about us

Vision

Workshop13 envisions a world where the arts are accessible to all, empowering individuals and communities to connect, create, and thrive.

Mission

We are a dynamic center where arts, culture, and community converge—expanding access to the arts and nurturing creativity and self-expression in our rural region.

Our Values

→ Foster a respectful, inclusive, and intergenerational arts community

→ Create welcoming and accessible programs and events

→ Aim for excellence and professionalism in everything we do

→ Encourage creativity, growth, and exploration

→ Uplift our community through positivity and collaboration

→ Celebrate the creative journey—not just the outcomes

STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joyce Eichacker, Photographer, Chairman of the Board
Roc Goudreau, Illustrator, Fine Artist , Founder and Board of Director
Juan Cruz, Architect, Board Member
Sarah Durham, Executive Coach & Artist, Board of Director
Brian W. Jyringi, Musician, Sound Engineer, Board of Director
Barbara Blessinger, Treasurer of the Board
Jon Hogan, Board Member
Megan McDonough, Founder of Wholebeing Instititute
Marie Lauderdale, Executive Director
Mary Remington, Programs Director

OUR STORY

Our founders, from Left: Lisa Dimarzio, Roc Goudreau, Pat Goudreau, Chris DiMarzio

In 2012 two local artist families, Roc & Pat Goudreau and Chris & Lisa Dimarzio purchased an abandoned old church building from the Town of Ware for $2,000 with the intention of forming a non-profit community arts center. They invested their savings and called on local townspeople, friends, and family to help restore this beautiful building to a welcoming space for artists and musicians. 

Shortly after,  they gathered a group of humanists and formed Workshop13 and its first Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers helped manage the website, memberships, class registrations, and events. In 2016 a generous donation allowed us to hire a part-time employee to oversee programming. Classes grew, and music events in the Grand Hall took off.

The multitude of benefits the arts can bring to a struggling economy like Ware became apparent. In 2017 we partnered with another local non-profit, the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation on a big project to help revitalize efforts in downtown Ware. Then in late 2018 and early 2019, we expanded into two empty storefronts on Main Street with the opening of ArtWorks Gallery and ClayWorks Pottery studio.

Currently, we have one full-time employee, approximately 16 teaching artists and musicians, 3 contractors, and 33 volunteers.  

Workshop13 has become a welcoming and vibrant, 3-building, multi-use community arts space. Oct’2022