ABOUT
MISSION
The Spirit of Huntington Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides students with special needs and Veterans the opportunity for art and creative expression that can transform their lives.
It is in this spirit that we established a unique collaboration of artists, educators, parents, students and civic minded individuals to fill a need in our community. We are a stress free, therapeutic environment that fosters creativity and self-esteem among a segment of our population which is often overlooked and underserved.
The Spirit of Huntington was founded by local artist Erich Preis in January 2011. Erich is an accomplished artist who has worked with students of varying backgrounds and abilities. His murals are recognizable and are displayed on many buildings throughout the Village of Huntington, and he has been honored with many proclamations and awards from Local, State and Federal officials.
Erich is uniquely qualified to work with children with special needs, as he himself is on the autism spectrum, and he rallied a passionate group of like-minded, dedicated individuals to join in his cause to work with students to better express their emotions and feelings through art.
THE BOARD
Larry Burlingame
Eileen Sebold
Christy Gudaitis
Frank Gallucci
Mark Wittenberg
THE TEAM
Erich J. Preis
Founder / Emeritus Board Member
James Young
Creative Director
Andrea Sperduti
Account Executive
Lea Quint
Art Instructor
Ileana Perez-Castillo
Teaching Assistant
Ashley Herkommer
Intern
Michael Kitakis
Executive Director
Pat Aievoli
Digital Art Instructor
Colleen Claus
Program Coordinator
Anu Annam
Art Instructor
Cathy Kitakis
Teaching Assistant
Justin Schecher
Intern
Diane Young
Associate Director
Liz Madden
Art & Yoga Instructor
Derek Guiliano
Graphic Designer
Vito Canella
Sculpture Instructor
Bree Gore
Intern
Olivier Michel
Intern
