Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Marotta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Laura, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve always been an artist, for as long as I can remember. It has not been an easy journey, and creativity has always gotten me through my most difficult times. As a child, when I was lonely, sad, or fearful, I would create worlds through paint that I could escape to. Throughout my life art-making has always been an integral part of my existence. In college I was able to study painting, sculpture, art history, printmaking, photography and more. Understanding the history of art, and the wide array of creative opportunities in the world helped me to visualize what my future could be like.
After receiving my masters degree from Tufts University, I became an elementary art educator, and learned first-hand the importance of art for youth. I saw my younger self in so many of my students, and became incredibly passionate about providing them with engaging art experiences that would enrich their lives.
I taught for almost ten years, and then began to feel a pull to do something different. After meeting my partner Stacy, we spoke for hours about the impact of the arts, for individuals, and for community. We developed a vision to bring more art to our community in Worcester, and we established our non-profit, Creative Hub Worcester. Throughout my life I had always known art would be a part of my future, but I had no idea it would be such a driving force behind everything I do. Creativity is an essential part of life; it’s what makes us human, what helps us bond, understand and overcome differences, and communicate our feelings, challenges, pain, fears, and joy.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Laura Marotta is an art educator, artist, and community organizer. Laura taught both in the Worcester and Danvers public school system, and has written and been awarded several grants from the MCC to fund visiting artists to create large‑scale community artworks with her students. Ms. Marotta has her Bachelor’s degree in Painting and Art History from Boston University, and her Master’s degree in art education from Tufts University. Laura has served as President of the Massachusetts Art Education Association, attending national delegates assembly and advocating for art education in public schools. Laura has served on the board of several local LGBTQIA+ organizations, and participates in advocacy and community work in Worcester. Laura is a working artist, mainly working in watercolor, pen and ink, and oils.
Laura is co-founder and Executive Director of Creative Hub Worcester, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with the mission of providing equitable programs for creative expression in accessible spaces. Laura is currently running a capital campaign to renovate a former Boys’ Club to become a community Arts center, as well as overseeing all of the organization’s programs and events. You can learn more about Creative Hub at www.creativehubworcester.org, or follow us on social media at Creative Hub Worcester or @Creativehubwoo.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience Communication
Empathy
We never stop learning, and as you grow, take every opportunity you can to meet everyone you are able to. Everyone will teach you something. Whether it’s a lesson or a positive interaction, you will always learn something from it. If you are a highly sensitive person like I am, never let anyone take that away from you. It’s good to build thicker skin, and learn to set boundaries, and protect yourself, but don’t let anyone take away that beautiful part of you that cares so much.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to partner with and collaborate with folks who are interested in seeing the arts thrive in our communities, and have experience making this happen. As artists, it’s incredibly important for us to connect with one another and share skills, and support each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativehubworcester.org
- Instagram: @creativehubwoo
- Facebook: Creative Hub Worcester
- Linkedin: Creative Hub Worcester
- Twitter: @creativehubwoo
Image Credits
Kev Cool for headshot