Welcome, New Team Members
Arts for Learning Indiana adds expertise to staff
Arts for Learning Indiana, a non-profit that provides innovative education to schools, libraries and community centers using arts as the medium, welcomed two new team members to its staff to help manage its growth.
Webb Parker, Ph.D., has been named Senior Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, a newly created position at Arts for Learning that will be pivotal to expand the organization’s reach and impact throughout the state.
Dr. Parker is the founding Executive and Artistic Director of Irvington Arts Collective where he manages the community chorus, an art gallery, studio teaching spaces and an arts and wellness initiative. Prior to that, Dr. Parker worked in academic roles and as a director of choral activities.
“While the joy of shaping young minds and fostering musical talent in academia is undeniable, the move to arts administration allows for a broader impact on the community at large,” he says. “Joy in this position comes from not only being a part of a team that is orchestrating world-class artistic experiences, but also from fostering a sense of belonging and shared passion for the arts within the community.”
Dr. Webb Parker, Senior Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
He earned a BM in Music from Samford University and an MA in Music Education from the University of Alabama where he was also named the most outstanding graduate student. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Education and Choral Conducting from the University of Oregon where he also received the Outstanding Teaching Award.
Paisley Gibson is the organization’s director of programs, PreK-elementary education and affiliate director for Central IN Wolf Trap for early learners. She has 15 years of experience working in K-12 education, most recently as a dance teacher and arts integration specialist at KIPP Indianapolis Public Schools. As a former arts department chair at Duval County (Florida) Public Schools and lead teaching artists with the Cathedral Arts Project, she is experienced in developing curriculum that is engaging, improves school culture, increases student learning outcomes, and coordinates with other core content areas such as reading and math.
“I’m excited to be joining the team at Arts for Learning,” she says. “The work we do fits with my mission to have an impact beyond children in one school to an entire community. And to implement creative and innovative education that we know is not only effective, but engaging for all types of learners.”
Paisley Gibson, Director of Programs, PreK-Elementary Education and Affiliate Director, Central IN Wolf Trap for early learners
Ms. Gibson’s dance background is in ballet, modern, and contemporary styles; and she is a choreographer and performer with a local dance company, Crossroads Dance Indy. She is also a member of the board of Kids Dance Outreach.
Ms. Gibson earned her BFA in Dance Performance and her MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville (Florida) University. She was awarded the Visionary Award for Excellence in Teaching in Duval County, Florida 2016-2019.
About Arts for Learning Indiana
Since 1961, Arts for Learning Indiana has been the premier provider of arts education programs for youth across Indiana. Our programs empower youth and expand their learning through creative arts experiences. Arts for Learning employs more than 50 teaching artists who provide performances, workshops, and residencies to schools, libraries, and community organizations to reach nearly 40,000 youth every year. We also provide professional development designed to help classroom teachers and teaching artists effectively work together to integrate the arts into any educational environment. Arts for Learning is one of more than 30 affiliates of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, the nation’s largest arts in education learning network. To learn more about Arts for Learning, visit ArtsForLearningIndiana.org.
