Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Agar Quinones.
Hi Dr. Quinones, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Name is Dr. Agar Quinones and I’ve been a resident of Central Florida since 1993. In this time span I’ve served the community in a variety of ways from working as a public educator, volunteering with local shelters, community muralist, and serving as a mentor to our youth. Working in the community to find ways to help others see the beauty and talent that’s within each of us has always been a calling for me.
Since childhood, a belief was instilled in me that we should work hard to overcome any obstacle we would encounter in life and help those around us do the same. I took this belief system into every facet of my personal and professional life through serving my community. I grew up in a multi-cultural home where two unique cultures were celebrated as one, American. Both parents did not believe you were limited by your education (or lack of), physical abilities, social or economic status. Though neither parent graduated from high school, I quietly dreamed of obtaining a doctorate one day. I knew it would take a lot of hard work and faith to make this dream a reality. Fast forward many years later, I have the honor and pleasure to use my creative talents and knowledge in the field of education to serve the special needs community. An even bigger dream came true.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been the smoothest of roads, but in the bigger picture, I am very fortunate to be where I am today. Many people have to overcome challenges and obstacles that, in comparison to mine, are astronomical. Over the last five years, these challenges have served to highlight the importance of celebrating and supporting children and adults with special needs. Equally important has been the awareness and realization that mental health in our community and in our schools requires us as leaders to do more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I serve as the Director of Education and Outreach at Community Art Connection, a program that provides creative arts classes and experiences for adults with special needs both online and in person. CAC works hard to provide high-quality arts classes that engage adults to find their creative voice through expression. My work at CAC is focused on finding new and innovative ways to develop our artists, staff while strengthening ties with the community. At CAC, I also oversee both the artistic development and education aspect of the program- including providing instruction in the visual/fine arts.
Our artists (participants) are so extremely creative yet are too often overlooked in our society. It’s refreshing to serve in an organization where everyone brings a higher level of commitment, heart, and soul to whatever project is at hand. Each staff member offers a talent or skill that is unique to them, and it’s essential that we support and nurture those talents. Speaking of growth… Boy, have we all grown! I am most proud of the creative growth we have experienced both in the classroom and the program overall. Our artists have grown immensely in their artistic talents and giftings. With such a diverse community of artists- it’s fantastic to see everyone work together and care for each other regardless of background and abilities. CAC is more than a group of people creating art together, we are a community- one that believes that all should be seen, known, and celebrated as part of God’s intentional design for humanity. Our artists are a great example of what community truly is.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking truly depends on what level of risk we are talking about. I am not much of a risk-taker- at least not without researching what the risk is and the impact it may have on myself and others. Taking risks professionally or personally are not one in the same. In the realm of working with the special needs community, risk-taking is not something that should come lightly and without serious research and reflection. The well-being of those we (I) serve is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. With that being said, risk-taking is a requirement when working in the field of developing innovative curriculum/programming. Classes and programs must maintain a fresh approach, be innovative in design and trendsetting. This requires a level of risk-taking- thinking outside of the box. In March of 2020, we found ourselves, like so many organizations, closed due to the pandemic. This was exceptionally challenging for us because all of our services were provided face to face with our artists. As a team, we knew the risk of doing nothing was far too great. Within a period of one month, we developed an online Arts curriculum. Since we couldn’t provide instruction in person, we would bring the creative classroom to as many artists as possible. And so “Paint Outside The Lines” was born.
Contact Info:
- Email: communityartconnection@gmail.com
- Website: communityartconnection.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commumityartconnection/
