President, The Cyprian Center for Expressive Arts Inc.
Mission
The Cyprian Center for Expressive Arts offers and supports programs in visual, lively and expressive arts to enhance personal and community spirit. It endeavors to bring art, music and enrichment to children and adults in St. Augustine and St. Johns County with an emphasis on those who would not otherwise have access.
Serving Northeast Florida
Since 2009.
Those served
The Cyprian Center focuses its activities in St. Augustine and St. Johns County and the historic Lincolnville neighborhood in particular. Past programs include summer art and music camps for at-risk children; art exhibitions featuring local artists; and film series. It provides weekly art classes to children in after-school programs in West Augustine; art classes at the Sunshine Center for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia; and the Art Excursions for Young People program, which offers homeless youth the chance to attend art performances.
Biggest challenge
I sometimes feel like a juggler trying to keep all the plates in the air.
Biggest satisfaction
Seeing children and youth introduced to a creative art that they might not have experienced otherwise. One youth who reluctantly participated in a photography class now has his own small business with the tagline, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” One of his photos recently appeared in a Rachel Maddow blog.
Hometown
Born in Montreal, Quebec, and lived in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio. My hometown now is St. Augustine.
First experience with community service
While an undergraduate, I was invited by my mother to work with her in a center for migrant farmworkers in eastern North Carolina. We provided food, clothing and day care for children.
Your job before The Cyprian Center for Expressive Arts
I am the pastor at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in the historic Lincolnville neighborhood of St. Augustine. Being president of the center is my “other” job.
Upcoming events
Although there are no specific fundraiser events planned, donations are always needed.
Contact information
Cypriancenter.org
(904) 829-8828
37 Lovett St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084