Jen Boden
Excellence in Teaching
Jen Boden is the Outreach Coordinator as well as one of the outreach and inhouse instructors for the Community Arts Center. As an artist and educator, she is passionate about bringing the arts into our community, and believes that uninhibited imagination and freedom of expression are vital in childhood development and mental health throughout adulthood. Jen first realized her niche in the art world during her junior year of college while shyly taking an elective painting class. On track to have a career working with kids, she realized painting was an entirely different experience than she’d ever had before, and she knew she had found the tool that would allow her to be a part of the education system and to touch the lives of students. Jen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art and has acquired a lot of experience in art education, including four years writing and teaching her own art curriculum as a classroom teacher on a Native American Reservation. Her unique experience has helped Jen glean various art skills as well a deep love for all cultures and people. She has worked as a freelance artist for years, selling via consignment and commission. Jen’s favorite medium is oil paint and her favorite subject matter is the sky- a reminder of how small we are but how protected and valued we are by creation. She also enjoys running, gardening, and time spent with her two labs, but most of all she loves having the opportunity to share her passion with the community by teaching something that can bring us all together.
Chris Laporta
Dedication to Volunteer Service
Chris Laporta began volunteering at the Community Arts Center early in 2019. She works at the front desk and had perfect attendance throughout the pandemic—never missing a beat. Whatever needs to be done, Chris is on top of it. She likes meeting new people and the social aspect of volunteering at the Arts Center. After a career of nursing, she felt the need to continue her passion of helping other people. She also volunteers at University Park Church and Child Evangelism Fellowship.
Chris’ greatest satisfaction comes in spending time with her adult son, Sam, who has intellectual disabilities. They can often be seen at the Incline Plane, riding elevators at any mall, or at Overhead Door where he is an avid “clicker” collector. Her three dogs also keep her active (many of you met Magy when she was a puppy). Chris has lived in Johnstown all her life and enjoys the hometown feel and relaxed pace of our community.