Artists for Humanity Launches Alumni Association!

This summer, Artists for Humanity is pioneering a new Alumni Association project that seeks to draw together a network of AFH graduates who are interested in giving back to their community!

Under the leadership of Operations Director Andrew Motta and with the help of AFH summer intern Ani Keshishyan, the Alumni Association serves to reconnect AFH graduates with one another, organize reunion events, and host special after hours events, among various other ideas that are still in the works. AFH alumni will have the opportunity to be part of a talented networking group of young artists. Being on the Alumni Association gives them a chance to showcase their leadership skills and gain professional experience in community organization. Another benefit for alumni includes access to studio space in the AFH EpiCenter. This association aims to create a sense of extended community and to strengthen the bonds between the parent organization— Artists for Humanity, its alumni, and the greater local community.

While Andrew and Ani certainly do have high hopes for this project, they also remain grounded in the realization that programs like these must start out small. After much planning and researching, Andrew and Ani have drawn together a group of dedicated AFH alumni interested in participating in the project. During the first few meetings, Ani and Andrew were able to gauge interest and garner fresh ideas from the alumni. With this information, they now have a better idea of how to proceed in appointing committees, delegating responsibilities, identifying short-term and long-term goals, and so forth.

This coming Tuesday, August 16 at 6pm, the Alumni Association will host their first event— the "Art of Teaching" workshop. The class will be taught by Alumni Association member and current history teacher at the Boston Latin School, Amelie Baker. The lesson will provide AFH youth and alumni an overview of how to think about, plan, and execute a successful class or workshop.

Additionally, the Association members will work together to promote AFH's "End O' Summer Bash" at the EpiCenter on Thursday, August 18. They especially want to ensure a good turnout of AFH alum at this celebration of creativity and hard work!

The next Alumni Association meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 20 at 6pm in the AFH EpiCenter. The first "Open Studio" opportunity, in which members will be able to work in the EpiCenter studios, will be held two days later on Thursday, September 22.

Andrew and Ani hope that by the end of this summer, they will have succeeded in setting up the AFH Alumni Association initiative to thrive independently. Knowing the motivation and dedication of our AFH students, we are confident that our alumni will help AFH keep its vision alive. A big thank you to Andrew and Ani for making this all happen, and to our alumni for continuing to give back to the AFH community!

Interested in becoming a member of the AFH Alumni Association? Please contact Operations Director Andrew Motta at andrewmotta@afhboston.com!

[Submitted by Angelina Zhou, AFH 2011 Summer Intern]