Jane started her professional life in the retail industry owning a retail art supply store. She authored books and articles on drawing and painting techniques, served on boards for art organizations, taught adults painting nationally and in her home studio in West Springfield, MA.

In 2010, she and Christine Costanzi organized the Terriers around Town fundraiser to support children’s art classes in town. This group became a 501c-3 called the Red Thread Network for the arts, a community support for the arts and artists in West Springfield.

After 40 years of teaching, she realized the value of creative arts for her students. She saw the mental health and the economic impact of art programs in the community. She wants to encourage creativity in the next generation in West Springfield through the Red Thread Network.

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.

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.

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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".

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!