CAP has hired Meredith Matthews as its newly established Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts. Matthews began her position on August 22, 2022.
This position was created through the generosity of Betty and Tom Petway who have supported CAP for nearly 30 years. Their commitment of $250,000 will support this teaching artist fellowship position for three years.
“CAP is an organization that is doing incredible work in making education more equitable for all children,” said Betty Petway. “We share belief in their mission that arts education has the power to unlock creative potential in children that is fundamental to their success as students and future innovators, and that every child deserves a well-rounded education.”
Meredith Matthews comes to CAP from Arbus Magazine, where she served as assistant publisher for 11 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and a Master of Arts in Art Education from the University of Florida. Prior to, and in tandem with, her work at Arbus, Matthews worked as an art educator with museums and schools, as an arts writer, and as a designer for several publications. She serves on the board for Art with A Heart in Healthcare and on the exhibitions committee for Beaches Museum.
In her new role with CAP, Matthews will provide visual arts instruction at multiple schools and community sites throughout Duval County, including afterschool, in-school arts integration and summer programs. Currently, she is slated to provide these programs at Beaches Boys & Girls Club, IDEA Basset and River Bluff campuses, and Parkwood Heights, S.A. Hull and Twin Lakes elementary schools.
“The Petways have been strong supporters of CAP since our inception, and we are grateful to them for their investment in the children of our city,” said Rev. Kimberly Hyatt, President & CEO of CAP. “Their dedication to providing opportunities for all children to have access to quality education has undoubtedly made an impact on generations.”
CAP visual arts students
CAP’s teaching artist fellows teach 18-20 instructional hours per week, preparing students for a lifetime of engagement with the arts by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks. As full-time employees, they also have dedicated hours for lesson planning and preparation, administrative tasks and professional development. They seek out and organize opportunities for their students to perform or exhibit both at their schools and in the community, as well as arrange field trip and guest artist opportunities for their classes.
CAP is actively recruiting for a fellow in theatre, at a critical time when arts education is at a deficit in public schools. The position is full-time and includes benefits like medical, dental and vision insurance, generous paid time off and paid holidays, and a flexible, family-friendly schedule. Voted one of the best places to work in Jacksonville, CAP offers a culture of creativity and teamwork in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Interested candidates may click here to learn more and apply.
