Wintergreen welcomes new and familiar faces as programs expand

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Wintergreen Arts Center is pleased to make the following staff announcements.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome these five individuals to their new roles at Wintergreen,” said Dottie Hutchins, executive director. “With their help, we look forward to our continued growth in meeting the needs of our region.”

Wintergreen welcomes Lila McCrum to our After School Arts teaching staff. Lila is in her junior year at the University of Maine at Presque Isle studying fine arts. This summer she assisted with several of Wintergreen’s Summer Arts Camps including WKNN, Wintergreen Kids News Network. Lila resides in Washburn on her family’s farm, Revelation Ranch.

“There’s not a better place to work than Wintergreen when art and children are your passion,” said Lila.

Lisa Brewer, long-time preschool teacher at Under the Willow Tree, Wintergreen’s creative preschool, is expanding her role to include after school program manager responsibilities. Lisa and her co-teacher, Katie Greenlaw, welcome their seventh year of preschoolers to Wintergreen this month. Along with teaching preschool, Lisa will work with our After School Arts teachers to help nurture and develop this expanding program.

Gretchen Violette’s long history with Wintergreen and the local arts community serves her well as she switches hats from board chair to event coordinator. In September, Gretchen’s responsibilities grew to include management of Wintergreen’s art exhibits, holiday signature events, and other public functions. Gretchen was instrumental in all aspects of the renovation of our new space at the Aroostook Centre Mall. Her dedication to Wintergreen is remarkable. We welcome her to his new staff position and look forward to our future growth.

Brittany Delano first joined Wintergreen when she sent her oldest child to Under the Willow Tree in 2017. Her resourceful ways soon drew an invitation for her to join our board of directors. Brittany’s volunteer commitment to Wintergreen includes being a driving force in the renovation of our new space at the Aroostook Center Mall. In September, Brittany takes on operations assistant duties for the arts center.

Danielle Clark is stepping up to become chair of Wintergreen’s Board of Directors. Danielle first joined Wintergreen in 2010, and has served in almost all capacities from teacher, front desk assistant, café staff, party planner, face painter, board member, board vice chair, and more. Danielle claims her daughter grew up at Wintergreen and we have the photos to prove it. Danielle has a master of education degree in early childhood education in curriculum & instruction. She is a compassionate leader and incredible resource. Danielle is supervisor for a social services provider.

The Wintergreen Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006, and located in Presque Isle. Wintergreen is an organization based on the idea that creativity, advocacy, and community can produce great things. Our mission is to provide meaningful experiences that encourage an appreciation of the arts, stimulate creativity and innovation, and offer an artistic community space where all are welcome.