ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Workshop13 Cultural Arts and Learning Center is a rural non-profit arts innovator devoted to increasing the appreciation and accessibility of the arts, strengthening the creative life of our community through instruction, collaborations and arts-based initiatives.
ABOUT US
We nurture creative exploration and artistic expression through classes and workshops in a variety of media for students of all ages and abilities.
We cultivate a professional studio atmosphere for working artists and artisans, showcasing the breadth and talent that exists in the area.
We gather the community for performances and private celebrations in our exquisitely restored Grand Hall at our namesake address at 13 Church Street in Ware, MA.
Classes are held at 13 Church Street as well as our ClayWorks pottery studios on Main Street, adjacent to our ArtWorks Gallery.
Our reach extends beyond the confines of the three-building campus. We partner with local, regional and statewide organizations to create accessible projects and public art that strengthens our community bonds through shared art making and creative placemaking.
Self- discovery, community connection through the arts.
Staff & Board of Directors
Marie Lauderdale
Executive Director
Joyce Eichacker
Photographer
Chairman of the Board
Roc Goudreau
Illustrator, Fine Artist
Founder and Board of Director
Trish Lagrant
Second Grade Teacher & Mom to Artists
Secretary
Pat Goudreau
Graphic Designer
Founder and Board of Director
Paul M. Opalinski
Business Owner
Board of Director
Chris Midura
Territory Sales Rep
Board of Director
Melissa Vaughn
Actuarial Analyst, Insurance Industry
Treasurer
Ginger Thomas
Human Resources Manager
Board of Director
Niki Jo Vaughan
Health Agent
Board of Director
Vance Chatel
Innkeeper, Creative Director, Bird Hill Farm
Board of Director
Our Story
In 2012 two local artist families, Roc & Pat Goudreau and Chris & Lisa Dimarzio purchased an abandoned old church building from the Town of Ware for $2,000 with the intention of forming a non-profit community arts center. They invested their savings and called on local townspeople, friends, and family to help restore this beautiful building to a welcoming space for artists and musicians.
Shortly after, they gathered a group of humanists and formed Workshop13 and its first Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers helped manage the website, memberships, class registrations, and events. In 2016 a generous donation allowed us to hire a part-time employee to oversee programming. Classes grew, and music events in the Grand Hall took off.
The multitude of benefits the arts can bring to a struggling economy like Ware became apparent. In 2017 we partnered with another local non-profit, the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation on a big project to help revitalize efforts in downtown Ware. Then in late 2018 and early 2019, we expanded into two empty storefronts on Main Street with the opening of ArtWorks Gallery and ClayWorks Pottery studio.
Currently, we have one full-time employee, approximately 16 teaching artists and musicians, 3 contractors, and 33 volunteers.
Workshop13 has become a welcoming and vibrant, 3-building, multi-use community arts space. Oct’2022
OUR FOUNDERS
From Left: Lisa Dimarzio, Roc Goudreau, Pat Goudreau, Chris DiMarzio
Our Venue
The Grand Hall
Capacity: 99
Amenities: Cathedral ceilings, stained glass windows, acoustics, handicapped accessible, seating, tables, projector, screen and simple grandness.
The Galley
Capacity: 35
Amenities: Sinks, counter, can be combined with kitchen, tables, seating, air-conditioned, can be combined with The Drawing Room, handicapped accessible.
Perfect for: Classes, art parties, baby showers, birthday parties, demonstrations and presentations, culinary arts.
The Kitchen
Capacity: 10
Amenities: Large island, sinks, counters, oven, stove, microwave, ice maker, dishwasher, some utensils.
Perfect for: Culinary arts/cooking classes, food preparation.
Coming Soon…commercial kitchen certification
The Drawing Room
Capacity: 30
Amenities: Gallery, tables, seating, easels, art supplies, projector, screen, handicapped accessible, natural lighting, air-conditioned, and be combined with The Galley.
Perfect for: Meetings, presentations, baby showers, art parties and classes.
Private Events
Are you interested in booking a private event?
For more information please contact Workshop13.