James E. Modrick Named Executive Director of Class Acts Arts
Executive with experience in accessibility and arts non-profit management becomes new leader for regional arts education non-profit.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2012 – The board of directors of Class Acts Arts announces the appointment of James E. Modrick as the organization’s next Executive Director.
Mr. Modrick is the third executive to lead this innovative non-profit arts education organization, succeeding Joan W. Burns, who left the organization in March. He is transitioning into this position after serving as Interim Executive Director the past four months.
“I am thrilled to be selected as the next executive for an organization I have admired for many years,” expresses Mr. Modrick after the announcement.
Mr. Modrick brings over twenty years of experience in arts administration to Class Acts Arts, including national leadership in inclusive arts-in-education programming.
“He is an arts administrator who has built a professional career that combines organizational management, knowledge of public policy processes, and a passion for learning,” remarks Busy Graham, an arts activist and advocate who founded Class Acts Arts seventeen years ago.
Prior to his work with Class Acts Arts, James advanced inclusive and strategic practice as principal consultant for JEM Consulting, which he started after serving as Vice President of Affiliate and Education Services for VSA arts, an international nonprofit affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, he was Director of Membership for the National Art Education Association, the largest professional association supporting visual art educators in the United States, and Accreditation Specialist for the National Office for Arts Accreditation in each of the four arts disciplines: art and design, music, theatre, and dance (NASAD, NASM, NAST, and NASD).
“The board is excited to bring Jim’s extensive background and expertise to lead the organization in its next phase of evolution,” says Stefan Bradham, President of the Class Acts Arts board of directors. “He has a unique combination of experience with the arts and a deep understanding of the organization.”
Mr. Modrick holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Graphic Design from Saint Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has published and presented papers that explore the role of the arts in education through policy and practice focusing on the topics of creativity, leadership, politics, and accessibility of the arts.
“This is a big win for Class Acts Arts, our schools, and our community,” says Silver Spring-based and South African-born muralist Carien Quiroga. “Mr. Modrick understands how important the arts are to education and revitalizing our neighborhoods. He will be a steady hand at the helm of an organization that has done so much for our children, families, and artists.”
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About Class Acts Arts, Inc.
Class Acts Arts (CAA), a 501(c)(3) non-profits arts education organization, has been making a positive impact on lives of our young people for over seventeen years. Founded in 1995 to fill a critical need in the community for access to the arts, CAA offers performances and workshops for schools and other institutions across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia with over 100 teaching artists from more than 20 countries and cultures. We also seek to ensure the availability of the arts to everyone, including those with limited access, by raising funds to bring programs to schools in low-income neighborhoods, seniors, court-involved youth, wounded warriors, and children and adults with disabilities. Furthermore, our focus on interactive learning engagement helps schools meet curriculum goals and the needs of their students. Last year we provided over 2,000 programs reaching an audience of more than 265,000 people, primarily children.
For more information please visit www.classactsarts.org or email info@classactsarts.org.
