Today we’d like to introduce you to Renée Schneider.
Hi Renée, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After six years as a public school teacher, I left teaching to pursue a degree in Communication Arts and Design. I then spent eleven years as an art director and design manager at Walt Disney World. At Disney, I managed a million-dollar design budget and a staff of ten designers.
After leaving Disney, I volunteered for several organizations but it soon became apparent that God was calling me to use my artistic talents and teaching skills to help hurting children. After much research, I confirmed the need for therapeutic arts programing for disadvantaged children but found no organization meeting that need. As a result, I created and founded ArtWorks-Orlando in 2003 and continue to serve as Executive Director.
ArtWorks began as an outreach ministry of my church St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. From one location, ArtWorks has expanded to five. Through partnerships with the Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Museum of Art, Winter Garden Art Association and other organizations, students attend art museum tours, live theatre productions, and participate in art, writing, and drama workshops and gallery exhibitions. ArtWorks students exhibit and sell their art. They attend gallery opening receptions where they meet and discuss their art with guests. Additionally, ArtWorks uses the power of art to advocate for disadvantaged and at-risk children and to educate the public about the many difficult challenges these children face. In 2020, having outgrown the financial capacity of St. Luke’s, ArtWorks joined the newly formed non-profit Go Full Steam. To date, ArtWorks has shared the joy and healing power of art with over 1,500 children.
In addition to developing curriculum, teaching, and coordinating all aspects of ArtWorks, I have also mentored three teenage girls living in foster care. I received a Jefferson Award for Outstanding Community Service in 2006 and a Women of Distinction Award in 2011. I currently serve as a board member for Go Full Steam and the Winter Garden Art Association.
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 a smooth road. Each location where I work with children has different needs and logistics. Flexibility and patience are required. Plans can change at the last minute. You have to be able to adapt quickly. It’s also a challenge to find right-fit volunteers to work with at risk children in locations and demographics outside of their comfort zone. It is especially difficult to find teaching artists with the desire and necessary skills to plan and lead classes independently. The time when most of the classes are held 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. (after school) is difficult for many to accommodate in their schedule. Working with at-risk children can sometimes be emotionally draining. Their art and writing can be quite intense and sad. I encourage volunteers to focus on the talent, resiliency and strengths of each child. It is important create a positive, safe place for them to open up and share.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
ArtWorks-Orlando inspires hope and promotes healing in children (ages 9 -18) who have faced the challenges of foster care, homelessness, long term poverty, loss of a parent, or abuse. Art projects are designed to encourage introspective thought, enhance ethnic pride, and build self-esteem. They are often inspired by artists who are culturally and racially diverse. The quality, honesty, and intensity of the art produced by the children who participate in ArtWorks classes often surprises those who see it. ArtWorks provides arts experiences to children who would otherwise not experience them. For many children the first time they created art, attended a play, or visited an art museum was in ArtWorks. No one else is doing the work that I am in Central Florida, despite great need. If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer or paid teaching artist, contact me at the e-mail provided below.
What matters most to you?
The welfare and happiness of all children is something I care about deeply. There are so many hurting children in every community. I am always working to expand the role of art in children’s advocacy work. Art can be so much more than a pretty picture. Art created by at risk children personalizes statistics and gives children a voice. Their art and writing send a powerful message. I am so proud of the children who have participated in ArtWorks, the beautiful art they have created, and the powerful stories they have been brave enough to share.
Contact Info:
- Email: renee@artworks-orlando.org
- Website: ArtWorks-Orlando.org
- Instagram: ArtWorks-Orlando
- Facebook: ArtWorks-Orlando
