HINGHAM JOURNAL – South Shore Conservatory (SSC) Board of Trustees Chairman Derek Spence announced Sept. 4 that SSC President Kathy Czerny will step down from her position of 15 years, retiring after 32 years in arts education. Her last day at SSC will be Aug. 31, 2020.
“Kathy has been a remarkable visionary leader who has led the expansion of SSC’s overall mission, broadening access to the arts across the South Shore through our award-winning ImagineARTS programming, as well as the creation of a robust Creative Arts Therapy department,” Spence said. “As we reach the milestone of our 50th Anniversary in the year ahead, we cannot help but acknowledge the indelible mark that Kathy has left on SSC and the South Shore arts community.”
Under Czerny’s leadership, enrollment at SSC’s two campuses in Hingham and Duxbury has nearly doubled. Additionally, SSC has developed new programs and partnerships that have expanded its geographic footprint and created greater access to music and the arts for people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities.
In 2012, SSC launched ImagineARTS – an arts-integrated literacy program in partnership with public schools in Brockton, that reaches more than 750 kindergarteners, using music, drama, dance and stories to increase pre-reading skills. SSC’s Creative Arts Therapy department, now in its 10th year, reaches more than 500 residents of all ages with developmental and emotional challenges, offering programs tailored for those with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries and Alzheimer’s. A third campus, opening in Hanover in 2020, will be dedicated to SSC’s CAT programs; The Glick Family Center for Creative Arts Therapies will be the only one of its kind in the state.
“SSC is an incredibly special place. I will cherish the year ahead, working alongside so many dedicated professionals who strive every day to create community around the arts.” Czerny said. “I’m grateful to everyone on the South Shore and beyond who supports our work and shares our passion for music and the arts. I’m also looking forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary and so many signature music and arts programs and performances with the community before my departure.”
SSC’s Board of Trustees has formed a search committee to conduct a national search for Czerny’s replacement.
