About ArtWorks-Orlando
ArtWorks-Orlando was started by Renée Schneider in 2003 as an outreach ministry of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. From one location ArtWorks has expanded to five. Through partnerships with the Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Museum of Art and the Winter Garden Art Association students participate in art museum tours, live theater productions, art and drama workshops and gallery exhibits. Students exhibit and sell their art. They attend gallery opening receptions where they meet and discuss their art with guests. This raises their confidence improves communication skills and builds self-esteem. Arts programming is customized to meet the needs and ability of the children and to work within the existing structure of each location. In 2020 having outgrown the financial capacity of St. Luke’s ArtWorks joined the newly formed non-profit Go Full Steam.
Why the Arts?
Children facing the challenges of poverty, homelessness, abuse, or other traumatic experiences are often left with debilitating emotional burdens, academic deficiencies, and a limited view of their own potential. Low self-esteem can cause them to doubt their worth and capacity to succeed. Economic disadvantages create opportunity gaps that prevent these children from experiencing the arts, yet it is the arts that can become their salvation. Art classes give struggling children a way to feel successful and gain longed for positive recognition. The arts increase self-esteem, build confidence, and improve problem solving skills.
Art – It’s more than a pretty picture!
About Renée Schneider
In addition to developing curriculum, teaching and coordinating all aspects of ArtWorks Renée has mentored three teenage girls living in foster care. Renée has extensive training and five years of experience in Asset Based Community Development. Renée has also received immersive training in poverty awareness and cross-cultural community engagement. The Orange County Board of Commissioners recognized Renée’s work with the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Community Service. Renée also received a Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council.
After six years as a public-school teacher in Williamsburg, Virginia, Renée left teaching to pursue a degree in Communication Arts and Design at Virginia Commonwealth University. She then spent eleven years as an art director and design manager at Walt Disney World. At Disney Renée managed a million-dollar design budget and a staff of ten designers.
After leaving Disney Renée volunteered for several non-profit organizations. During that time, she felt a calling to use her artistic talents and teaching skills to help children facing difficult life challenges. After much research Renée discovered no organizations were providing arts programming for disadvantaged youth in Central Florida. Convinced that experiencing the arts would benefit these children and determined to fill that need Renée founded ArtWorks-Orlando in 2003. Renée continues to serve as Executive Director and lead instructor for ArtWorks-Orlando and is a board member for Go Full Steam.
“ArtWorks is important to me because it shows me how I can be myself and express my feelings and thoughts.”
Jessica, age 13