Westhampton Beach PAC Rebrands, Expands Arts Education Programs

By Dan’s Papers A&E

2 minute 09/17/2015

Julienne Penza Boone, Director of Arts Education, James Burke, Executive Director, and Marissa Russo, the WHBPAC Arts Education Manager and unveil the new logo acknowledging the Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Art Academy. Photo credit: Jennifer Meihofer

In celebration of the continued growth and evolution of the Nancy & Frederick DeMatteis Arts Education Programs for Children, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has rebranded the programs as the new Arts Academy. The new logo and vision was unveiled at a post-summer cocktail brunch last Sunday, September 13, in the WHBPAC Courtyard.

“The name Arts Academy truly captures the immersive, year-round programs that we offer to our students, from children as young as 5 to seniors that are young at heart,” WHBPAC stated. “The Arts Academy also highlights the increased program offerings that are produced by the WHBPAC staff from conception through the rehearsal process to public performances for the whole community to enjoy. Sequential classes and courses in musical theater, drama and dance allow our young participants to expand their skills and increase their confidence as they graduate from week-long programs to more intensive courses complete with months of professional training. And all programs include hands-on instruction from the best professional teaching artists in our region—working actors, singers and dancers that are highly respected in their fields.”

The Arts Academy recently hired two new personnel. Marissa Russo, an alumna of WHBPAC’s art programs, is the new Arts Academy manager. Donny Searfoss is the Arts Academy technical director, providing production values that include professional sets, costumes, sound and lighting.