Author: ArmoryWeb

At Arts at the Armory, we believe in bringing people together. The current COVID-19 crisis has left our usually busy performance hall and cafe empty as we await an end to the pandemic. But in the spirit of our mission, we believe that there are still ways of unifying our community even while we all stay at home. That’s why we’re announcing Saturday at the Armory: A Live Streaming Event!

On Saturday, May 30th we will be assembling a day of free virtual programming to share on Instagram Live. This event will be full of the kinds of events that you’d expect to see on a typical day at The Armory–from Zumba classes, to poetry readings, to concerts, all shared by presenters in the comfort of their own homes. A schedule will be posted soon detailing the day’s fun events so you can be connected to the Armory community even while our doors are closed. 

These events are free but if you’d like to support our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, we’ll be inviting viewers to make a donation to Arts at the Armory or support the artists and teachers who will be presenting. If you don’t already follow Arts at the Armory on Instagram, get ready to participate on May 30th by following us at instagram.com/artsatthearmory. We are excited to share this with you!

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

We’re excited to share that Michael Milczarek is our Blue  Ribbon  Recipient of the Month. The Blue Ribbon recognizes a staff member, volunteer or intern who has demonstrated great dedication and outstanding performance at Arts at the Armory. 

Prior to COVID19, Michael rolled up his sleeves to give the Finance department at Arts at the Armory his expert assistance. During the current crisis, he has been indispensable as he has helped us navigate the financial waters of COVID19–working virtually with staff members on loan applications, preparing reports and financial statements, and much more. 

Michael’s career has focused on the financial and organizational management of non-profit organizations. He has 40 years of experience working with organizations providing services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, special education needs, and work training.

Please enjoy our mini-interview with Michael.

What do you do at Arts at the Armory? I provide assistance to the Director, staff and volunteers in the financial management of the Center.

Why do you volunteer at Arts at the Armory? Having retired, I wanted to lend my experience in the management of non-profit organizations to a local community based organization. Often smaller organizations like the Center need assistance with a variety of managerial and administrative functions normally provided by staff in larger organizations.

What do you like best about Arts at the Armory? The wide range of roles the Center plays in the community.

What is something you would like our community to know about you?  Having worked primarily in Human Services and Special Education in my career I enjoy working with individuals focused on providing services to the communities they serve.

We’re excited to share that Jess Bloomer is our Blue Ribbon Recipient of the Month. The Blue Ribbon recognizes a staff member, volunteer or intern who has demonstrated great dedication and outstanding performance at Arts at the Armory. 

As the Manager of the Somerville Winter Farmers Market, Jess has continuously impressed us with her expert handling of the many facets of the market this season. Her strong leadership skills have been on further display as she determined how to best support our vendors and our community, and reimagine the market during COVID-19. It is always evident how passionate Jess is about promoting the small businesses, farms and vendors who participate in the market, and making sure Arts at the Armory is fulfilling our mission to serve our community in inclusive ways.  Thank you and congratulations, Jess! 

What do you do at Arts at the Armory?
I manage the Somerville Winter Farmers Market. The market hosts 35 vendors and 1200 shoppers each week, December – mid-April. Our mission is to increase access to local and healthy foods during the winter months for all residents, including Somerville’s middle and low income residents; contribute to the year-round success and productivity of local food producers; strengthen the relationship between consumers and producers; and to serve as a community gathering place.

How long have you worked at Arts at the Armory?
Since 2019 but I’ve managed the SWFM since 2017 while it was co-managed by Groundwork Somerville and Arts at the Armory. 

What’s your favorite thing about working here? 
I love gathering each week in the beautiful main hall and recognize how this space has the potential to bring people together in so many ways. I appreciate that the staff works so hard to provide a space for so many different types of events (arts, culture and community) to find a home. 

What is something you would like our community to know about you? 
In addition to running the farmers market, I have spent many years working in food and garden-based education work. I love that food can be a way for people to come together in so many different ways, and for so much learning and connecting.