week period from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 19 where people of all ages can come and attend various classes. Class dates and fees vary. For more information visit brooklineartscenter.com.
