Red Thread Network for the arts
33 Cooper Street
West Springfield, MA 01089
A non-profit 501(c)3 organization created to promote community arts in a supportive environment through education and advocacy
Meet the Board of Directors
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.
Co-Founder/President
Jane Barrientos
Jane's journey in the art world spans decades, beginning with her retail art supply store where she laid the foundation for her passion for creativity. Through her writings and teaching experiences, she has influenced countless individuals, sharing her expertise in drawing and painting techniques.
Her commitment to fostering artistic talent in the community led her to co-organize the Terriers around Town fundraiser in 2010, which ultimately evolved into the Red Thread Network for the arts. This 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to supporting arts and artists in West Springfield, reflecting Jane's belief in the transformative power of creative expression.
After 40 years of teaching, Jane has observed firsthand the profound impact of art on mental health and the local economy. Her experiences have reinforced her desire to nurture and promote creativity in the next generation. Through the Red Thread Network, Jane hopes to ensure that children in West Springfield have ongoing access to art classes and programs that ignite their imaginations and foster their artistic skills. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring benefits of art in building community and enriching lives.
Co-Founder/Board member
Christine Cataldo-Costanzi
Christine, a devoted lifelong resident of West Springfield, is committed to raising awareness about the transformative power of art in enhancing community well-being. In 2010, she played a pivotal role in initiating "Terriers around Town," a fiberglass community project. Proceeds from this initiative continue to support after-school art programs through Terriers around Town. This foundational effort laid the groundwork for the establishment of the non-profit organization, The Red Thread Network. The primary goal of this organization is to collaborate at the intersection of community, commerce, and culture.
Her true passion lies in coordinating with talented individuals to create captivating local art destinations and exciting social events that promote these projects.
Board member
Bev Stevens Browne
Meet Bev Stevens Browne, a devoted lifelong resident of the vibrant West Side community. Married to her husband, Marty, for 43 years. As a proud mother, she raised three wonderful children - Brendan, Keely, and Michael.
The joys of family have expanded into the next generation, where Bev finds immense happiness in being a grandmother to two adorable granddaughters, Sophia and Penelope. Their laughter and innocence bring a new dimension of love and purpose to her life.
Dedicated to her community, Bev serves as a prominent Board Member on several key committees. Her active involvement includes contributions to the Planning Committee, Community Preservation Commission, Red Thread Network, and Redevelopment committees. Through her tireless efforts and dedication, she endeavors to shape the future of her community and enhance its beauty and functionality.
In her extensive career, Bev has worn many hats. For an impressive 26 years, she has been the primary scenic artist at the Majestic Theater, infusing creativity and artistic brilliance into the theatrical world. Additionally, her expertise extends to sales and design, showcasing her versatile talents at Cortina Tile.
Past experiences have seen her as a board member at the Irish Cultural Center and the Majestic Theater, further showcasing her passion for the arts and community involvement. Through her artistic endeavors and active community engagement, Bev continues to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of the West Side.
Board member
Mary Powers
Mary is a local attorney who loves art and painting. For many years, Mary took acrylic painting classes with Jane and did an oil class that Mary truly enjoyed!.
Through this connection with Jane, Mary became involved with the first Yuletree Jubilee and is very happy to participate in this event every year, as well as with Red Thread in general. She feels it is important to not only bring art to the community but to keep it in the community through the mural programs, art programs for children, adults and cancer patients through an art therapy program run by one of the RT board members.
Board member
Debra Brady
Debra is a 25-year resident of West Springfield. With a 40-year background in Sales and Marketing. Her true passion is connecting people with interesting designs and beautiful surroundings. She volunteered for six years at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. Much of her time was spent on the Decor and Garden committees. She also served as Chair of the Annual "Feast of Saint Brigid Raffle". She is married to Joe Brady, has one grown daughter, Jennifer, and beloved Cat "Charlie Brown".
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Board member
Vincent Costanzi
Vin, an accomplished artist since 2012, is a dynamic art professional residing in the vibrant community of West Springfield, MA. He's been steering transformative art therapy classes since 2017. In these expressive sessions, individuals discover a therapeutic outlet, embracing diverse art forms to articulate their emotions within a supportive environment.
As a board member since 2019, Vin's commitment to this cause has amplified, solidifying his dedication to harnessing the healing power of art. Beyond the canvas, Vin serves as a Human Resource professional for a local mental health clinic.
One of Vin's objectives is to continually celebrate the beauty of West Springfield, showcasing its unique charm and the wealth of opportunities it offers. Through his passion for creativity and a keen awareness of the advantages of art classes, Vin steadfastly inspires and uplifts others on their journey toward emotional wellness. Join Vin in this artistic odyssey as we paint a brighter, more colorful world, one brushstroke at a time!
Board member
Jeanette Landrie
Originally from Western Massachusetts, Jeannette recently returned to the area, bringing with her a rich and diverse background in education, counseling, and the arts. She holds a B.A. in Photography and an M.Ed. in Education, Her artistic journey began at the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum, which sparked a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Throughout her life, Jeannette has remained actively engaged in artistic pursuits, with her work featured in several museum collections and publications. Her personal experience with learning disabilities and ADHD, diagnosed in adulthood, has fostered a deep interest in learning strategies. As a neurodiverse individual, she explores the connection between creativity and neurodiversity.
Outside of her professional commitments, Jeannette continues to express her creativity through gardening, jewelry making, mosaics, and cyanotypes. Since 2000, she has served as a Learning Specialist, and for the past decade, she has been the Coordinator for Academic Access at Smith College. Her research interests focus on learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, mental illness, and their intersections with the arts.
Board member
Cindy Amato
Cynthia has had a lifelong passion for the visual arts, enjoying taking art classes as a child into adulthood. Her most recent teacher was Jane Barrientos. With Jane’s encouragement she joined the board of the Red Thread Network for the arts.
She taught elementary school science in Springfield, MA where she included art projects as often as possible. Art seemed to draw reluctant students to participate more fully in the science curriculum. Before retiring, she was selected to participate in NASA’s Living with a Star Program, traveling to venues in the USA and Puerto Rico to learn about space education and to create workshops for teachers in STEM.
Now that she has retired, Cynthia enjoys entertaining her six grandchildren with arts and crafts activities. In her spare time she baby sits, paints, volunteers at the Dakin Humane Society and the CHD Cancer House of Hope, and travels with her husband Marco.
The mural at the community pool off Amostown Road in West Springfield
The Board of Directors and the artist from Left to Right: Jane Barrientos, Mary Powers, artist John Matlock, Christine Costanzi, Cynthia Amato.
Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home
David M. Melega
A few of our projects
Terriers around Town
Photography Show
Guided Art CHD
Art Show
Terriers around Town art classes, sponsored by the Red Thread Network. The teachers are doing a Paint and Sip style workshop. Check in with the West Springfield Parks and Rec Department for details.
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Our heart-felt thanks to our Celebrated Patrons of the Arts for their generous donation to our community mural.
John and Patricia Kendzierski
Pintu's Indian
Palace
