(Publisher’s note: I plan to speak with a CCA board member later today for more details.)
Below is an email that was sent yesterday to folks taking the Music Together Class at Chelsea Center for the Arts from Tara Vesprini, an instructor there.
“I write this note still in shock from the email I received from the CCA today. Apparently, due to dire financial circumstances, the CCA has closed operations effective immediately. All classes, camps and lessons have been canceled. All operations at the CCA have stopped. There will be no class tomorrow.
Further, the CCA plans to send a letter to all families currently enrolled with more of an explanation.
Though it has been publicly known that the non-profit CCA was experiencing difficulty, we were led to believe solutions were in the mix. I don’t think any of the instructors were expecting this drastic move.
At this time I have no more information.
I apologize on behalf of the CCA and tell you sincerely that I am very upset. I love to teach the Music Together program and will seek an alternative license opportunity for the future.
Chelsea will truly feel the absence of the quality and rich experiences the CCA offered people of all ages.”
With sincere sadness, Tara Vesprini
Here’s a timeline I was able to put together.
- In November, 2013, Lisa Baylis Gonzales resigned as executive director.
- Anne Williams, who was president of the Board of Directors, took over as interim executive director.
- Rick Taylor, who was vice president of the board at the time, moved into the president’s position
- In March, he resigned due to work obligations.
- Shannon Kuchera became president of the board of directors in March.
